INSP blog

New intern at INSP News Service

2012-02-01T17:17:00.002Z

Our new News Service intern has started with us this week. Charlie Farrally has finished his internship with us and Laura Smith will be with us for the next six months. Laura studied Journalism at Strathclyde University in Glasgow. Street paper members can reach the News Service as usual via sns@street-papers.org for all photo and translation requests and story submissions.

Highlights from our News Service

2012-01-30T16:17:00.000Z

The cover of Chicago street paper StreetWise

International vendors were the real stars in many street papers around the world this month. Following the INSP Vendor Special, life stories of street paper sellers got republished from Hamburg to Ohio.

Chicago street paper StreetWise dedicated an entire edition to INSP. Under the banner 'News around the world with INSP', the special edition featured stories from colleague papers across the globe.

Street papers across the US and Europe wrote about war veterans. BISS in Munich, Germany republished an article from their colleagues at Ireland's Big Issue, about an ex-soldier all too familiar with the problems that can arise upon leaving the army. Following the local coverage, SNS produced a Special Report on the topic of homeless war veterans, which got republished widely.

INSP online

2012-01-30T14:16:00.004Z

Over the next couple of months, we will be making big improvements to our online presence - both for INSP members and for the general public.

Here's what's on offer so far. You can:

'Like' INSP's public Facebook page - This is for anyone who wants to keep up to date with news from INSP and the world of street papers.
Join INSP's closed Facebook member group - This is a closed group for street paper staff only. It is to replace the online forums on the INSP website. If you are a Facebook user, you can request to join the group (top right hand corner) and we'll approve you a.s.a.p. Then you can also add your colleagues and street paper friends from around the world.
Follow @_INSP on Twitter
Follow @Hotels4Change on Twitter

Look out for improvements to the INSP website and the News Service website over the next couple of months!

New Hungarian homeless law could mean the end for Flaszter

2012-01-27T12:49:00.000Z

A new law came into force Hungary in November last year, making rough sleeping punishable with a fine of up to HUF 150.000 (roughly £400). Read more from the BBC.

Ildikó Gyergyói, Executive Director of Flaszter in Budapest, wrote to INSP today to explain the situation facing their street paper.

He said that it is now no longer possible sell anything on the street without a license and that the authorities have refused to make an exception for street newspapers. Anyone caught selling on the streets without a licence will face a HUF 15.000 (£40) fine, or face community service or prison if they are unable to pay.

Although some of Hungary's more rural areas are more tolerant of homeless people, Flaszter's sales in these areas cannot sustain the project.

Ildikó Gyergyói said "Unless there is a change in the law and in Hungarian social politics, we can see no way to sustain Flaszter and support our vendors".

Digital street paper project

2012-01-23T15:08:00.000Z

The way we consume media is changing and street papers face the same challenges as the mainstream press - customers switching from print to digital.

But street papers also face a unique problem: unlike mainstream press that can sell pure digital access via online payments, it is essential for street papers to retain the vendor transaction – i.e. customers buying a physical product from a seller on the street.

Our proposed solution will allow street vendors to offer their customers two options – print and digital – priced identically. The digital version would be sold on a card, each one carrying a unique QR code which could be scanned on compatible devices. Readers could then read their digital edition on their smartphone, tablet or computer.

INSP has secured funding from the Esmee Fairbarin Foundation to develop the required software and systems to run a six-month pilot scheme with one street paper (The Big Issue in the North), commencing later this year.

If successful, we hope that the digital model will be attractive to many of the other street papers around the world. Indeed, with a global street paper readership in excess of 6 million, the concept has scope longer term to become one of the world’s largest paid digital media platforms.

New distribution office for Asphalt

2012-01-23T14:36:00.000Z

Last year, Hannover street paper Asphalt opened a new distribution office, just a few minutes away from their editorial office.

Their new office gives them far more space and is also on ground level with wheelchair access - making it accessible for disabled vendors.

Whats Up Magazine in the press

2012-01-18T16:19:00.000Z

Whats Up vendors Kenneth Compton,La Maar Williams
and Ed Little

Whats Up Magazine (St. Louis, Missouri) are facing challenges at the moment and are aiming to raise $5000. The Riverfront Times recently featured this article to help them spread the word.

The Big Issue UK launches new-look magazine

2012-01-16T09:52:00.000Z

The new-look Big Issue UK hit the streets this week. Read here the Editorial from editor-in-chief Paul McNamee:

"There has been much written and talked about in recent times about the terminal decline of print. Change is blowing in, of course, but at The Big Issue we believe in a future for words and pictures on paper.

It’s why we exist. In order to provide the homeless and vulnerably housed with a legitimate way of making a living we need to produce a magazine that they can take to sell on the street.

And there is much to be said for the pleasure of leafing through your favourite title, for having it around to pick up and pass to friends, to rip out bits you like and get angry at the bits you don’t.

If we’re going to have a magazine, we thought, let’s make it mighty. We’ve taken the best elements of what we had before and amplified them.

The Big Issue has been around for 20 years. We’ve worked to create a magazine that can carry us into the next 20.

Everything is changed from the first to the last page. We’ve got some great new columnists who’ll make themselves known over the next number of weeks. We start with Britain’s most controversial footballer Joey Barton and the fearless, urbane Sam Delaney who slays Sherlock (imagine!).

At the magazine’s heart, and on the cover, we ask a question that has been skirted around in recent times – what is the news doing to us? Leveson has been taking a moral stand and will prove to be a watershed for the news industry.

We’re not about pointing fingers. A robust and truculent press is essential. But in the midst of the blame game the effect on the mental wellbeing of every one of us of a news media hyped to bring fear and paranoia has not been considered. It’s a fascinating piece.

Incidentally, we’ve also worked to relaunch our website. Have a look around, and see what we’ve done with the place.

We will be irreverent, provocative and independent-minded. We aim to be at the helm of highbrow populism – a magazine and website with weight and insight and also with wit and readability.

This is your Big Issue."

Various UK media covered the launch of the redesigned magazine, including Design Week, who reviewed the new magazine on their website.

A request from our partners in Greece

2012-01-09T14:22:00.000Z

Chris Alefantis is the coordinator of the 'Kick Off Poverty' campaign in Greece and the manager of the Greek Homeless Football Team that takes part in the Homeless World Cup every year since 2007. He has also been working hard to establish a street paper in Greece.

He has requested some resources and promotional material from INSP members, to use in a series of events to raise awareness of the street paper movement among the Greek public.

INSP members can click here (Member Facebook group) to view the full post from Chris, and are asked to respond by the 28th February.

INSP has moved office

2012-01-05T10:04:00.000Z

As of today, INSP is
based at a new office:

200 Renfield Street

Glasgow

G2 3QB

UK

Email: info(at)street-papers.org
Phone: +44 (0)141 302 6552

Staff contact details:

Lisa Maclean: l.maclean(at)street-papers.org
+44 (0)141 302 6551

Maree Aldam: m.aldam(at)street-papers.org
+44 (0)141 302 6552

Helen Harvey: h.harvey(at)street-papers.org
+44 (0)141 302 6553

Danielle Batist: d.batist(at)street-papers.org
+44 (0)141 302 6554

Street News Service: sns(at)street-papers.org
+44 (0)141 302 6554

Sven Mangels (Training & Development Manager - Africa): s.mangels(at)street-papers.org
Office (South Africa): +27 (0)214616690 Mobile (South Africa): +27 (0)793023869
Mobile (Kenya): + 254 (0)701857016 Mobile (Nigeria): +234 (0)8168959846

Great news from Macadam

2012-01-04T17:04:00.000Z

After a year of ambition and hard work, Macadam had 3 bits of of amazing New Year news:

They signed an agreement with the City for the hiring a team of sales employees
They recruited a project manager - Anne-Claire
They signed a contract with a social housing project for a new office based in the heart of Paris.

It looks like 2012 will be their year! Congratulations!

Greetings of the Season from Narodna Dopomoha!

2011-12-22T16:26:00.000Z

2011 has been a year of changes for Narodna Dopomoha –

We have a new building, with 44 beds for homeless people (20 in the night shelter, and 24 in dormitories for men and women), three toilet & shower facilities, and a community room with kitchen and laundry facilities, administration, document / homelessness registration centre and a big classroom.
The Social Taxi provided services to over 200 people since March – as we now own our vehicle.
Some new training programs are expanding, while our classes in cooking & restaurant training have come to an end.
We have established some new good partnerships and of course, are grateful for the continued support of old and dear friends.

We are pleased to let you know that no one died on the streets of our city from being homeless last winter. This is because of your support. Because of your gifts of time, talent and treasure, we are able to offer to the homeless, elderly, disabled, displaced and vulnerable a safe place and basic need services.

We are truly thankful to you for your friendship and your generous support.

We wish you the very best in 2012!

Fifteen years on the streets- the legacy of an Austrian street paper

2011-12-12T16:08:00.000Z

A survey of readers of the Austrian street paper Kupfermuckn found that their attitudes towards people on the fringes of society in Austria have changed, and for the better. The results were presented coinciding with the paper's fifteenth anniversary. Read more. By Daniela Warger and Heinz Zauner.

Staff and vendors at kupfermuckn.Photo: Heidi Rafetseder

INSP annual strategy meeting

2011-11-25T11:00:00.000Z

Another INSP annual strategy meeting comes to a close. Thanks to Serge Lareault, Trudy Vlok, Steven Persson, Gabi Koch and Arkady Tyurin for all your help and support this week!

Anthem Against Poverty

2011-10-17T15:34:00.000+01:00

CAIS's 'Anthem Against Poverty' - launched for the 17th October - International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2011

PRESS RELEASE: 6 million readers vote dignity over poverty

2011-10-14T00:00:00.000+01:00

Street press sales have increased across the world for the second year running, lifting tens of thousands of people out of poverty. The increase bucks a downward sales trend that has seen many mainstream newspapers suffer heavy circulation losses.

Figures released today by the International Network of Street Papers (INSP) - to coincide with the launch of its new 'Vote for Dignity' campaign - show that the 100+ publications sold by homeless people in 40 countries now have a combined readership per edition of 6.2 million people, up some 160,000 from 2010.

This remarkable media success story highlights the winning formula of the street press concept which embraces independent journalism and social support to aid some of the world's poorest people. INSP research shows that more than 200,000 people across the world have already been helped out of homelessness by selling street press.

INSP - the Scottish-based umbrella organisation for the world's 118 homeless publications - says that at a time when consumers are becoming increasingly disillusioned with media conglomerates, street press offers high quality journalism free from political and corporate interference.

Vitally, street publications save lives by offering employment to people living on the margins of society. Vendors buy copies at 50% of the cover price and sell them on to their customers, thereby generating an income. The street press concept offers vendors a way to change their lives and escape poverty - the key message of INSP's 'Vote for Dignity' campaign, launched to coincide with the UN's International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on 17th October 2011.

Lisa Maclean, executive director of INSP, said: "Street press offers dignified employment and social support to tens of thousands of people experiencing homeless and poverty in 40 countries. It is also a wonderful source of quality, independent journalism. Street press is in a unique position to uncover untold stories and share the perspectives of people and issues not typically discussed in the mainstream press. And it reaches out to an incredible 6 million people across the globe every edition. In the coming year, we will stay ahead of the game by exploring a range of exciting new initiatives, including a global digital project."

One of INSP's main objectives is to strengthen the editorial content of its titles. Its news agency, the Street News Service (SNS), allows editors to reprint each other's content and access material from global news agencies Reuters and Inter Press Service. The SNS is supported by Jon Snow (Channel 4 News) as patron, and Tom Thomson (Herald and Times group) as honorary editor.

Street publications are well established in North America and the UK and have been making their mark in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Philippines, Zambia and Malawi. New publications have been launched recently in Taiwan and South Korea and INSP says expansion plans will continue across the world over the next 12 months, starting with a new street magazine soon to launch in Nigeria.

