19 September 2014

Real Change turns 20: Seattle Street Paper Celebrates

Real Change celebrated two decades in print yesterday with a fundraising breakfast that brought in more than $103K to support their work with homeless and low-income people.

Started in 1994 by Timothy Harris, the paper was one of the first American street papers to become a weekly publication and continues to win awards and change lives.

“Every paper sold has put money into the pocket of someone who needs help,” said Real Change Executive Director Timothy Harris.

“Every paper sold has spoken up for very poor people, and every paper sold has supported the kind of long, hard and relentless organizing that building a just society requires.”

The celebratory breakfast on Thursday morning saw more than 500 Real Change vendors, staff, board members, volunteers, supporters and community partners come together to recognise the organisation’s accomplishments and talk about their goals for the future.

Harris also looked forward to the INSP’s 2015 conference, which will be held in Seattle next June.

“We’re honoured next June to host the annual conference of the International Network of Street Papers. Staff and volunteers from papers all over the world, from Denmark to South Africa and Japan to Australia, will come to Seattle University to learn from each other and help grow this incredible movement that we’re a part of,” he added.

A massive congratulation to Real Change from everyone at INSP on this incredible milestone. We look forward to seeing you in June.

Image shows Interim Real Change Editor Rosette Royale addressing the 2014 Real Change Breakfast at the Washington State Convention Center. Photo by: Real Change Art Director Jon Williams.