Zine 20 – Speak Up Magazine

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MORE THAN A MAGAZINE Volume 2 | Issue 10 | $2.00

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4 Speak Up Is Matt Shaw
5 Speak Up Is, Part II Volunteer Team
6 Cover Interview John Woodson
8 Merry Christmas Joshua Caldwell
9 A Youngster at Christmas Steve Thompson
10 Christmas in Norway Steinar Schei
11 Feliz Moby Dick Sheila Apperson
12 Ruth Wishes You Well Ruth Hsieh
13 Lose Randy Parcher
14 Danish Paper Laura Smith
17 I Took a Deep Breath Tawanna Glass
18 In My Bag Earleen Mingo
20 A View From My Tent Door Woody Swift-Eagle
21 To A Lost Mother Laurie Koelsch
22 Dear Politician Mark Gansert

EDITING & WRITING WORKSHOPS
Peggi Knowe, Matt Shaw, Leah Burnett, Harry Griffin,
Kaitlyn Tokay, Nate Casey

VISUALS
Debbi Shaw, photos / Matt Shaw, photos & layout
Peggi Knowe, photos and photo editing

SPEAK UP WRITING WORKSHOPS
501 Hawthorne Lane Tues, 2:00PM
Charlotte, NC 28204 Thurs, 11AM

704-980-9885 (office) INFO MEETING
www.speakupmag.org Wed, 2:00 PM

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SPEAK UP OFFERS PEOPLE ON THE
STREETS A CHANCE TO EARN IMMEDIATE
INCOME BY SELLING A MAGAZINE
THAT THEY HAVE WRITTEN.
More than a Magazine
Speak Up Magazine is a 501(c)3 non-profit
that gives voice to and offers an income
opportunity for people in transition and
those who are vulnerably-housed. They
become micro-business owners who buy
copies of Speak Up for a low price and resell
them, keeping all the cash and earning a
profit. As a result, these enterprising street
vendors learn to manage their resources,
grow their businesses and change their lives
with dignity.

Speak Up is a member of the
International Network of Street Papers.

What is a Speak Up vendor?
“Vendor” is the title for the hard-working
individuals who distribute Speak Up. Most
likely, they are in transition or are vulnerably
housed. Your purchase of this magazine is
part of their journey out of poverty. You can
learn more at speakupmag.org/vendors.
Look for a valid Speak Up badge

What if I give money but don’t take the magazine?
Always take the magazine! You may want to give extra—feel free to tip, but also take the
product. Handouts, “donations,” and tips without a product exchange undermine your
vendor’s efforts to work. Give dignity, not just money.
How can I help?
Buy a magazine and speak to your local vendor. Then donate to Speak Up and volunteer.

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[LETTER]
SPEAK UP IS…

By Matt Shaw, Executive Director, Speak Up

chance to develop healthy life skills, such
as punctuality, financial management,
writing skills, good oral presentation.
Speak Up disrupts the status quo; it
Speak Up is an opportunity for people on gives a voice to those voiceless, makes
the streets to transform their lives. It is a visible the invisible, imparts purpose
chance to work and earn money instead of to the aimless, grants dignity to the
begging for it. It is an invitation to replace downtrodden, and builds bridges between
a mindset of self-pitying dependency with a classes.
perspective of self-sufficient independence. Speak Up is a tool. It is used every day
It is a chance to become an inspired micro- by people who are homeless—or trying
business owner. It is the opportunity to share to keep off the streets. It gives them hope
a meaningful story—in a conversation, in that a better future can be achieved. It
a notebook, in the public forum. It is an illustrates to them that they are a person
opportunity to connect across culture, class, who can do things, who can contribute in
race and background. a positive way, who can bring value to the
Last week as the newest participant lives of others. It transforms pocketbooks
finished the training process to become an and minds.
inspired micro-entrepreneur (“vendor”),
his eyes began to tear up with great Thank you, dear reader, for spending
emotion. “So many people have tried to time with this magazine. Thank you for
help me — but never in a way that allows speaking with or buying a magazine from
me to feel proud of myself. Thank you.” the hardworking vendor who sold it to
Speak Up is a chance to cultivate you. That person has chosen a difficult and
new mindsets: to replace hopelessness rewarding path of self-reliance and hard
with hope; to see hardship as a chance work—thank you for being an encourager
for growth; to look for opportunity in in their journey.
even the hardest circumstances. Speak
Up is a chance for vulnerably-housed Thank you, volunteers and interns, for
people get help without being tried like your hundreds of hours of faithful service
second-class citizens; an opportunity in the past year that made all this possible.
for self-improvement without shame.
Speak Up is positive! It is a chance for Thank you for giving financially to
people on the edge of survivability to sustain and grow this opportunity. Your
experience a new dynamic: the joy of gifts make these opportunities for growth,
serving and empowering others. It is a change and transformation a reality.