David Schlesinger, chairman of Thomson Reuters China, is honorary president of INSP. He said: "Go around the world and buy a street newspaper and you are not just doing good, you are really getting something good. There's a true exchange and creation of value, using real journalism as the medium. As someone who has always believed passionately in the revelatory and transformative powers of journalism, I am really proud to be associated with this movement. It shows how the published form can help people change their own lives and also have an impact on the society around them."

David Burnett, world-renowned American photojournalist and Time Magazine photographer, has been closely involved with INSP and attended its annual conference in Glasgow recently with his NGO, Photographers for Hope. He said: "In a world increasingly 'connected' by modern technology, but which suffers from the lack of a human touch, this is one of the rare movements which combines enthusiasm, vision, and pure humanity, to provide what the technology alone cannot do: a wonderful source for keeping us truly connected."

-ENDS-

NOTE TO EDITORS:

INSP's 'Vote for Dignity' campaign is launched to coincide with the UN's day for the Eradication of Poverty on 17th October 2011. Campaign aims include change public perceptions of INSP street press vendors (homeless people), help increase sales for street paper vendors, recognise street paper journalism as quality and independent, make the street paper movement better known; and to make local readers feel part of a global family changing the world (6 million readers).

2011 COMBINED CIRCULATION FIGURES FOR STREET PAPERS = 1,551,865 COMPARED TO 1,511,119 IN 2010.

2011 COMBINED READERSHIP FIGURES FOR STREET PAPERS = 6,207,460 COMPARED TO 6,044,476 IN 2010.

For more information or additional images, please contact:

Maree Aldam
Network Services Manager
T: 0141 559 5036 / 07999649802
E: m.aldam(at)street-papers.org
W: www.street-papers.org

Street paper showcase at the 2011 conference

2011-07-21T00:00:00.001+01:00

The Street Paper Showcase is an INSP conference favourite. It opens up the floor to delegates to present their own innovative street paper projects. Read more. This year's presentations included John Bird talking about the 20th anniversary of The Big Issue, a book from Austria, a music CD from Sweden, and films from South Africa and Slovenia). Frank Dries (Straatnieuws, Netherlands) presented ‘phase 3' of his bag project. Tenidola Awoyemi (Freedom Foundation, Nigeria) presented a short film on the work of her organisation in Nigeria, who are working closely with INSP to launch Nigeria's first street paper. Kayoko Yakuwa (The Big Issue Japan) showed a slideshow of photographs from her ‘international street paper sabbatical'. Her colleagues Yoko Mizukoshi and Miku Sano The Big Issue Japan) also thanked members for their support after the Japanese earthquake and tsunami this year, andtalked about vendor involvement in the cleanup operation. Rose Henry (Victoria Street Newz, Canada) talked about her involvement with the online forum Homeless Nation. Rose was the only vendor at this year's conference and was also interviewed during the conference. Click here to view the video and click here to read more.

Street Paper Showcase

2011-07-21T00:00:00.000+01:00

As part of the conference, street paper delegates took part in a series of pre-booked presentations of films and special projects by INSP members. The showcase allowed a number of the delegates to present the different projects, visions and passions at the heart of their paper.

John Bird (The Big Issue UK) talked about the division within poverty itself in the UK. Whilst the Big Issue deals with some of the most broken and desperate individuals, the UK is home to some of the most expensive poor in the world who go through various local authorities throughout their lifetime costing the UK economy millions, he said: "when you get a situation where the poor cost more than the upper and middle classes you are in an enormous crisis".

Michaela Gründler (Apropos, Austria) presented a book that Apropos created in partnership with well known Austrian writers and Apropos vendors focusing on the theme of 'What does home mean to you'. View Presentation | View Book

Trudy Vlok & Melany Bendix (The Big Issue South Africa) presented two projects. The first was 'The Big Issue Reflections', a short film used to promote the street paper concept in South Africa. The second was a presentation of their recent ‘special editions’, including a recent edition edited by Sir Richard Branson, focusing on the theme of social enterprise. These special editions help to diversify content, increase sales by attracting new readers and help the magazine to develop relationships with potential supporters. View Video

Frank Dries (Straatniuews)

Frank Dries (Straatnieuws, the Netherlands) presented the next phase of his vendor bag project. Last year Frank presented a paper bag for vendors to sell on the street, this year the idea has changed into bags for vendors to use to sell their street papers. The bags are made from recycled tyres and bicycle tubes making them very durable. If you/your street paper is interested in Frank’s vendor bags, contact Frank: frank@solavirtute.demon.nl

Mirjam Gostinčar (Kralji Ulice, Slovenia) showed a video presentation about the vendors of her paper. View Videos

Tenidola Awoyemi (Freedom Foundation, Nigeria) presented a short film on the work of the Freedom Foundation in Nigeria. The Freedom Foundation and the Nigerian NGO Devcoms are currently working closely with INSP to launch Nigeria’s first ever street paper in the autumn.

Kayoko Yakuwa (The Big Issue Japan) showed a slideshow of photographs from her sabbatical over the last few months, in which she visited many INSP street papers around the world, including Serbia, Russia, the Netherlands and Germany. Read Kayoko's Travel Blog

Sara Hoegen (Aluma, Sweden) presented Aluma’s CD project 'Orkanen' (Hurricane in English). It was created in collaboration with national and international musicians, including Manu Chao and the Cardigans. The aim was to help to raise awareness and understanding of issues surrounding homelessness, while also increasing income to vendors. The CD was bought by Aluma vendors for 20 Swedish Kroner (SEK) (just under £2). This money was invested into another project to support homeless people. Vendors sold the CD on the streets for 80 SEK, with the vendors keeping the proceeds (60 SEK). While all the copies managed to be sold, Sarah says that there were also disadvantages with this project, such as CD sales impacting negatively on street paper sales as vendors preferred to sell the CD as they could make more money.

Miku Sano (The Big Issue Japan)

Yoko Mizukoshi and Miku Sano (The Big Issue Japan) thanked all members for their support of The Big Issue Japan and its vendors after the earthquake and tsunami earlier this year. Yoko and Miku gave an account of what had happened following the disaster, including their vendors’ involvement in the cleanup efforts following the aftermath. They presented heartbreaking photographs and stories of people living in the areas affected by the nuclear power plant explosion, who were forced to evacuate their homes, leaving many things, including their livelihoods behind. The Big Issue Japan will soon be running a follow up story on the situation in Japan, which they will send to the Street News Service for members to republish.

Rose Henry (Victoria Street Newz, Canada) talked about her involvement with the online forum Homeless Nation. Homeless Nation provides recording equipment allowing many homeless people to showcase their stories and in addition encourages them to write on the website and blog which generates an estimated 10,000 hits a week. Homeless Nation shows how homelessness organisations can utilize new media and stay current in an ever changing society.

These are just a few of the projects which are taking place throughout the INSP. A number interesting themes emerged from the delegates accounts but the general consensus is that street papers by and large have the ability to force change and empower the homeless to shape their own future.

Edited from the 'Street Paper Showcase' article By Lucy Gordon

Hotel BISS - an update from Hildegard Denninger

2011-07-04T16:44:00.000+01:00

The BISS charitable foundation had intended to convert the former Munich women's and juvenile prison - 'Am Neudeck' - into an upscale hotel while protecting its heritage and ancient trees. The idea was to give 40 young people with particular social difficulties the chance to receive comprehensive, first-rate professional training and qualifications. Hotel BISS was to have 72 rooms. The plan also involved 11 flats equipped for the elderly in a separate part of the building, to be rented out within the scope of a concept based on the idea of “bringing different walks of life together“. The experience and professionalism of the elderly would have been actively employed to support the young people to become qualified. The heritage-protected entity of 'Am Neudeck' would have been preserved for all citizens to enjoy.

After the Government representatives (CSU/FDP) in the Budget Committee of the Bavarian State Parliament had voted against selling directly to BISS, a bidding procedure was held. The non-profit foundation of BISS entered a bid of 1.6 million Euros. Our offer was backed by up-to-date financial statements, a selection of letters of recommendation from Munich’s top hotels and from well-respected social projects, as well as a full funding confirmation from our bank. On 19 April we received a letter from the official real estate organisation of Bavaria, “Immobilien Freistaat Bayern”, informing us that the tender had been awarded to an anonymous bidder whose offer was higher than ours.

We were deeply disappointed that the State of Bavaria did not make use of the possibility to give preference to a bidder who serves the common good, an option which is expressly set out in the Bavarian budget law, and we therefore appealed to the CSU/FDP representatives in the Budget Committee to accept the offer from the BISS foundation.

As a last resort, we addressed the Bavarian Minister-President Horst Seehofer directly in an open letter, imploring him, in his position as protector and sovereign of all young people in Bavaria, to support our cause. This letter was published in the internet under www.biss-magazin.de as a petition, which 15,556 people signed within 26 days.

On 24 May 2011, the CSU/FDP representatives in the Budget Committee of the Bavarian State decided with their majority that the former Munich women’s prison would be sold to the commercial real estate investor REC 24 Real Estate AG for a sum of 16 million Euros.

We are extremely sad that this unique social project, with its solid base of funding and the many years of dedicated work and all the commitment, the donations and the enthusiasm so many people have put into it, has been crushed by the very party whose first two letters stand for “Christian” and “social”.

SNS in South Sudan

2011-06-27T00:00:00.000+01:00

Photo: Simon Murphy

From 1st - 12th June SNS Editor Danielle Batist was in South Sudan to report on the situation ahead of the country split; after years of bloody civil war, the south gains independence from the north on the 9th July. The trip (part of INSP's EU-funded project in partnership with IPS) was organised in collaboration with Scottish charity SCIAF, who work with local charities in the warn-torn country to help some of its poorest people.

Danielle said the experiences in Sudan left a "deep impression" on her. "With so many of the country's citizens living in extreme poverty, the challenges for the new nation are huge. It was hard to see so many innocent people- including many women and children- suffer, but it is important that these stories are being told. I hope the pieces and stunning photography will be republished by many street papers."

Danielle was accompanied on the trip by two Scottish mainstream journalists and a photographer, all of whom kindly agreed to donate their material to SNS. Danielle's articles were sent to street paper editors on Monday 27th June and also also feature on the SNS website. Danielle said the experiences in Sudan left a "deep impression" on her. "With so many of the country's citizens living in extreme poverty, the challenges for the new nation are huge. It was hard to see so many innocent people - including many women and children - suffer, but it is important that these stories are being told. I hope the pieces and stunning photography will be republished by many street papers."

SNS development in 2011

2011-05-27T00:00:00.000+01:00

INSP staff have recently re-formed an 'SNS Member Working Group' of eight experienced street paper editors. The group will work with INSP staff throughout 2011 on developing and improving the Street News Service:

Joanne Zuhl - Street Roots, Portland, OR, USA

Gerda Kolb, Augustin, Vienna, Austria

Melany Bendix, The Big Issue South Africa

Tim Covi, Denver Voice, Denver, CO, USA

Melissa Cranenburgh, The Big Issue Australia

Kevin Gopal, The Big Issue in the North, England, UK

Rosi Roco, OCAS, São Paulo, Brazil

Anlov Mathiesen, =Oslo, Norway

SNS Advisory Committee

Since early in 2011, INSP staff have been working with a new 'SNS Advisory Committee' to discuss the future strategy for the service:

Tom Thomson (Managing Editor, The Herald & Times Group & SNS Honorary Editor)

Angela McCracken (Partner, Levy & McRae - media law firm)

Douglas McCabe (Media Analyst, Enders Analysis)

Lesley Clark (Deputy Managing Director, Weber Shandwick, PR firm)

Michael Reilly (Writer/Editor, former Reuters journalist)

Mark Wood (Chief-Executive, Future Publishing)

INSP's new Media Consultant

The INSP team has been joined Billy Briggs, an award-winning Scottish journalist who focuses on human rights issues. In recent years his work has been published by, among many others, The Guardian, The New Statesman, The Sunday Times, The Herald, Sunday Herald, Scotland On Sunday, The Scotsman, Mail On Sunday, New Zealand Herald, The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, Irish Examiner, World Politics Review and the BBC. He will be working with the SNS on a part-time basis over the next few months. His focus will be on marketing, developing in-house produced articles and will promote the republication of Millennium Development Goals stories produced for the SNS EU funded project.

The Big Issue Japan: ‘We are not defeated'

2011-03-01T00:00:00.001Z

The cover of The
Big Issue in Scotland

In Sendai, capital of Miyagi - one of north-east Japan's regions worst affected by the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and resulting tsunami - all Big Issue Japan vendors are alive and accounted for. Miku Sano, managing director of The Big Issue Japan's Tokyo office, said: "At first, many of us were surprised at how strong and unaffected most vendors seem. However, when you think about it, most of our vendors always sleep outside - which means, in many ways, the "emergency situation" that we are facing now is the kind of life they live on a daily basis. I hope this crisis will bring us together and that it will give us a chance to think more about the people who have to live in such harsh conditions not only after this earthquake, but every day". Read more.

Street papers pull together to support the Big Issue Japan

2011-03-01T00:00:00.000Z

Several INSP street papers are raising money to support their colleagues at The Big Issue Japan, following the recent earthquake and tsunami. Ulica in Macedonia are raising money locally via their website and on a regional TV channel. Nota Bene in Slovakia will donate 5 cents from each copy sold of their April issue, raising an estimated 1400 euros. Hinz&Kunzt in Germany are raising money through their website and will publish personal messages from their own vendors, who despite being homeless themselves, are in disbelief at the tragedy. Many street papers are also running a diary and message sent by Miku Sano, managing director of The Big Issue Japan's Tokyo office.

PRESS RELEASE: Annie Lennox visits street paper The Big Issue Malawi

2011-02-18T00:00:00.000Z

"The Big Issue Malawi transforms lives at a grassroots level"

BLANTYRE - Pop star Annie Lennox today was wowed by street paper vendors serenading her at The Big Issue office in Blantyre. The visit to the Malawian capital was part of her first trip as a Scottish Parliament-appointed envoy.

Addressing the street paper's vendors and support workers, Lennox said: "I think you are doing great work. The street paper has transformed people's lives at a grassroots level. The effort your organisation puts in from the top trickle down and that is very important."

The magazine, set up with support from Glasgow-based charity, International Network of Street Papers (INSP), has enabled 400 homeless and vulnerably housed vendors to earn a living since its launch in 2009. Funded by the Scottish Government, the magazine prints 1,500 copies every two months and is sold on the streets of Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mzuzu, Zomba and Mangochi.

INSP's Executive Director Lisa Maclean said: "We are very proud of The Big Issue Malawi for the work they are doing getting people experiencing poverty and homelessness off the streets and into work. The Scottish Government has been a tremendous supporter of the partnership between INSP and The Big Issue Malawi and their contribution to our poverty alleviation work in Malawi has been significant. The successful visit of Annie Lennox today will only help to further endorse the good work of The Big Issue Malawi in the years to come."

Following a tour of The Big Issue Malawi's distribution office, Lennox invited vendors to sing some songs with her. She said: "Music is a great vehicle for sending messages to people. It is an international language."

Referring to her own SING campaign against HIV/AIDS, she said: "When you come to any African country, the first thing that happens is that people sing. We did it today and when we go ahead to other places, this is what happens. I called my campaign SING for that reason."

A long-time campaigner, Lennox witnessed positive change in the area of HIV/AIDS prevention on her latest visit to the African country. "My campaign is about talking, about [creating a] dialogue, because this is about fighting a stigma. Keeping silent is deadly, but transformation is taking place in Malawi. I have been to places where ten years ago things would have been different."

"I visited villages where people living with HIV/AIDS would have been cast out ten years ago. Instead of that, tribal chiefs are now welcoming people living with HIV in the community - giving them support and not discarding them and excluding them. The stigma is slowly being reduced."

Malawi ranks among the world's least developed countries. The majority of young, urban adults search for jobs that do not exist and frequently become homeless. The stigma surrounding homelessness is huge, as it is often associated with begging, sex work and HIV, leading to the exclusion of homeless people from society. The Big Issue Malawi works to address many of these problems.

Talking about the problems remaining in the country, Lennox praised the efforts of the street paper: "This is real grassroots transformation and I am very encouraged by what you are doing. Everyone can play a part [in creating change]. I am just one person and I do as much as I can. Together we can inspire other people to start to focus and stay committed."

The Big Issue Malawi's Executive Director Omega Chanje-Mulwafu was "delighted" with the visit by the Scottish celebrity, claiming her encouraging speech "will boost the vendor morale".

Sara Sangaya is one of the street paper's vendors in Blantyre. "I am a widow looking after orphans and I get much of my needs covered from selling the magazine in the streets. Though I cannot fulfill all my requirements yet, I am certain that I will make a step forward with the help of The Big Issue Malawi."

Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson joined Lennox on part of her visit to Malawi. The President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Scotland Branch (CPASB) said he was "highly impressed" with the efforts made by Scottish and local NGOs on the ground.

Just hours after his return to Scotland, he commented: "The poverty you encounter when you visit a country like Malawi is at a level we don't have here in Scotland. The problems are huge, but what I came away with is a realisation that by putting in very little, you can achieve an enormous amount."

"We visited many projects supported by Scottish NGOs and organisations. One hospital matron had tears in her eyes when she told us how much child mortality had decreased since a new ward was built. That touches you. Annie [Lennox] and I are both convinced of the need for continued support in Malawi. We want to tell people in Scotland: ‘Don't stop the work you're doing. It is making a huge difference.'"

-Ends-

PRESS RELEASE: Prince William story boosts street paper sales worldwide

2011-01-28T00:00:00.000Z

"Street newspapers inspire me", wrote Prince William in his personal message for the Street News Service. Four words that made an impact in the lives of thousands of homeless vendors around the world.

The exclusive article, by-lined HRH Prince William of Wales, featured on front pages of street papers from the UK to France and from the USA to Japan. In the UK alone, vendors sold 70,000 extra copies, putting an impressive £70,000 more profit in the pockets of vendors on the streets of England, Scotland and Wales. The story contributed directly to their well-being in the cold and snowy weeks before Christmas.

Distributed by the Street News Service - the online news agency of the International Network of Street Papers (INSP) - the story reached the desks of street paper editors in all corners of the world. Over forty street papers in Europe, North America, South America and Africa ran the Prince's message in their Christmas or January editions, and more are to follow this month. Click here for a selction of article clippings.

The story has already inspired readers in Austria, Brazil, Burundi, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Malawi, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Serbia, South Africa, Ukraine, USA and Wales.

The Street News Service's translation service made the article available in the network's different languages free of charge. It was translated into Spanish, German, Dutch, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Norwegian, Polish, Korean, Czech, Serbian and Ukrainian.

With the Prince's engagement announcement still fresh in mind, the exclusive story did also not go unnoticed in the mainstream press. British national news agency the Press Association picked up on the news and released it on its wire. Simultaneously, leading PR agency Weber Shandwick released a press release about the story that landed on the desks of thousands of media organisations across the UK and beyond.

Over 150 newspapers in the UK alone wrote about the Prince's exclusive message for the Street News Service. And after several street papers in Norway republished the article and sent out press releases, the Norwegian mainstream media quickly followed. The same happened in Germany and other European countries.

INSP's Executive Director Lisa Maclean says: "High-profile public support from someone of the stature of Prince William has proven invaluable to our street papers, with massive sales increases for vendors as a result. At the same time it has inspired readers around the world to help us speak out against poverty and homelessness."

"Our Street News Service reporters are already on the look-out for more inspirational public figures to talk to us this year. With a combined readership of over 5 million per edition, we are an important media resource, creating and promoting positive change worldwide."

-Ends-

[Image courtesy of Crisis]

A new home for Boca de Rua

2010-12-31T23:59:00.000Z

Boca de Rua in Porto Alegre, Brazil, now has new office space to work in. Their umbrella organisation ALICE will work from the new base to run various projects, including the street paper and the children's street newspaper 'La Boquinha'. ALICE is also soon to launch a new website - watch this space!

Learn more about The Oregon Vagabond

2010-12-31T23:58:00.000Z

One of INSP's newest members, The Orgegon Vagabond, has recently produced a video about their work in Euguene, Oregon. The street newspaper is locally produced and written by the homeless and homeless supporters, to give readers people an insight on street life. Watch the video here.

A funding boost for The Big Issue in Sydney

2010-12-31T23:57:00.000Z

The Big Issue Australia recently received $1.25 million in funding from the New South Wales Government. In NSW, The Big Issue currently supports more than 100 people through their various programs, and over the 14 years since launching in Sydney has worked with almost 1000 homeless and marginalised people. The $1.25 million funding will support The Big Issue's three social enterprises: the street paper, the 'Big Issue Classroom' and the 'Women's Subscription Enterprise'. The NSW Government will also provide free office space for The Big Issue. Chairman of The Big Issue, Sonya Clancy said it was a great honour to be accepting the cheque of $1.25 million from the NSW State Government. "Since The Big Issue launched in Sydney in 1997 we have provided opportunities for up to 1,000 of the city's homeless and disadvantaged people and I am pleased to say that from today our ability to help more people earn an income and be actively connected back into the community will increase significantly."

Arkady's amazing stunts to raise money for vendors

2010-12-31T23:56:00.000Z

On 23 February 2011, Arkady Tyurin, the editor and director of the street paper Put Domoi (Russia) jumped through a flaming hoop to raise money to pay for medical treatment for Anatoly Baranov, a disabled vendor. View the amazing video here. In 2007 Arkady did a similar stunt to raise money to buy a hearing aid for Put Domoi vendor Nina Stepanovna Maurina. Watch the video here.

Reality of World Aids Day for Malawian vendors

2010-12-31T23:55:00.000Z

To mark World Aids Day on the 1st December, the Big Issue Malawi invited HIV/Aids councellors from an organisation called Malawi Aids Counselling and Resource Organisation (MACRO) to carry out voluntary testing and counselling at the Big Issue premises all day long. 27 people were tested out of which 4 were found to be positive. They were offered follow up appointments at MACRO head offices and are now being given regular support.

Collector's edition a record sell out in South Africa

2010-12-31T23:54:00.000Z

The Big Issue South Africa's 2010 Collector's Edition enjoyed a landslide of sales for the 68-page bumper edition at the end of 2010. The special edition showcased 33 of South Africa's top writers, thought leaders, photographers, poets and cartoonists, all under the theme of "My Big Issue", with a foreword by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. "The overriding reason for bringing out Collector's Edition a record sell-out The Big Issue's first ever Collector's Edition was to give our 400-plus vendors an exceptional product to sell over the festive season, to enable them to earn their own Christmas bonus," explains Melany Bendix, editor. "The 2010 Collector's Edition exceeded all expectations, selling out within record time. We definitely achieved the objective of helping vendors boost their income, and we now plan to produce a Collector's Edition every year."

Faktum Calendar

2010-12-31T23:53:00.000Z

Swedish street paper Faktum has published a 2011 calendar for vendors to sell over the Christmas period. The calendar features black-and-white photos of 12 homeless people, shown dreaming of the jobs they would like to have. The series of photographs, entitled ‘När jag blir stor' (‘When I grow up') was the work of well known Gothenburg photographer Patrik Andersson. Read more.

Street Roots celebrates 12th birthday

2010-12-31T23:52:00.000Z

At the start of December, Oregon street paper Street Roots celebrated its 12th birthday. Since it's launch, it has published 244 editions and has not been closed for a single day (Street Roots is open 7 days a week for homeless people). In the New Year, they will launch a brand new website, which will act as a hub for an online community and be interactive in a way that people will feel more connected to the streets of Portland. Read more.

Straatnieuws video

2010-12-31T23:51:00.000Z

An information video about Utrecht street paper Straatnieuws recently featured on the respected Dutch radio broadcaster ‘Radio Nederland Wereldomroep'. The video is in Dutch and is available either with English or Spanish subtitles.

Regional Development in Latin America

2010-12-31T23:50:00.000Z

The first meeting of Brazilian street papers took place on 6th and 7th November 2010 at OCAS headquarters in Sao Paulo. Delegates from the 3 Brazilian street papers attended to discuss plans for regional development and how street papers in the region can work more effectively together. The meeting was an important opportunity to exchange ideas and information.

‘Art made in Buenos Aires'

2010-12-31T23:49:00.000Z

In November, Hecho en Buenos Aires held an art exhibition featuring painting, sculpture, writing, music and experimental art from local artists. The exhibition ‘Arte Hecho en Bs As' (‘Art made in Bs As') was a play on words of the name of the Argentinean street paper and aimed to raise awareness of poverty and social exclusion.

I think of home...

2010-12-31T23:48:00.000Z

Apropos (Satzburg, Austria) recently published a book and an audio book for vendors to sell over the Christmas period. The book, 'I think of home...' was compiled from texts by 15 vendors, with the help of Salzburg writer Walter Müller. The book will sell for 12 € and the audiobook for 8€, with half of the cost going to the vendors.

Spare Change News branches out

2010-12-31T23:47:00.000Z

Through a collaboration with the Worcester Homeless Action Committee, Spare Change News recently branched out in the state of Massachusetts, with an edition distributed in the city of Worcester. The edition features regular content of Spare Change News plus four pages of stories and photos specific to the Worcester area. The initial plan is for the Worcester Edition to be printed bi-monthly, with the possibility of going monthly by the beginning of 2011.

The Big Issue Malawi's Omega is the latest 'Red Petal'

2010-12-31T23:45:00.000Z

The Big Issue Malawi's Omega Chanje-Mulwafu is the latest 'Red Petal' to be interviewed for Eleonora Terrile and Sylvie Garrone's project aimed at highlighting the role of women in promoting human rights. Read the interview here. Omega is the sixth 'street paper' woman to be interviewed for the Petali Rossi website, joining Samba Yonga (The Big issue Zambia), Lisa Maclean (INSP Executive Director) and Maree Aldam (INSP Network Services Manager), and Sabina Eleonori and Elena Parasiliti (Terre di Mezzo, Italy).

HEMPELS' Jo Tein is honoured by German Government

2010-12-31T23:44:00.000Z

Jo Tein, the founder of HEMPELS street paper in Keil, Germany, is to be awarded the 'Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany', the highest tribute that can be paid to individuals for services to the nation.

The award is to recognise achevements including the founding and developing of HEMPELS, the organization of the 1st German street soccer championships, the co-founding of "Anstoss - German association for social integration through sports" as well as the co-founding of other social initiatives, and the successful installation of day shelters for street-people with alcohol problems in Kiel (this concept is new in Germany - accepting alcohol abuse, offering help only on request and employing poor and homeless people as experts in the field - and a lot of media coverage and nationwide debate is currently going on. The UK's Independent recently ran a feature which can be read here).

Jo will travel to Berlin on the 14th December to receive the order in an official ceremony.

The Big Issue Zambia website

2010-12-31T23:43:00.000Z

The Big Issue Zambia has recently launched its website www.thebigissuezambia.org which includes information about the latest issue, all the latest news, and several vendor profiles, click here for a photo gallery of vendors on Flickr.

The Women's Subscription Enterprise

2010-12-31T23:42:00.000Z

The Women's Subscription Enterprise is The Big Issue Australia's new social enterprise that provides employment, training and pathways opportunities for disadvantaged women.

Through the sale of subscriptions to The Big Issue magazine homeless and disadvantaged women are employed to work as Dispatch Assistants, sorting, collating and inserting magazines for distribution to subscribers every fortnight. As well as paid employment, the women will also receive ongoing training and pathways opportunities, and the chance to develop their skills in a safe, secure and rewarding environment. Read more.

The Big Issue Malawi as a Scottish Government case study

2010-12-31T23:41:00.000Z

The Big Issue Malawi is currently featured as a case study on the Scottish Government website.The project is funded through the Scottish Government's International Development fund, which helps to support the street paper running costs, including vendor workshops and the printing of the magazine.

Thanks to Scottish Government support, around 500 people living in poverty have received training and employment opportunities, with 51 men and women vending regularly for the Big Issue Malawi. 255 family members (dependants of vendors) have also benefitted from access to a regular household income. Read more.

Tourists in their own city

2010-12-31T23:40:00.000Z

Celebrating their win, four of the six
top sellers: (from left) Alice Pina Ncata,
Ntombikhaya Phandle, Lizo Qatase
and Prisca Munhenga

In celebration of World Tourism Month in September, Cape Town Tourism ran the My Cape Town Weekend campaign, which encouraged Capetonians to experience their own city from a tourist's perspective. Cape Town Tourism and its partners handed out thousands of vouchers for the city's top tourist attractions, and The Big Issue vendors also got a piece of the action with the 25 top-selling vendors of the magazine carrying details of the My Cape Town Weekend being awarded with vouchers for Table Mountain cable car, the Two Oceans Aquarium and Kirstenbosch Gardens. The top six sellers got doubly lucky; they were each awarded tickets for two people to the Two Oceans Aquarium and a Table Mountain cable car trip for two.

Journey Home's 16th Anniversary

2010-12-31T23:39:00.000Z

Journey Home's Director Arkady Tyurin

In September Journey Home street paper celebrated its 16th anniversary. Journey Home vendors, staff and volunteers celebrated with a small party held in Journey Home's distribution office with cake, coffee and a shared cigar.

The Big Issue Kenya needs IT equipment

2010-12-31T23:38:00.000Z

The Big Issue Kenya have asked the membership for support to purchase IT equipment. They require the following items, with a total cost of £2,600. If you can help, please contact Maree.

Apple Macintosh Computer (iMac)

Canon Digital Camera (10 Megapixels)

HP 4-in-1 Laser printer J3680 (With black & white printing, scanner, fax machine & photocopier)

HP Laser CP1518n Colour Printer

Office Laptop (HP CQ61 415E1, Duo core 2.2 Ghz)

Changes at Factor S

2010-12-31T23:37:00.000Z

INSP's Uruguayan street paper has recently changed its name from 'Factor S' to 'La Callejera'. The paper has been running for 9 years and has published 91 issues. According to the project's Gonzalo Gutierrez, the new magazine will be on the streets of Montevideo in October, "with a new name but with the same spirit..."

10th anniversary for Buenos Aires street paper

2010-12-31T23:36:00.000Z

Hecho en Buenos Aires recently celebrated their 10th anniversary with a special event. The anniversary celebrations included a press conference, discussion forum, photography exhibition and writing workshops. For more information, click here.

Happy birthday to The Big Issue

2010-12-31T23:35:00.000Z

The Big Issue (London) celebrated 19 years in business this month. The magazine currently circulates over 146,000 copies every week, and since its inception in September 1991, has helped thousands of people to take control of their lives.

Strassenfeger's 15th anniversary

2010-12-31T23:34:00.000Z

Strassenfeger are celebrating their 15th birthday on the 4th September in Berlin. INSP would like to pass on best wishes for the event and is proud to have such a rich and well established network of street papers in Germany.

English classes for Warsaw vendors

2010-12-31T23:33:00.000Z

Seven vendors of the Warsaw based WSPAK street paper are currently taking English classes. They sell the paper at the city's main railway station, where they often come across foreigners who are familiar with street papers from their home countries. These meetings are usually short and sweet because of the language barrier. But now, in exchange for half a page advertisement, a leading language school has agreed to run a crash course in conversational English for the vendors. The vendors involved are enjoying the course and the confidence boost of conversing with their customers in English.

Streetvibes boycotts its own award

2010-12-31T23:32:00.000Z

The Cincinnati Human Relations Commission announced it would present an award to Streetvibes on July 26 for giving job opportunities to people who have disabilities. But Streetvibes declined to attend the award presentation because it was on Fountain Square, where vendors are prohibited from distributing the newspaper. Read more.

Blankets donated to Malawian vendors

2010-12-31T23:31:00.000Z

The Big Issue Malawi recently established partnership with Gift of the Givers Foundation which saw vendors receive blanket donations in a Winter Warmth Promotion. Malawi experiences winter from June to July hence this was very timely and appreciated. The event was covered by television media in Malawi as well mainstream radio stations.

Bébé signs for Manchester United

2010-12-31T23:30:00.000Z

Manchester United have signed an ex street soccer player from Portugal. Bébé used to play for a team organised by INSP's street paper CAIS, who also manage Portugal's Homeless World Cup team. Read more.

Arsene Wenger is confirmed as the President of the Paris 2011 Homeless World Cup, which takes place August 2011 at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Read more.

PRESS RELEASE: ‘Street' paper sales surge 10%

2010-11-22T00:00:00.000Z

A GLOBAL network of papers and magazines aimed at lifting homeless people out of poverty is bucking the overall slump in worldwide print sales, with a collective 10 per cent rise in circulation over the past year.

Titles within the International Network of Street Papers (INSP), in some countries sold under the ‘Big Issue' brand, are all sold by homeless vendors. In September this year they had combined sales of 1.51 million, compared to 1.37m a year earlier.

Readership of the 115 titles within the group, spread across 40 countries, has now hit 5.27 million against 4.79m a year ago.

The best results were recorded in North America (+36 per cent) and Europe (+6.4 per cent).

During the year to September, ten new titles were launched; street papers are now read in 24 languages; and weekly bulletins highlighting their content are now sent to 1,200 media outlets, NGOs and government bodies around the world.

The Figures

Worldwide circulation +10 per cent

Combined sales 1.5 million (1.37m, September 2009)

Readership 5.3 million (4.8m, September 2009)

10 new titles started, total now 115

North America +36 per cent

Europe + 6.4 per cent

Asia +48 per cent

"Impressive" figures

Douglas McCabe, press and online analyst with leading media research company Enders Analysis, described the figures as "impressive" in the current market.

"Any increases in paid-for circulation - and certainly on this scale - are counter to current trends in the magazine market, across nearly all mature economies," he said. "The reach of these titles is impressive, and their market share is growing even more disproportionately."

"In the broadest and simplest terms these magazines are not just proving attractive and valued products for a massive audience - but the intimacy of their distribution helps make them more relevant and welcome for crucial parts of the audience."

INSP has strong global industry links, which include Reuters, and the Rome-based development news agency Inter Press Service (IPS).

David Schlesinger, editor-in-chief of Reuters News, and INSP's Honorary President, added: "Compelling and engaging content, presented well, deserves to be a winning formula. When that is combined with a special cause and enterprise, it truly makes a mark."

The concept behind the INSP street paper movement is a simple one. Homeless vendors buy a paper at cost price and sell it for the cover price, keeping the proceeds. The growing sales translate simply into more people being taken off the streets.

Stark contrast

INSP's figures compare starkly with other recent industry findings which showed overall global newspaper circulation is now falling for the first time.

A report from the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers, published in August, revealed data from 233 countries that publish newspapers. Their ‘World Press Trends' report showed there was a 0.8 per cent decline in newspaper circulation from 2008 to 2009, to 517m copies sold. Sales in developed markets such as Europe and North America were hit the hardest.

By region, the report showed circulation was up 1 per cent in Asia and 4.8 per cent in Africa, but dropped 3.4 per cent in North America, 4.6 per cent in South America, 5.6 per cent in Europe, and 1.5 per cent in Australia and Oceania. Circulations for non-daily newspapers edged up overall by 2.5 per cent for the same period. In Europe they rose 1.5 per cent, and 3.1 per cent in Asia; but they fell by 6.2 per cent in Africa and by 1.4 per cent in North America.

But within the INSP network, dominated by monthlies and weeklies, North American circulation and total readership soared 36 per cent to 246,350 and 862,225, and in Europe they jumped 6.4 per cent to 1,084,859 and 3,797,007. In Asia, too, they rose 48 per cent, although from a much smaller base or 52,000 copies printed across four titles.

200,000 vendors

The circulation figures follow on from other INSP research published last month into the economic effects on the homeless people who actually sell the titles, which showed similarly impressive success.
Over 200,000 people have now worked as a vendor, with many helped out of homelessness as a result, since the INSP network started in 1994.

They showed that up to last year, 71 per cent of street papers had helped their vendors get off the streets and a quarter of the papers are now being credited with being involved in creating policy change on housing and homelessness in their home city or region.

Like many papers around the world, especially in mature markets, INSP is embracing digital platforms and it is currently working on developing new forms of publishing product and growing its overall product portfolios, audience reach and revenue streams.

INSP has recently launched to the public what it considers a huge step in expanding the services it provides its readers: the Street News Service (www.streetnewsservice.org). The SNS is a multilingual online news agency, which brings together the best content from the 115 titles. Some 75 volunteers help translate articles in any of the network's 24 languages. The site's content is be targeted at an increasingly diverse readership, including mainstream media, NGOs and governments.

INSP's Executive director Lisa Maclean said: "The street paper concept is becoming a huge news industry success story. It is showing in a tough market, that targeted, local papers and publications are still strong.
"The INSP member titles provide a real service and purpose to many of the people who sell them too, so they are doubly successful at the moment.

"Then of course, through that global network, we provide an international element too - an on-the-ground perspective on key homelessness and poverty issues, which is appealing to a greater audience every year.

"The content mix is potent - from actual vendor stories and first-hand accounts of people affected by poverty and social injustice, to lighter pieces that appeal to just about everyone."

-Ends-

Street paper success stories

US

One of the network's greatest successes has been in the United States, where one of its member publications The Contributor in Nashville, tripled its January 2010 circulation of 12,000 to a print run of 60,000 in September this year. In Los Angeles, Community Connection saw circulation quadruple to 10,000 in 12 months.

"We must pinch ourselves when we remember that our print run in January 2009 stood at a proud 1500," said The Contributor editor Tasha French. But she added the social success is even more impressive.
"The publication recently surveyed its homeless and formerly homeless newspaper vendors and found that of those who had been selling for more than a month, 29 per cent had found housing since they started selling. Vendors who had sold for at least three months had a 35 per cent rate of finding housing."

Australia

On the other side of the world, Melissa Cranenburgh, deputy editor of The Big Issue Australia, has seen circulation in the last quarter jump from 150,000 to 182,000 from the same time last year, which she calls "an anachronism in an increasingly digitally tuned world."

"The fact we're a social enterprise as well as an independent magazine, is definitely the big selling point. This feeds into our belief that if people are going to pay for print, there better be something else they are supporting as well. You could see it as a boutique product," she added.

"The anachronism is that people get the old-fashioned contact of buying their magazine from the guy (or woman) down the road. They can have a chat. Talk about their day, the weather, the football scores. And at the same time they know that their money isn't going into the pockets of a media mogul. It's going directly to helping the man or woman they've just been talking to. That adds incalculable value."

South Africa

Trudy Vlok, director of The Big Issue South Africa, said: "Like the majority of charitable organisations in SA, The Big Issue SA is feeling the pinch of the global recession in terms of fundraising, but our circulation figures have shown a steady increase over the past 2 years - a direct contrast to the circulation trend in the SA commercial magazine sector, which has shown a distinct decline during the same period.

"The growth is attributable to three main factors: it is more than just a magazine, it is one of the simplest and most effective ways for an average member of the public to actively engage in socio-economic development; as we are not answerable in any way to conventional commercial publishing restrictions."

"We can provide our readers with quality, credible content that is not always available from the mainstream media. On top of that, our vendors, who form solid personal relationships with their customers, are a very effective channel for word-of-mouth promotion."

Brazil

Luciano Rocco, editor of Brazilian member magazine OCAS, said that his circulation is holding steady at 8000 magazines, in a country which is suffering what he calls "reader fatigue".

"Alternative media includes other voices and alternative perspectives that you would not access in the mainstream and people enjoy and appreciate this."

"Alternative publications like ours have the opportunity to work with big PR agencies to provide them with alternative readerships and channels of communications.

"The public is reading material in new arenas, from all sorts of places and with a wider variety of views and opinions. People are becoming more socially aware. This can only benefit us."

Germany

Hildegard Denninger, from street paper BISS in Germany, says her success is down to the vendors: "The paper is there for the vendor and not the other way round. We are transparent; we have a good product, a good project and therefore good vendors."

"We take our vendors seriously and spend all our donation money on their health, on furnishing flats, on paying debts, on hearing-aids, holidays, journeys, birthdays and other celebrations, and so a lot of our strength comes from the vendors.

"Street papers have to put as much money and as much effort into their vendors as they put into their paper - that way it always works."

NOTE TO EDITORS:

For more information or interviews, please contact:

Lisa Maclean
Executive Director INSP
M: +44 (0)78 12200264

or: Danielle Batist
Street News Service Editor
+44 (0)77 54141230

ABOUT STREET PAPERS:

Street papers exist to tackle homelessness and poverty. Vendors buy their street paper or magazine at cost price before hitting the streets to sell the latest editions at the cover price - generating an income for themselves. Street papers offer homeless and marginalised people the chance to earn a living. At the same time they are a distinctive and quality independent media -challenging public perceptions of poverty and social injustice in cities across the globe.

ABOUT INSP:

An international charity organisation, INSP unites 115 street papers in 40 countries. Since its foundation in 1994, more than 200,000 vendors around the world have changed their lives through selling street papers. INSP street papers are an important media resource, with a global readership of over 5 million per edition.

INSP's annual strategy meeting

2010-11-19T00:00:00.000Z

All INSP staff and board members (pictured below) took part in a dynamic, annual strategy meeting in Glasgow, 15th - 18th November. The INSP board meets each month by telephone conference with the Executive Director Lisa Maclean and twice each year for a face-to-face meeting in Glasgow, or as part of the annual conference. The five board members from Canada, USA, South Africa, Austria and Russia joined the staff team to review the work and finances for 2009 - 2010; evaluate projects, partnerships and strategies; and set INSP's priorities for 2011.

The board were also introduced to a variety of INSP partners, including BBC Scotland, Herald & Times Group, Press Association and the Radisson Hotel. INSP Chairperson, Serge Lareault joined staff for an additional 2 days, along with Richard Turgeon, L'Itineraire's Marketing and Communications Director, to discuss the next phase of INSP's exciting Global Advertising Project. Thanks to Glasgow's Mint Hotel (formerly ‘City Inn') for sponsoring Serge and Richard's visit.

PRESS RELEASE: 200,000 helped out of homelessness by global street paper network

2010-10-13T00:00:00.000+01:00

Latest figures released to mark UN Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17th October):

Over 200,000 vendors earned a living through street paper sales since 1994

71 per cent of papers helped vendors get out of homelessness

84 per cent say selling the papers improved vendors' wellbeing

A quarter of papers are involved in creating policy change on housing and homelessness in their home city or region

114 street papers and magazines now spread across 40 countries

"The street papers have been such a vital route to a more positive existence for so many of those 200,000 sellers, and we will continue to build on that progress." - Lisa Maclean, executive director, INSP

THE organisation behind a network of over a hundred street papers and magazines, sold in some countries under the ‘Big Issue' brand, has revealed new figures which show more that 200,000 people have been helped out of homelessness by selling the titles.

The findings have been released by the Glasgow-based International Network of Street Papers (INSP) to coincide with the UN's annual International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17th October), when people around the globe will be asked to remind themselves of the need to promote awareness of poverty and destitution, particularly in developing countries.

INSP's research shows that up to last year, 71 per cent of street papers helped their vendors get off the streets.

Some 84 per cent of those polled said selling the papers improved their wellbeing; and almost 90 per cent said they increased their confidence.

And a quarter of the papers are now being credited with being involved in creating policy change on housing and homelessness in their home city or region.

INSP's executive director Lisa Maclean says the findings underline what an impact the street paper network has had on homeless communities involved.

She describes hitting the 200,000 mark as "a huge milestone" for the organisation launched in 1994 with just a handful of papers sold by a few hundred vendors.

There are now 114 street papers spread across 40 countries, and expansion plans will continue, she says, especially in Africa, where there has been a particular growth in vendors and titles.

"The street papers have been such a vital route to a more positive existence for so many of those 200,000 sellers, and we will continue to build on that progress," says Maclean.

The concept behind the INSP street paper movement is a simple one. Vendors buy a paper at cost price and sell it for the cover price, keeping the proceeds.

"The street paper concept is a hand-up, not a hand-out", says Maclean. "Vendors work hard for their money. Every day, they hit the streets with the latest edition of their paper or magazine."

"Vendors sell from their designated pitch in busy shopping streets, outside malls or in front of office buildings, hospitals, universities, sports grounds or train stations. They're there, come rain or shine, working to earn their own living in an increasingly challenging media climate."

But providing an income is only the first tool street papers use to tackle homelessness and exclusion. As Maclean explains: "Being a vendor means they can also access a range of other services provided and arranged by INSP street papers, such as sales training, drug and alcohol counselling and housing support."

Several street paper projects also run savings programs and art and literacy classes or organise rehabilitative sports activities.

Maclean says that INSP's role is to "unite and support" street papers in some of the world's biggest cities like London, Cape Town, Chicago and Tokyo.

In addition, the organisation just launched its Street News Service (SNS) to the public. A multilingual online news agency, the SNS (www.streetnewsservice.org) brings together the best content from titles around the world. Some 75 volunteer translators help translate articles in any of the network's 24 languages.

SNS editor Danielle Batist says that by republishing articles from one another free of charge, street papers - "a unique voice on the street in so many cities" - will strengthen each other's content. The service also produces in-house content.

It's hoped the site's content will appeal to a diverse readership, including mainstream media, NGOs and government. To help it achieve that, SNS is backed by two global news heavyweights in the shape of Reuters and the Rome-based development news service, Inter Press Service (IPS). Channel 4's anchor man Jon Snow serves as a Patron of the SNS. Managing Editor of the Herald & Times Group Tom Thomson is its Honorary Editor.

"Through our huge network of street papers, we can provide an international audience with an on-the-ground perspective on a variety of global and local issues. We give a voice to the voiceless through actual vendor stories and first-hand accounts of people affected by poverty and social injustice.

"At the same time we recognise the need for ‘lighter' stories, like inspirational interviews with celebrities," says Batist.

"But at all times, we aim to trigger something inside our readers, making them question the world around them and change their mindset towards poverty and homelessness."

Steven Robert is a vendor in Cape Town, South Africa, and he says that like so many people who now sell one of the many street titles, he moved to the city as a teenager with big dreams.

"But without money or a job, I roamed the streets, struggling to meet my basic needs. It was through the street paper that I brought back purpose in my life.

"Life is still not easy for me. I live in a homeless shelter, but at least I'm earning an income selling The Big Issue South Africa. I go to my pitch and get on with the business of selling the magazine.

"My dream is to have place of my own. I'd like to set up a small home-based business as I am now a good salesman. I tell other vendors to keep pushing forward with the skills that they have and to never give up."

-Ends-

For more information and high res images, please contact Maree Aldam (m.aldam@street-papers.org)

German street paper 'ideas day'

2010-10-08T00:00:00.000+01:00

Pictured: Michaela Gründler, Apropos,
Austria; Frank Dries, Straatnieuws, Netherlands

Following on from the successful German street paper conference in April this year (read more), German language street paper representatives once again gathered, this time for an 'Ideas Day', on the 8th October, as part of the 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.

The event was organised by Beatrice Gerst (Trott-War), Director of the German-Speaking platform of street papers; Gaby Sohl - Member of the 'Die Tageszeitung' chief editorial team (Daily newspaper); and Dr Lutz Meyer - Managing Director of Scholz & Friends (PR company).

Participants at the ideas day included dedicated business owners, such as Germany's best-known removals entrepreneur, Klaus Zapf; various artists who are playing an active role in combating poverty; and Chrstoph Lűtgert, one of Germany's most prominent television journalists until recently chief reporter for Norddeutscher Rundfunk (radio and tv broadcaster).

