Dear Friends,

There’s a good chance that you bought this magazine from a Speak Up vendor. The vendor who sold it to you is either homeless, vulnerably housed, or recently homeless. Right now, all across the world, street papers and magazines like Speak Up are celebrating these magazine-selling vendors. It’s a big community and a huge celebration: 114 street papers in 35 different countries are read by six million readers like you. And each day, these papers are faithfully distributed and sold by 14,000 vendors across the globe.

Although there are thousands of vendors selling magazines right now, I believe that the most significant figure is the smallest: one. Street magazines impact individuals and communities in groups of one. One vendor, bravely stepping out to change his or her circumstances. One sale, the start of a cycle of self-sufficiency. One magazine, informing and deepening the public conversation about homelessness. One customer, you, buying a magazine and giving back dignity and opportunity.

We are immensely proud of the men and women who sell these magazines every week. Doing so is not easy. When individuals enter Speak Up’s vendor program, they are given a “seed” of 20 free magazines. However, fewer than half of them will return to reinvest and buy more magazines. There are no promises of quick, easy money; and being successful requires consistency and tenacity.

You may have encountered Tom in Charlotte, NC, during the eight months he sold Speak Up. Well loved by many, Tom would often say during his office visits, “I can’t talk long. I’ve got customers waiting!” Then out he would run – literally run – up the sidewalk toward Uptown. He’s now happily living in a veterans’ residency program in Asheville, NC, that provides room, board and job training. This is the result of Tom’s remarkable work ethic and persistent desire to better himself.

Perhaps you’ve purchased magazines from Frank in Traverse City, MI. “I have 1,250 customers, for sure,” he said. Jubilant, outgoing, and full of lyrical passion, Frank leverages his artistry and physicality when selling magazines. He hops, dances and calls out witty sayings and puns to passersby. “Excuse me, sir, have you been Zine’d today?” he’ll ask, holding up the latest copy of Speak Up Zine. When the weather is good, Frank is out early in the morning and works for many hours. Speak Up vendors, we are proud of you! What you are choosing when you go out to sell your magazines is the harder and more honorable way of personal responsibility and respectable work. You are doing great. You deserve our respect and honor. Keep looking up–the best is yet to come! Thank You,