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[VOLUNTEER TEAM: SPEAK UP IS…]

Speak Up is an opportunity to bring light into the darkest lives and
situations in our world.

—Nate
vendor support,
strategic development

Speak Up is one of the best parts of my life and an opportunity I am
truly blessed by. To be able to share my talents in this way sheds
brilliant light into every corner of my being.

—Harry
Writing workshops & tutoring, editing

Speak Up is where I can use my talents
to give back and make a difference.

— Peggi
editing, photography, photo editing
admin, fundraising, events, etc.

Speak Up is a beacon of hope to the hopeless
and a ministry that touches the heart of God.
Amazing leadership, integrity and compassion
encompass this organization and I’m honored
to be a part of it.
—Leah
editing, admin, vendor mentoring, jokes

Speak up is a place where I get to volunteer and
hear impactful stories each week at vendor
meetings.

—Kaitlyn
vendor support, editing, coffee support

Speak Up is a happy place where
people can be encouraged.

—Maria
design

Speak Up is the perfect platform for helping
people improve their lives.

—Tommy
vendor support, technology wizardry

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[COVER INTERVIEW]
I’M LEARNING PATIENCE

Tommy Smith interviews magazine vendor John Woodson

WHERE ARE YOU LIVING RIGHT NOW? WHERE DO YOU SELL YOUR
I’m living at the men’s shelter on North MAGAZINES?
Tryon Street. I sell my magazines at Latta Arcade on
South Tryon.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE
SHELTER? WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST POSITIVE
I don’t like the shelter. EXPERIENCE WHILE SELLING SPEAK
UP MAGAZINE?
WHAT PERSON HAS MEANT THE MOST I’m learning something. Patience was
TO YOU IN LIFE? never a virtue for me and I’m definitely
My wife, Sarah. learning patience.

HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT SPEAK HOW DO YOU LIKE TO GIVE BACK TO
UP? THE COMMUNITY AND HELP OTHERS?
A guy named David, who sells the Whatever way that I can.
magazine, told me about it.

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TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. WHAT’S YOUR MOST RECENT
My mother is a professor at CPCC. ACCOMPLISHMENT?
She teaches Music Fundamentals. My Finding a friend that I can play my guitar
biological father is an iron worker. with and not for.

WHAT DO YOU CARRY WITH YOU DURING THIS TIME OF TRANSITION,
EVERY DAY? WHAT GIVES YOU THE MOST COMFORT?
I carry a guitar, a backpack with a tent My wife. She’s very, very easy to talk to.
strapped to it and a vaporizer for my
nicotine, various things. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF FIVE
YEARS FROM NOW?
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE—SOMETHING Going to college.
YOU KNOW IS ABSOLUTELY TRUE?
I believe what Speak Up Magazine is WHAT DO YOU WANT TO STUDY IN
doing is honorable. COLLEGE?
Culinary arts or psychology..

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[FESTIVE SPIRIT]
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Joshua Caldwell in Charlotte, NC, wishes you all the best

WHAT WILL YOU DO FOR CHRISTMAS
THIS YEAR?
For Christmas this year, I will be going
Uptown to our city’s annual Christmas
Parade.

WHERE DO YOU SELL SPEAK UP IF YOU DID NOT SELL A STREET PAPER,
MAGAZINE? HOW DO YOU THINK YOU MIGHT BE
Trade Street and Tryon Street (Uptown SPENDING CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR?
Square), Charlotte, NC, USA. If I did not sell Speak Up Magazine,
I would stay at home and watch my
HOW LONG A VENDOR? favorite movie which is “A Christmas
Eight months. Story.”

CURRENT SITUATION? DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS
I was homeless for most of my life. Now MESSAGE FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS?
my dad has a house, and I am staying I have two things to say to my customers
with him. this Christmas: Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year!
BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT
The best Christmas present I have ever WHAT IS A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS
received was a Playstation 3 from my GREETING IN YOUR LANGUAGE?
mother, along with some games. It was a In the USA, we say, Merry Christmas!
good gift because it was an improvement My family once went to a special
from Playstation 1 and 2. Christmas light show in our car and we
listened to “Feliz Navidad” on the radio.

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[GRATITUDE]
A YOUNGSTER AT CHRISTMASTIME

Steve Thompson of Traverse City, MI, is hoping something comes through

Steve has been homeless since late January of me. It was my best Christmas because
2015. He lost a job on Mackinac Island, and my Dad showed compassion to me.
moved back down to Traverse City. He did
some painting and odd jobs, but could not HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SPEND
earn enough to rent a home. He currently is CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR?
homeless, camping in the northern woods, It depends where I am at. I am signed
and selling Speak Up to get by. He has been up for a few homes. Hoping something
selling actively since February 2015. comes through… Checking the mail.

WHAT IS THE BEST CHRISTMAS IF YOU DID NOT SELL A STREET PAPER,
PRESENT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED? HOW DO YOU THINK YOU MIGHT BE
It is hard to say what was my best SPENDING CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR?
Christmas, but I remember my father Alone.
on Christmas. I was the oldest of seven
siblings, but still a youngster. One year DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS
I got everyone a present, but did not MESSAGE FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS?
get anything back. I cried. My father Yes, thanks for stopping. Thanks for
followed me to my room and sat down caring.
with me. He reached into his pocket and
pulled out a pen light which he gave to Photo: Debbi Shaw

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[WARMTH]
CHRISTMAS IN NORWAY

Steinar Schei in Trondheim, Norway, will be with friends and some family
Article courtesy of insp.ngo | Photo by Earlend

I used to work at a place called Prima but I of my late foster parents invites me on 23
got fired due to some problems. Then one day December for dinner and to exchange
I found myself with 4.5 Norwegian crowns in Christmas gifts.
my wallet. I decided to become a vendor, and
I started to make money right away. I have IF YOU DID NOT SELL A STREET PAPER,
been selling Sorgenfri for eight years. HOW DO YOU THINK YOU MIGHT BE
SPENDING CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR?
WHAT IS THE BEST CHRISTMAS I am not sure how it would be, but there
PRESENT YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? is no doubt that the income from my
A trolley bag. It has been very useful sales helps me to have a better Christmas.
to me when I have been out travelling.
A couple of weeks ago I used it on a DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS
weekend trip to Copenhagen. MESSAGE FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS?
I would like to wish everyone a very
HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SPEND merry Christmas and a happy new year.
CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR?
I will probably go to the church where WHAT IS A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS
they serve dinner, and there is some form GREETING IN YOUR LANGUAGE/AREA?
of entertainment. Normally the daughter God jul!

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FELIZ MOBY DICK

Sheila Apperson in Charlotte, NC, is thankful for the little blessings

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT SITUATION? make money or have food. A little
I am Renting a small room in an money makes a big difference when
industrial warehouse. you’re broke.

BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT YOU’VE DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS
RECEIVED? MESSAGE FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS?
Money. I can’t think of anything that was “God bless you, and I thank you so much
that special. It’s been a long time since I for buying my Zines. I hope you each
received a Christmas present. have an amazing Christmas.” There are
some really good people out there.
HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SPEND
CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR? DOES YOUR TRADITION HAVE A
I plan on being alone for Christmas. I SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GREETING?
plan on having food though. I will have How do you say Merry Christmas in
food. I guess that’s all I need. I might Spanish?
go to the Rescue Mission, I don’t know.
Everything is closed on Christmas. It’s FELIZ NAVIDAD.
actually the toughest day of the year. Feliz Navidad? Yeah, write that down.
I like that. I never knew how to say it
IF YOU DIDN’T SELL THE MAGAZINE, growing up. I probably said Feliz Moby
WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? Dick or something. Thank you for
I would not have the opportunity to teaching me that.

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[THANKFUL]
RUTH WISHES YOU WELL

Ruth Hsieh in Chralotte, NC, is thankful to be off the streets

WHERE DO YOU SELL SPEAK UP? WOULD YOU BE DOING?
Rhino Market on West Morehead Street I would be staying on the street, begging
and Atherton Market on South Blvd. for money.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT SITUATION? DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS
Staying in an extended stay motel; trying MESSAGE FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS?
to find a nice home. Wish them a healthy, successful, and
happy New Year in 2016.
BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT YOU’VE
RECEIVED? WHAT IS A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS
My sister gave me a cross stitch book GREETING IN YOUR LANGUAGE/AREA?
calendar and the box to go with it. I love Singing Merry Christmas in Chinese.
it a lot and it means a lot to me.
I wish everyone has wonderful holiday
HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SPEND and has a resolution for the new year to
CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR? exercise and be healthy. My resolution
I play to say in my room, thankful not to is to join the YMCA to do yoga, Pilates,
be in a shelter. swimming, and work out on the
treadmill.
IF YOU DIDN’T SELL MAGAZINE, WHAT

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[WISDOM]
LOSE

By Randy Parcher

Many people say that losing is a bad thing…and yet:

Lose the excess weight and feel better.

Lose the attitude and you become more approachable.

Lose the negativity and you become happier with your life.

Lose the things that bring us down and look for the things that will build, not just
us, but others up.

Lose one’s way and stumble upon something you have never seen before.

Lose one’s self and find love.

Lose is not always something bad.

So go out and lose today.
You may learn something about yourself, just don’t lose it.

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[INTERNATIONAL]
Vendors help Danish street paper
Hus Forbi become most read
publication in Denmark

By Laura Smith / Courtesy of INSP.ngo / Photos: Mette Kramer Kriste

INSP member Hus Forbi is now the most circulating street papers in the world,
widely read paid-for, monthly magazine in averaging around 90,000 sales per
Denmark – with over half a million readers monthly edition in 2014.
per edition. “This is the result of 19 years of serious
According to the official quarterly work by everyone involved, and especially
statistics from Gallup, the street paper by our vendors, who have been ultimately
secured an incredible readership of good ambassadors for the product,” Poul
526,000 in the first half of 2015. added.
This was an increase from 497,000 in Hus Forbi works with approximately
the second half of 2014. 800 vendors in 11 cities and towns across
Editor Poul Struve Nielsen said he is Denmark, including Copenhagen and
delighted that sales are soaring, and that Holstebro. Vendors sell the paper for
Hus Forbi is reaching more readers. 20DKK (£1.97/ €2.68) and keep 40% of
“The readership achievement is the cover price.
important for two reasons,” he said. Poul puts the success down to his
“First, it is easier to sell something that editorial strategy, which places Hus Forbi
people want to read and second, because vendors at the very heart of the paper.
we campaign in journalism to support “I think that ownership is key,” said
the case of the homeless and socially Poul. “The vendors really feel like this is
marginalised.” their paper and it’s important – it tells
Hus Forbi is also one of the highest their story and focuses on their situation.

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“If you made a survey to find out what the street and see a homeless person on
the most popular topics are, I think people the cover and know that if you buy this
would say reality TV, pop stars, etc. We do street paper you will get to meet people
none of this. We only focus on people who who are in that position,” he said.
are in a situation similar to the vendors “Identification is about emotions, so
and some news, politics and social issues. we tap into that when we put our focus on
“So you have to say it’s because of the real people. We can bring facts and news
vendors. They know the product very well but you need real people in the magazine,
and they have the face-to-face interactions both when you read it and when you buy
with readers. Maybe that’s something that it – you get affected.”
people miss nowadays.” The incredible, eye-catching vendor
In that sense, Hus Forbi is not unique portraits that make Hus Forbi stand
in the street paper movement. But it is one out in terms of design are taken by
of a very few street papers to consistently photographer Mette Kramer Kristensen,
feature only vendors on its front cover. It is who is employed part-time by the paper.
the only magazine of any sort in Europe to Poul hopes to take on Hus Forbi’s first
feature their own homeless and vulnerable part-time journalist next year if his tight
vendors on the cover every month. budget will allow it.
Even an exclusive street paper Another of the veteran journalist’s
interview with Pope Francis, or a Hus strategies has been to involve vendors,
Forbi interview with the Danish Prime homeless and socially vulnerable people
Minister, didn’t come close to bumping a in his editorial planning.
vendor from the front page. He will often sit down with vendors
Given Hus Forbi’s increasing and others who have experienced
readership, the strategy clearly works. homelessness – some of whom also
For Poul, it’s all about cultivating human sit on Hus Forbi’s board – to develop
interest and reinforcing the interaction ideas for content. Their lived experience
between vendor and customer. often informs how Poul and his team
“You can identify with the vendor in of freelance journalists will approach a

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certain story or topic.
“I treat it like a consultancy,” Poul said.
“Their thinking is much more practical.
They get things that come from real
life and street life – you get the unique
perspective that we actually want to have
in the magazine.”
When Hus Forbi secures an interview
with a well-known personality, such as
Denmark’s Prime Minister, a vendor will
often be asked to conduct the interview, team intend to mark the milestone by
accompanied by a journalist. planning a celebratory event for vendors
Poul hopes that next year every month in 2016, including a photo
approximately 20% of Hus Forbi will be exhibition.
written by vendors and/or people who Seeing Hus Forbi’s readership and
have experienced homelessness. circulation figures continue to rocket
“It’s our strategy to involve them a lot would be an added bonus. Poul has some
more in the editorial work and to try to advice for street papers looking to do the
develop their writing,” he added. same.
“It was very inspirational to be involved “They should focus on the vendors,
in the Vendor Writing workshop at the support them and make sure that the
INSP Summit in Seattle with [Canadian vendors really like the product – which of
street paper] Megaphone and Denver course I’m sure they already do!” he said.
Voice. They both run very strong writing “You must also deliver some quality
programmes for vendors. And also to journalism that people want to read
meet Speak Up magazine, which is written again and again. Without vendors
entirely be vendors. recommending the magazine and
“It was extremely good to talk to giving people a very good impression
someone about how we can actually do of themselves and what they represent,
this.” it wouldn’t be possible to have so many
Hus Forbi will be one of several readers.
INSP street papers to celebrate its 20th “They are out there in a positive way
anniversary next year. Poul and his and that’s the most important part.”

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[STEPPING FORWARD]
I TOOK A DEEP BREATH…

By Tawanna Glass

The other day, I walked up to the corner with his little finger cymbal clanging on the
of Trade and Tryon like I usually do. I beat. Next to me, there was a man with a
stood there for a moment looking around, boombox playing and dancing.
enjoying the breeze. On one corner, there I closed my eyes, took a deep breath,
was a flower stand. On another corner let it out, and thanked God for allowing
there was a man singing “oldie but goodies” me to be there. There was plenty of room
with his mic and amp. On the other corner for me.
there was a man chanting “Hare Krishna” “Speak Up Magazine!” I called out.

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MY DAILY BAG

By Earleen Mingo

Certain things you’ve just gotta have. This is
what I take with me on a daily basis.

CELLPHONE AND CORD
Phone is something you must have. Don’t
know who you need to call or who will
call you; and in case of an emergency,
you will be on point. It can save your life
or someone else’s. You must have a cord
to charge you phone. It is a must.

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TOOTHPASTE & TOOTHBRUSH SHADES
Got to have a clean mouth when talking Got to keep sun out of your eyes so the
to people. Furthermore: you do not want glasses really help in the sun.
a cavity; it will not be healthy for you.
READING GLASSES
NAIL BRUSH Can’t see or read if you don’t have them.
Your hands must be clean at all times to
keep germs down. PEN
Might run into a famous person. Got to
HAND SANITIZER get their signature and phone number.
It is really good to to keep hand sanitizer
because of where your hands have been. TAKE A STEP CARDS
Give them away to help others.
NAIL POLISH
Always stay pretty and you never know PERFUME
who you might catch. No doubt, you must smell good at all
times to be around people. It is a must.

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[HOPE]
A VIEW FROM THE TENT DOOR

By Woody Swift Eagle

A wisp of smoke from a smoldering log hits my face
A breeze fans it into a flame, warm and inviting.
The scent of candles fills my nostrils
as I struggle to put my rigid and frozen shoes on.
I force my foot into its cold unyielding form.
The glare of fresh fallen snow blinds my vision
My aged weary bones snap and creak as I struggle.
The cold and unforgiving wind penetrates my flesh and chills me to the bone.
Winter has made its entrance to bring to a close the survivable camping months.
I must seek shelter from the treacherous unsurvivable months.
My day begins, uncertain of what it holds. I endure as the human spirit must.
I live in the faith that these times I live in will pass.
That I will return to a way of life I loved and cherished.
Productive, happy, and full of pride.
My Creator has not abandoned me.
I hold secure in my mind that things will become better.

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[CONTACT]
TO A LOST MOTHER

By Laurie Koelsch

It has been quite some time since we last out for me. I currently write stories for the
spoke. I am doing well even though I have street magazine called Speak Up Zine, and
been through a lot. In case you haven’t I am a vendor. I sell them to everyone on
heard, Julie passed three years after you left the street hoping to help them understand
us. Holly has made you a great grandmother. what it is like living on the street.
She gave you a great grandson and a great I have been passing on the stories you
granddaughter. I miss our conversations we have told me to the kids on how it was
used to have about what it was like when you when you were their age growing up…how
were growing up and when you would tell you would have to walk to go anywhere.
me how you lived through the Depression You would walk across the railroad trusses
and the things my grandparents did…like to go to school or just to go to the movies
when grandpa used to make mattresses for a at night. I would also tell them that I really
living. I wish I could have met him. enjoyed helping you during the holidays,
I know that I promised you I wouldn’t working in the kitchen, helping prepare
get a divorce, but due to situations, I had the meals by going to the root cellar and
to, Mother. I was not happy being married. getting the vegetables you needed.
I have since then found my soulmate. He I really miss your motherly advice and
makes me very happy, and I love him with the wisdom you gave to me. I love you
all my heart. I am currently experiencing with all my heart.
homelessness. Don’t worry, it is only
temporary. I am safe from harm on the Your Loving Daughter,
street. My soulmate is always watching Laurie

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[PRIMARY THOUGHTS]
DEAR POLITICIAN,

By Mark Gansert

I am homeless. I have been homeless for many
years following a protracted illness, and having
no visible means of support wound up sleeping
in my car—when I owned one. Currently, I sleep
in a shelter with 200 other men. However, I have,
out of necessity, slept in cardboard boxes, under
highway overpasses, and just passed out in a park
somewhere.
It's not always bad, mind you. Sometimes
it fun to be laughed at, to have people throw
things from cars at you, to listen to jeers and
insults yelled at you. It's almost like being in
public office. After all, if you've no place to live
but in the public eye, we're kindred spirits.
Say, that gives me an idea. If I could get every
single homeless person to sit in their elected
officials’ offices all across this country, maybe
you might get the point. If you've ever smelled
the epically, chronically homeless, you'd try to
do something to alleviate the problem (or at
least pour a bottle of cologne on them).
We are not all crazy, or druggies, or drunks,
or shiftless. A lot of us just don't have families
to rely on, which is the most basic social sup-
port system. I'm sorry to inform you that the
Social Security Administration does nothing
to alleviate the social situation of homeless-
ness.
In a country where over 50 percent of the
people hold no assets and so many millions
are on the Federal threshold for being in pov-
erty, something needs to change. Unfortu-
nately your record of meaningful change isn’t
very promising. Promises, bravado and hot
air from your distant seat of kingly power are
pretty much a joke to those of us on the streets.
I challenge you to pause the choir-pleasing
bluster and spend a day on the streets — give
us your ear, we’ll give you ours.

Sincerely,

Some homeless guy

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Q:
What am I supposed to do when
someone asks me for money?

A:
Hand them a “Take A Step”
card and give the gift of
OPPORTUNITY.

These handy cards are small enough to fit in your wallet, purse or
car glove box. Next time you’re hit up for handouts, give something
better than a temporary solution.

Request a bundle online at speakupmag.org/takeastep