Key discussion points were:

How can the effectiveness of street papers be improved?

What can be done to address the lack of interest in homelessness and poverty outside the Christmas period?

Brainstorming new ideas for street papers

Cooperation with newspaper editorial teams

Incorporation of content from 'established' media

Publication of manuscripts that have yet to be published

Cooperation with publishers to enable parts of the work of very popular authors to be printed in advance

Training courses for street paper editorial employees, provided by Klara School of Journalism

Lobbying of EU institutions

Formation of pools, e.g. on title formats, printing

The group agreed on the importance of continuing activities beyond the 2010 European Year, since street papers offer people an opportunity to find their own ways of escaping the risks of poverty and exclusion.

Helen's marathon

2010-10-05T00:00:00.000+01:00

INSP's Fundraising Officer Helen Harvey recently ran the Loch Ness Marathon with her father Alan, to raise money for INSP. Helen and Alan [pictured at the finish line with 'Nessie', the Loch Ness Monster] trained hard for 4 months in preparation for the challenge. Talking about completing the marathon, Helen said "With support from mum, mates and a vuvuzuela we made it to the finish line with a smile."

Recognised as one of the UK's leading marathons, the Loch Ness Marathon follows a spectacular route through stunning Highland scenery, along the south-eastern shores of Loch Ness, and then crosses the River Ness to finish beside the river at Bught Park, Inverness.

Helen and Alan have so far raised over £1,200 for INSP. You can still donate here.

INSP would like to say a huge congratulations to Helen and Alan for this amazing achievement. We are also truly grateful that they chose to raise money for INSP, and for the generous donations from people over the past few weeks.

World’s most streetwise news agency launches to public

2010-08-27T00:00:00.001+01:00

Pictured: INSP's Executive Director
Lisa Maclean with SNS Honorary Editor
Tom Thomson, Group Managing Editor,
The Herald & Times Group

[Click here for picture gallery]

The Street News Service (SNS) was launched to the public last night in Glasgow's beautiful Mitchell Library. INSP's alternative online news agency is an important news source for street papers as well as media outlets and readers around the world.

SNS brings together the best content from 110 INSP street papers on all continents. Its multilingual website features stories written by street paper journalists in 40 countries. The SNS also produces quality in-house material.

The news agency promotes the best of street paper journalism worldwide on its website www.streetnewsservice.org. By republishing articles from one another free of charge, street papers strengthen each other's content. As from today, the SNS website allows a more diverse readership, including mainstream media, NGOs and government, to get access to ‘the voice on the street' in all corners of the world. Over 75 volunteer translators help to translate articles in any of the network's 24 languages. The SNS is supported by external media partners Reuters and Inter Press Service.

The Street News Service

INSP's Executive Director, Lisa Maclean, about the launch: "Until now, the SNS has been a valuable editorial resource for street papers, but as the service has gone from strength to strength over the past few years, we felt it was time to make it accessible to a wider reading public. We are excited to be launching the new-look Street News Service to the public today with support from the Herald & Times Group and we hope that a growing number of people will start to make use of this exceptional resource."

Street News Service Editor, Danielle Batist says: "We are a news agency like no other on the globe. Through our street papers, we are able to provide an international audience with a unique on the ground perspective on a variety of global and local issues. We give a voice to the voiceless through street paper vendor stories and firsthand accounts of people affected by poverty and social injustice. At the same time we recognise the need for ‘lighter' stories, like inspirational interviews with celebrities. At all times, we aim to trigger something inside our readers, making them question the world around them and change their mindset towards poverty and homelessness."

What others say about the Street News Service:

"As someone who worked with vulnerable and homeless young people before I became a journalist, I strongly support the International Network of Street Papers. INSP's Street News Service adds strength and depth to the already remarkable development of street papers worldwide. This invaluable movement provides a whole other strand of news and information as well as an income opportunity for homeless people, without which, many would be still more challenged in their daily lives."

Jon Snow
Newscaster, Channel 4 News
Street News Service Patron

"I became Honorary President of the International Network of Street Papers because I truly believe in the cause: it is about people using journalism and publishing to help themselves and in so doing, help the world."

David Schlesinger
Editor In Chief, Reuters News
INSP Honorary President

"The Herald & Times Group is delighted to support the Street News Service and the admirable work done by street newspapers around the world. I am honoured to serve as Honorary Editor of this international news network. It wonderfully combines journalism with a helping hand for some of the world's neediest people."

Tom Thomson
Group Managing Editor, Herald & Times Group
Street News Service Honorary Editor

Channel 4's Jon Snow is the Patron of the Street News Service

2010-08-27T00:00:00.000+01:00

INSP is delighted to announce that Jon Snow of Channel 4 News is to be the Street News Service Patron.

Jon Snow is the main presenter of Channel 4 News and has been its face since 1989. He has an interest in homelessness dating back to the 1970s when he worked for the New Horizon Youth Centre, a day centre for young drug addicts in central London. He is now Chair of that organisation.

Speaking of his appointment as SNS Patron, Jon Snow said "As someone who worked with vulnerable and homeless young people before I became a journalist, I strongly support the International Network of Street Papers. INSP's Street News Service adds strength and depth to the already remarkable development of street papers worldwide. This invaluable movement provides a whole other strand of news and information as well as an income opportunity for homeless people, without which, many would be still more challenged in their daily lives."

In addition to this exciting new appointment, the Street News Service also welcomes Tom Thomson, Group Managing Editor of the Herald & Times Group, as its Honorary Editor. In this role, he will give his time and expertise to help strengthen the SNS. As part of this commitment he will have regular editorial meetings with SNS Editor Danielle Batist, to discuss ideas for future growth of INSP's news agency.

Having the support of such exceptional and known members of the UK media will be of great benefit to the Street News Service. It will help to build the profile of the service and attract the attention of the UK public.

The Street News Service was launched to the public last night at an event in Glasgow's Mitchell Library. Read more.

Volunteer graphic designer needed to work on international campaign

2010-07-08T00:00:00.000+01:00

INSP is looking for a volunteer graphic designer to assist with an international campaign. This year, for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17th October), INSP is running a global campaign to raise awareness of the work of street papers. The campaign will take the form of a visual design (full magazine page) and an accompanying written feature.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

Design the A4 visual campaign which will include images and some text. The concept will be decided on by INSP's staff and board

Recreate the design in landscape format

Create different language versions of the visual campaign (INSP will provide the translated text)

Provide design support to resize and edit the design according to the needs of different publications

This project will suit a creative graphic design student or freelance designer with strong skills in either InDesign or QuarkXPress. The designer will be required to use their own computer and software and will work independently as well as together with the INSP team. We are looking for someone with a flexible approach who is able to work to tight deadlines and has excellent attention to detail. The designer will work with INSP staff at our Glasgow office, initially face-to-face, and then by email to finalise the designs. The designer should be flexible and contactable by email throughout August to make formatting changes as requested by individual street papers.

BENEFITS:

This is a voluntary position but it is a great opportunity to be involved in a unique international campaign and it offers a fantastic work experience opportunity. The designer will be credited for their work on the campaign page on INSP's website and INSP can provide employment references. Local travel costs will be covered.

TIME COMMITTMENTS:

The designer should be available to start on Monday 26th July. The volunteer will be required to be available throughout August (2-5 hours per week, as needed) in order to achieve the aim of disseminating campaign adverts to INSP street papers by the beginning of September.

TO APPLY:

Send a CV and portfolio to Maree Aldam - m.aldam@street-papers.org by Monday 19th July.

Second Civic Reception at Glasgow City Chambers

2010-05-07T00:00:00.000+01:00

INSP's Patron, the Lord Provost of Glasgow Bob Winter, hosted a second networking reception for INSP in Glasgow's City Chambers on Wednesday 5th May. Around 70 guests attended, including key members of Scotland's business, media, charity and government communities. Guests had the opportunity to meet likeminded individuals and learn more about the work of INSP. A keynote speech was be given by Charles Fletcher MBE (see videos below), Training Editor at the Herald & Times Group and Chief Executive of Caledonia Media. Charles Fletcher is a journalist and broadcaster with 20 years experience of local, national and international newspaper, television and radio production and management. He manages the Herald & Times Group's unique Editorial Training Scheme, which offers paid work placements incorporating real experience with bespoke training workshops.

Following the networking reception hosted by one of INSP's Patron's the Lord provost of Glasgow in May, INSP's Executive Director met with many of the guests directly and the organisation has since received a financial donation from a well known Scottish company as well as gifts in kind from City Inn (Glasgow), Crowne Plaza (Glasgow) and journalism training opportunities from the Herald and Times group. Further follow up will continue throughout the summer and INSP would like to take the opportunity to thank the Lord Provost and all the supporters of the event for their generous donations.

Click here for pictures.

INSP's 2009 Annual Report is now available

2010-05-04T00:00:00.000+01:00

INSP's 2009 Annual Report is now available to read online. For further information about INSP's accountability, or to read Annual Reports from previous years, click here.

SNS Editor appointed

2010-04-28T00:00:00.000+01:00

INSP recently appointed Danielle Batist as Street News Service Editor. Danielle holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Utrecht School of Journalism (The Netherlands) and a Master's degree in Journalism and Media within Globalisation (with Distinction) from Swansea University (UK).

Her passion for street papers was ignited whilst working in the editorial department of The Big Issue Namibia. She is already known to many INSP members, from 7-month internship with INSP in 2008/2009, when she worked as the co-ordinator of the Street News Service.

Danielle was appointed following a high number of applications and a scrutinous interview process with help from former Big Issue in Scotland Editor Clare Harris, and Tom Thomson, Group Managing Editor of the Herald and Times Group. Danielle will commence her employment in Melbourne during the conference, adding to the excitement of the launch of the new SNS web platform.

Civic Reception at Glasgow City Chambers

2010-04-27T00:00:00.000+01:00

INSP's Patron, the Lord Provost of Glasgow Bob Winter, will host a networking reception for INSP in Glasgow's City Chambers on Wednesday 5th May. So far, over 60 guest have been confirmed, including key members of Scotland's business, media, charity and government communities. Guests will have the opportunity to meet likeminded individuals and learn more about the work of INSP.

A keynote speech will be given by Charles Fletcher MBE, Training Editor at the Herald & Times Group and Chief Executive of Caledonia Media. Charles Fletcher is a journalist and broadcaster with 20 years experience of local, national and international newspaper, television and radio production and management. He manages the Herald & Times Group's unique Editorial Training Scheme, which offers paid work placements incorporating real experience with bespoke training workshops.

He was awarded the MBE in HM The Queen's Birthday Honours List for his contribution to extending democracy through the development of the media. He is a regular guest on radio programmes discussing media and politics; and is also an after-dinner speaker.

German Street Paper Conference 2010

2010-04-26T00:00:00.000+01:00

On the 10th and 11th of April 2010, representatives from German language street papers met up in Berlin for a 2 day conference - ‘With a little help from our friends'. More than 50 delegates from Germany, Austria and Switzerland attended the conference which was hosted by Berlin newspaper, Tageszeitung. During the conference, delegates participated in workshops and discussions on research, reporting, sales and marketing. The conference was also attended by street paper vendors, who participated in peer workshops.

The conference was supported by the Federal Ministry for Work and Social Affairs (BMAS), in order to raise awareness of poverty and social exclusion as part of the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion. The event was co-ordinated by INSP street paper Trott-war from Stuttgart. Beatrice Gerst (pictured) of Trott-war also co-ordinates INSP's German-speaking platform.

The conference was attended by representatives from Die Zeit (national weekly newspaper), Berliner Zeitung (Berlin daily newspaper), the Evangelist News Service and the Scholz and Friends agency (a leading marketing and communication agency in Berlin). Several street papers are now exploring partnerships with some of these mainstream media organisations.

Click here to read more.

Click here to view a picture gallery.

Two new full-time positions available at INSP

2010-03-02T00:00:00.000Z

Please click here for job descriptions and application details for two new full-time roles at INSP:

Street News Service Editor

Business Development and Marketing Manager

Scottish Minister for External Affairs visits The Big Issue Malawi

2010-02-19T00:00:00.000Z

Pictured: Fiona Hyslop buying magazine
from vendor Kaliza Chunga.
Photo courtesy of The Big Issue Malawi

The Scottish Government's External Affairs Minister Fiona Hyslop recently met staff and homeless vendors from The Big Issue Malawi in Blantyre.

As well as being interviewed for the publication, the Minister also gained an understanding of the challenges the street-vendors face and heard the impact Scottish Government support is having on their lives.

Ms Hyslop said:

"Today I met local people involved in the Big Issue in Malawi - Malawi's first ever street paper project which is supported by the Scottish Government. Speaking to the vendors I heard how the project is making a real difference to their lives, enabling them to build an income and access training opportunities in sales, promotion and journalism.

"With sales of the Big Issue in Malawi increasing and the hard work on the ground to promote the concept further, I'm sure it will continue to grow and help more people who are homeless gain earnings and confidence, giving them a voice and hope for the future."

Along with Scottish MSPs, Karen Gillon MSP and Michael Matheson who are also in Malawi as part of a Scottish Parliament delegation, the Minister met with Malawian MPs to discuss governance issues and share her experiences of working in the Scottish Parliament as a Government Minister.

Ms Hyslop said: "A key strand of our Co-operation Agreement with Malawi is Civil Society and Governance, including a commitment to share government and parliamentary experience. Today's event allowed us to do that, we discussed the workings of the Scottish Parliament and heard more about how the Malawi Parliament operates and the challenges face by its MPs."

Read the full Scottish Government press release here.

View pictures on the Scottish Government's photostream.

Development work in Africa

2010-01-28T00:00:00.000Z

'Strengthening Civil Society & Developing Independent Media in Africa' - This project, in partnership with the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), is now underway. This project will strengthen the capacity of the six existing street papers in Africa to forge a stronger independent media presence in Africa and to increase the content from Africa distributed regionally and internationally. African Regional Co-ordinator, Samba Yonga (Big Issue Zambia) has kick started communication between the 6 African street papers and is having a logo designed for the network. Interviews are currently taking place for the African Regional Training and Development Manger who will start in March or April this year.

Mayor of Bergen is INSP's newest Patron

2010-01-19T00:00:00.000Z

Mayor Gunnar-Bakke.
Photo: Hans Jrgen Brun

INSP has been honoured by the public support of Mayor Gunnar Bakke (pictured) of Bergen, Norway as he becomes the latest Patron. He joins the Lord Provost of Glasgow (Patron) and Reuters' Editor-in-Chief, David Schlesinger (Honorary President) as the INSP's esteemed figureheads.

The appointment of Mayor Bakke sees the development of INSP's Patron scheme, involving Mayors and civic leaders worldwide who are committed to INSP's mission to support street papers and homeless people. Read more.

Funding from The United Nations Democracy Fund

2009-12-02T00:00:00.001Z

In November, INSP learned that a funding application made to the UNDEF was successful. Despite the enormous competition, INSP was awarded $350,000 over 2 years to develop our African street-paper network. The project will focus on increasing the flow and quality of news coming from our African street papers as well as building the capacity of individual papers.

The project will enable INSP to hire a development professional and trainer to work on the ground with our local papers and The Big Issue Zambia will co-ordinate various regional activities, including an annual conference. Additional journalism training will be provided by external media, including regional Inter Press Service. We are very grateful to the UNDEF for their support. In November, INSP learned that a funding application made to the UNDEF was successful. Despite the enormous competition, INSP was awarded $350,000 over 2 years to develop our African street-paper network. The project will focus on increasing the flow and quality of news coming from our African street papers as well as building the capacity of individual papers. The project will enable INSP to hire a development professional and trainer to work on the ground with our local papers and The Big Issue Zambia will co-ordinate various regional activities, including an annual conference. Additional journalism training will be provided by external media, including regional Inter Press Service. We are very grateful to the UNDEF for their support.

Reuters Reception for INSP

2009-12-02T00:00:00.000Z

On November 30th, Thomson Reuters hosted exclusive reception on behalf of INSP at the Reuters Building at Canary Wharf in London.

David Schlesinger [right], Editor-in-Chief of Reuters News and INSP Honorary President, reflected upon the past successes of INSP and looked to the future of the organisation in the company of many high profile figures from the worlds of business and media. INSP Chairperson Serge Lareault also spoke at the event, sharing his experience of the street paper movement.

INSP staff attended the event, along with Chairperson Serge Lareault, who reflected on his experience of the street paper movement and his hopes for an exciting and dynamic future. Serge's colleague Richard Turgeon, L'Itineraire's Director of Strategic Development, Marketing and Communications also attended.

This event is the final of a series of special 15th anniversary celebrations for INSP, which took place throughout 2009, including a Civic Reception in Glasgow; the 14th annual conference and the second INSP awards in Norway. Click here for pictures of the event.

SNS internship available

2009-11-23T00:00:00.000Z

INSP is seeking a Street News Service intern to join the Glasgow team in January 2010.

TITLE:

Street News Service Intern

REPORTS TO:

Maree Aldam, Network Services Manager

PURPOSE:

To aid INSP in supporting its global membership of independent social media by collating, editing, posting, and distributing quality editorial content for exchange through its online news agency, the Street News Service (www.streetnewsservice.org).

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

Collate all submissions of news articles, features, and photographs contributed by INSP street paper members around the world.

Select and collate supplemental content from external partners, including Reuters, Inter Press Service, and international NGO bodies.

Format and copyedit all English-language submissions and ensure their applicability to regional and international audience.

Liaise with INSP staff and volunteer translators regarding article translations.

Write brief article summaries to aid INSP members in the selection of content.

Upload all material (text and photographs) to the Street News Service website.

Draft and distribute email feeds for each weekly edition, recognising contributors and highlighting notable articles as ‘Top Stories'

Monitor Street News Service usage, as needed

Communicate with member street papers to encourage use of the service

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Strong written communication skills.

Attention to detail and ability to work well independently.

Background in journalism strongly preferred.

TIME COMMITMENT:

23 hours per week for a 4-month period initially, with the possibility of extending the internship further. Availability on Mondays is essential, but other hours of work are flexible and can be both office and home-based.

TO APPLY:

Send your CV, a brief writing sample, and a cover letter telling us why you're interested in this opportunity to m.aldam@street-papers.org, by Friday 4th December.

START DATE:

Week commencing 11th January 2010.

This is an unpaid internship but a small bursary is provided.

INSP Staffing

2009-11-09T00:00:00.000Z

During INSP's face-to-face board meeting, Network Development Officer, Maree Aldam was promoted to Network Services Manager to reflect her increasing responsibilities over recent months.

In 2010 due to various funding successes, INSP is delighted to announce that 3 new staff will be hired, doubling INSP's current staff quota. These new positions will help to develop INSP's services to members and to expand its level of international activity and sustainability. The new positions will be: News Service Editor, African Regional Trainer and Marketing and Business Manager. All job descriptions will be advertised and circulated to members in due course.

INSP 2009 board meeting

2009-11-06T00:00:00.000Z

Left to right - Joanne Zuhl, Trudy Vlok,
Lisa Maclean, Serge Lareault, Michaela
Gründler and Arkady Tyurin. Photo
courtesy of The Herald

The board of INSP meets with the Executive Director Lisa Maclean every month by telephone conference and twice each year for a face-to-face meeting. This week, our 5 board members from Russia, USA, Canada, South Africa and Austria met with INSP staff in Glasgow for an important 4 day planning meeting. Staff and board reviewed the work and finances for 2008 - 2009; redrafted strategies on fundraising and marketing & communication; evaluated projects and partnerships; and drafted a new business plan and strategy for 2010 - 2012.

The INSP team were joined by various high profile lunch and dinner guests throughout the week, including David Schlesinger, Editor-in-Chief of Reuters and INSP Honorary President; Tom Thomson, Managing Editor of the Times and Herald Group; Roy Templeton, Head of Communications at BBC Scotland; Gillian Walsh from the Lord Provost's International Office; and Mary Lyden from the Scottish Government's 3rd Sector Division.

After 4 days of evaluating and planning, INSP is entering an exciting new phase. The Street News Service will relaunch next year with a bold public face and it's first-ever Editor; new funding will allow for greater support and capacity building for our projects in Africa; and innovative new plans for business development and marketing are underway.

At the end of the week, the board meeting finished on a very positive note, just in time for The Herald to feature the article 'The word on the street is that papers can make a difference' - about the success of the street paper model and INSP's work; and featuring interviews with Lisa and the board.

Click here for a picture gallery from the 2009 board meeting.

For more about INSP's board and staff click here.

INSP's intern programme

2009-09-24T00:00:00.000+01:00

Over the summer, INSP has worked with 8 interns and volunteers on various projects. This month sees a change as SNS intern Eoghan Macguire leaves. Eoghan has been working on the SNS project since February, but left earlier this month to start a masters programme in journalism at Cardiff University. Replacing Eoghan this month is Franck Martin a freelance journalist and a recent politics graduate of Glasgow University.

We also say farewell this month to interns Hazel Ferguson and Neil Barclay who worked with INSP for 3 months on a fundraising project. INSP staff would also like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to our regular team of volunteer translators who work on translating SNS articles, SNS feed, monthly bulletins and other member communication. Click here to view our current staff, board and volunteers.

INSP at the Homeless World Cup

2009-09-15T00:00:00.000+01:00

Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton
meeting Mel Young and some of the players

This year's Homeless World Cup took place in Milan from the 6th to the 13th of September. Ukraine were crowned this year's champions after defeating Portugal 5-4 in an exciting final. INSP staff Lisa Maclean and Maree Aldam spent 4 days at the event and met with representatives from 11 INSP street papers, who were there with their teams. Lisa and Maree also had meetings with 15 other individuals, to offer support for new or emerging street paper projects and promote the street paper concept.

Former SNS intern Danielle Batist was also in Milan as a freelance journalist and she covered the event on behalf of the Street News Service while she was there. You can see her blog here. Lisa and Maree also attended several VIP events with HWC staff, partners and sponsors. Maree also presented the INSP Networking Trophy - won this year by Belgium.

INSP was delighted that the final of this year's Homeless World Cup featured 2 teams managed by street papers. Ukraine (managed by The Way Home, Odessa) defeated Portugal (Managed by CAIS, Lisbon) by 5 goals to 4 in the exciting final.

Narrowly missing the final was Brazil, managed by the street paper OCAS - they came 3rd overall. The event ended with a distinctly Brazilian flavour as samba drummers celebrated the formal handing over from Milan to Rio de Janeiro for the 2010 Homeless World Cup. Check out the lively Brazilian team giving the crowds in Milan's Duomo Square a taste of what's to come at next year's event - click here.

Mel Young, President, Homeless World Cup and Former INSP Honorary President, closing the competition said: "Congratulations to the players. Your spirit of fair play, courage and determination is a true example to the human race".

Click here for INSP's gallery of pictures and click here for more pictures from the Homeless World Cup.

SNS funding news

2009-08-28T00:00:00.000+01:00

INSP recently learned that an independent media funding application made to the EU, in partnership with Inter Press Service (IPS) has been successful. INSP will be awarded some 400,000 Euros, over 3 years, as part of the 940,690 euro total. The project will focus on developing INSP's growing 'Street News Service' project and in particular encouraging the flow of development-related information from the global south to readers in Europe and beyond.

This is a huge development for INSP and a great outcome for our existing 2-year collaboration with IPS. The funding will mean exciting changes for the Street News Service: a new full-time staff person, new website and the development of a bold public face of our news service.

SNS intern position available

2009-07-09T00:00:00.000+01:00

INSP is seeking a Street News Service intern to join the Glasgow team on 7th September 2009.

TITLE:

Street News Service Intern

REPORTS TO:

Maree Aldam, Network Development Officer

PURPOSE:

Collate all submissions of news articles, features, and photographs contributed by INSP street paper members around the world

Select and collate supplemental content from external partners, including Reuters, Inter Press Service, and international NGO bodies

Format and copyedit all English-language submissions and ensure their applicability to regional and international audience

Liaise with INSP staff and volunteer translators regarding article translations

Write brief article summaries to aid INSP members in the selection of content

Upload all material (text and photographs) to the Street News Service website

Draft and distribute email feeds for each weekly edition, recognising contributors and highlighting notable articles as ‘Top Stories'

Monitor Street News Service usage, as needed

Communicate with member street papers to encourage use of the service

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Strong written communication skills

Attention to detail and ability to work well independently

Background in journalism strongly preferred

TIME COMMITMENT:

23 hours per week for at least a 3-month period. Availability on Fridays and Mondays is essential, but other hours of work are flexible and can be both office and home-based.

START DATE:

Monday 7th September 2009

TO APPLY:

Send your CV, a brief writing sample, and a cover letter telling us why you're interested in this opportunity to: m.aldam@street-papers.org

This is an unpaid internship but a small bursary may be provided.

2009 Post Conference Report now available!

2009-05-28T00:00:00.000+01:00

The report from the 14th annual conference is now available. A version for INSP members, complete with workshop notes and AGM minutes, will be emailed directly.

Click here to dowload the report.

INSP has a Glasgow-based internship available

2009-05-20T00:00:00.000+01:00

Individual Giving Fundraising Intern (3-4 month Internship)

REPORTS TO:

Helen Harvey, Fundraising Officer

PURPOSE:

To help to develop INSP's ‘Individual Giving' programme, specifically in relation to developing an international street paper subscription programme and ‘vendor sponsorship' scheme. As INSP carries out highly specialised work with a very small staff team, this position requires a highly motivated individual who has skills and abilities related to detail-oriented, day-to-day organisation, as well as proactive and creative fundraising drive and innovation.

ORGANISATIONAL OVERVIEW:

INSP supports street paper projects worldwide to create employment for homeless people. The network connects over 100 street papers in some 40 countries and supports new projects in the developing world. Through the network, street paper members receive advice, training, consultancy and access to funding and benefit from sharing resources, experience and mentoring.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

Conduct detailed research on potential markets for INSP's "Sponsor-a-Vendor" and "Street Paper Subscriptions" programmes

Contact INSP street paper members to gauge interest in both programmes

Work with INSP design volunteer to help to design adverts and sponsorship packs

Work towards presentation of the development of INSP's Individual Giving programme for board meeting in Autumn 2009

Manage own ongoing administration and organisational maintenance, as needed

Any other tasks deemed appropriate by the Director

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Strong written and oral communication skills

Attention to detail and ability to work well independently

Some marketing/ fundraising experience preferred

An interest in homelessness, international development and/or independent media desirable

TIME COMMITMENT:

2-4 days per week, depending on availability for a 3-4 month period.

LOCATION:

INSP c/o SCVO
Floor 3, Centrum Building
38 Queen Street, Glasgow G1 3DX
Telephone: 0141 225 8037 / Email: info@street-papers.org

This is an unpaid internship. A small stipend may be offered.

Apply by email to info@street-papers.org

Closing date: Friday 29th May. Interviews: week of Monday 1st June.

INSP Conference 2009

2009-05-19T00:00:00.000+01:00

From 12th - 16th May 2009, INSP brought together 94 delegates from 29 countries for its 14th Annual Conference and networking event. The conference was hosted in Bergen, on the west coast of Norway, in close partnership with local street paper Megafon. This was one of INSP's most exciting and inspiring conferences yet! A full conference report will be available here next week and various photographs and films are currently being compiled.

INSP's 2008 Annual Report is here!

2009-05-06T00:00:00.000+01:00

INSP's 2008 Annual Report is now available. This official report outlines INSP's objectives and activities throughout the 2008 calendar year.

Click here to dowload the PDF.

INSP's new Anniversary Members

2009-04-28T00:00:00.000+01:00

To launch its 15th Anniversary, INSP is publically celebrating five exceptional street papers which have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the development of the network, giving over and above, to develop the shared mission of the INSP. These remarkable street papers will form a new ‘Anniversary Membership', providing continued support and innovative leadership to advance the entire street paper movement.

They are: The Big Issue (UK), BISS (Germany), Surprise (Switzerland), L'Itineraire (Canada) andThe Big Issue Australia. The support of these papers will allow INSP to in turn support a growing network of enterprising projects throughout the world, in some of the poorest countries.

In return for their ongoing commitment to network sustainability, the ‘Anniversary Members' will be given a special place within the street paper network and will be more widely recognised for the ground-breaking work that they undertaken in their home countries. Read more.

News from INSP partner - Homeless World Cup

2009-04-20T00:00:00.000+01:00

A ball can change the world

48 nations announced for the Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup

Set in the heart of one of the most football passionate cities in the world

6-13 September 2009

20 April 2009, From 6-13 September 2009 the City of Milan will host 500 players from 48 nations at the 7th Homeless World Cup, the international football tournament using football to energise homeless people to change their own lives.

The 48 nations will represent all five continents of the globe, including Argentina to Brazil, England to Germany, Australia to Cambodia, Hong Kong to India, Ghana to Malawi. Italy, two times Homeless World Cup champions will be aiming to regain their championship glory in front of their home crowd.

A street soccer stadium built at the Arena Civic, Sempione Park, the historical venue of the very first Italian National game against France, will welcome an estimated 100,000 strong crowd during the tournament week. They will experience the true grit spirit and glory of street soccer with everything to play for, in the heart of one of the most football passionate nations and cities in the world.

The Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup is supported nationally by the Ministry of Youth, City of Milan, Province of Milan, The Lombardy Region, FIGC-Italian Football Federation, Cariplo Foundation, Inter Milan, Gazzetta dello Sport and it is one of the main events of the Milan European Capital of Sport 2009. International support comes from Nike, UEFA, Vodafone Foundation, United Nations, Global Ambassador Eric Cantona, Rio Ferdinand and Didier Drogba.

Mel Young, Founder & President, Homeless World Cup said: "The Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup is set in one of the most football passionate cities and nations in the world. This is a phenomenal opportunity for Italy and the City of Milan to unite and show the world the true, awesome power of football to change lives, to change the world. We are confident that the City and people of Milan are preparing a very special Homeless World Cup and in a few months time will provide a warm welcome to 48 nations to show the world that together, united, we can make a real difference."

There are one billion homeless people in the world, including 50,000 homeless people in Italy. Over 70% of players at the Homeless World cup experience a significant life change; coming off drugs and alcohol, moving into homes, jobs, education, training, repairing relationships, becoming coaches or players with semi-pro teams and social entrepreneurs. Since 2003 the Homeless World Cup has engaged over 100,000 players and has triggered football programmes in over 70 nations.

The Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup is dedicated to the memory of Candido Cannavò, renowned journalist at Gazetta dello Sport.

Visit www.homelessworldcup.it and www.homelessworldcup.org for more information.

Exclusive Civic Reception for INSP

2009-03-27T00:00:00.000Z

On the 25th March, the Lord Provost (Mayor) of Glasgow hosted an exclusive evening reception for INSP at Glasgow's City Chambers. The Lord Provost, who recently became the first-ever Patron of INSP, welcomed guests to the stunning venue, including INSP's new Honorary President, Editor-in-Chief of Reuters, David Schlesinger.

Among the high profile guests at the reception were representations from Scottish media, business and government. The Lord Provost provided guests with a warm welcome and talked passionately about why he is involved with INSP. He also launched his INSP Patron Corporate Friends' Scheme to commemorate INSP's 15th Anniversary, which was greeted with enthusiasm by the guests. The Lord Provost was followed by a spirited and inspiring address by David Schlesinger.

Guests then had opportunity to speak to INSP staff and network in the beautiful surroundings of the City Chambers, accompanied by music from a Celtic pianist. The successful evening began a process of raising awareness of INSP's work among a larger group of people and gaining more support for our work. This is the first of a series of special events in 2009 to mark INSP's 15th Anniversary year.

Click here for a gallery of images.

Images courtesy of Adeline Scott

Glasgow's Lord Provost is INSP's first-ever Patron

2009-03-03T00:00:00.000Z

INSP has been honoured by the public support of the city's Lord Provost Bob Winter, as he becomes the first-ever Patron. This follows last month's news of Thomson Reuters' Editor-in-Chief David Schlesinger being announced as the new Honorary President. These two prestigious appointments mark the beginning of INSP's 15th anniversary year.

Later this month, INSP's new Patron will host an exclusive Reception in Glasgow's City Chambers, inviting a key group of Scottish business leaders, political thinkers and media representatives to learn more about INSP's work. The event will be used to launch a series of special events to mark INSP's 15th Anniversary.

Click here for the press release.

INSP has a new Honorary President!

2009-01-23T00:00:00.000Z

INSP is delighted to announce that David Schlesinger, Editor-in-Chief of Thomson Reuters, has accepted the Honorary President position!

This year, among other things, Schlesinger's new role will have him take part in the high-level judging panel for INSP's annual International Street Paper Awards in Norway and facilitate further partnerships between INSP, business leaders and media representatives. While some may hesitate to undertake such an active voluntary position, Schlesinger is steadfast in his commitment to enabling poor and homeless people in their communities worldwide to have a voice and encounter new opportunities. This is a visionary to be proud of.

Speaking of his new appointment, Schlesinger explained, ‘INSP is an organisation I have been involved with for a few years now, both personally and through Thomson Reuters. I believe that INSP's street papers are a wonderful way for homeless people and people living in poverty to use self expression and publishing to better themselves and their position and I am truly honoured to have been asked to take on this role. I hope that together we can develop the innovative aims of this small, but highly ambitious organisation and help to nurture independent media in the UK and worldwide."

Click here for the press release.

2009 International Street Paper Awards

2009-01-05T00:00:00.000Z

The 2nd Annual International Street Paper Awards will be celebrated in May 2009, as a core part of INSP's Annual Conference, co-hosted by street paper member Megafon in Bergen, Norway.

Click here for application information.

For more information on supporting the 2009 awards click here.

Burundi consultancy training

2008-12-22T00:00:00.000Z

A 5-day INSP training event recently took place in Bujumbura in Burundi from the 15th - 19th December. INSP consultant Manoel Madeira from the street paper Macadam in France worked with staff, volunteers from the Burundian Association for Sport and Culture (ABSC). The event was also attended by prospective vendors of what will be Burundi's first-ever street paper.

Consultancy training in Kenya

2008-11-03T00:00:00.000Z

INSP Consultant Bonnie Olson, Seattle, ran a 5-day consultancy and training week in Nairobi with 6 members of The Big Issue Kenya team. She helped to re-organise the project and to hire a more diverse Board of Directors to provide further support to the local group.

INSP consultant Bonnie Olson with the group in Kenya

Scottish Government fund Malawi's first-ever street paper

2008-10-31T00:00:00.000Z

INSP received great funding news this month. The Scottish Government has awarded a 3-year grant to help support INSP partner, ‘Cultural Awakening Society' in Malawi. The project will build upon the initial INSP street paper development training held in August. Preparations for the launch of Malawi's first-ever street paper are now underway and the local team are delighted by the funding news and are ready to go!

INSP Board Meeting

2008-10-08T00:00:00.000+01:00

The second face-to-face board meeting of this year took place in Glasgow at the end of September. All members of the board attended the 4-day meeting, along with INSP staff. The packed schedule made for a constructive meeting with very positive outcomes, incorporating members' views and feedback.

INSP's focus is now on pushing forward with the Marketing and Fundraising plans to ensure that the network continues to grow and develop. Throughout the week, we also had the opportunity to meet with some of INSP funders and partners from Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government. We also met with INSP's lawyer Ian Meiklejohn and former INSP Honorary President Mel Young.

To read more about INSP accountability click here.

2008 Conference

2008-06-30T16:54:00.000+01:00

INSP's 13th Annual Conference 2008: ‘Speaking from the Ground Up: Street Papers Challenging Global Perspectives on Poverty' was held in Glasgow, