Dignity + Voice + Opportunity

Voiceless People write their stories, which are printed in Speak Up Magazine. Homeless people sell the magazine and earn enough money to get off the streets.

The result is immediate income, dignity and a pathway off the streets. Learn more.

Donate

Speak Up Magazine is a 501(c)3 Public Charity.

Donations are tax deductible.

About Speak Up

Mission

PURPOSE

Voiceless People write their stories, which are printed in Speak Up Magazine. Homeless people sell the magazine and earn enough money to get off the streets.

The result is immediate income, dignity and a pathway off the streets.

A VOICE

Homeless people write the magazine—essays, experiences, artwork, and photography. The work they produce is surprising, honest, and inspiring.

Readers of Speak Up experience content that can't be found anywhere else. It is honest without whining and hopeful without pandering.

REAL INCOME

The published magazines are distributed for donations on the streets and in public places by people facing homelessness. Each vendor keeps all the cash from their transactions. They spend the money on the basics of life–food, shelter, transportation. After the first 20 free magazines, vendors purchase more copies from Speak Up for 20% of the cover price.

LASTING DIGNITY

Through Speak Up, people facing homelessness develop their voice and earn immediate income by their own hands. They grow in resilience, develop marketable communication skills, and come to see themselves as worthwhile contributors to society.

Over 500 individuals facing homelessness have partnered with Speak Up as writers and vendors since 2011.

Vision

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)

The human soul has immeasurable value.Developing individuals is of the highest priority.Dignity is a right for all persons.A meaningful life of purpose can lived by everyone.A better way can probably be found. Purposeful change and innovation are welcome.

History

The first issue of Speak Up was published in 2011 in Charlotte, NC. 90 issues have been published since then.

Speak Up is a member of the Glasgow-based International Network of Street Papers, which provides guidance for similar initiatives around the globe. In 2015 and 2018, Speak Up won the INSP award for “Best Vendor Contribution,” given annually celebrate the published contributions of homeless writers.

Speak Up Magazine is a 501(c)3 Public Charity.

Team

OPERATIONAL
Matt Shaw, Executive Director / Editor
Peggi Knowe, editing and admin
Harry Griffin, homeless writer’s workshop
Lana Shaw, Editor

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Phil Felten, Association Management Solutions
Lisa Koons, Charlotte 24-7 Prayer Room
Bill Shaw, Urban Opportunities for Change Foundation
---
Cal Queener, Treasurer
Lindsay DaCosta, Secretary

Press

Charlotte Agenda (12/22/15) Has Charlotte Made Progress in Ending Homelessness?

WFAE NPR (12/16/14) Speak Up Magazine: Giving a Voice to Charlotte’s Homeless

Creative Loafing Charlotte (3/27/13)
Speak Up Magazine Gets Another Chance

Charlotte Observer: State of the Art Blog (8/29/12):
Charlotte’s coolest new magazine

Charlotte Magazine (11/01/11):
The People’s Publication

FOX News Charlotte (10/08/11):
Charlotte’s First Street Magazine Headed to a Corner Near You

CLT Blog (10/07/11):
Word on the Street: Charlotte’s First Street Mag, Speak Up

Red White and Green Photography Blog (8/23/11):
Speak Up

Permission to Peruse (8/22/11):
Speak Up

Crossroads Charlotte (7/18/11):
New street paper wants to ‘Speak Up’ for Charlotte’s homeless

Charlotte Observer (7/10/11):
Street Mag Will Give Homeless a Voice

Are You Homeless?

Write Speak Up

Distribute Speak Up

WRITE FOR THE MAGAZINE
Read here for ideas about content. Then send submissions via Speak Up Writers.
DISTRIBUTE THE MAGAZINE ANYWHERE IN THE USA
Sign up here to get started.

Connect

Ways to connect

READ ONLINE & JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Speak Up
501 Hawthorne Lane
Charlotte, NC

info@speakupmag.org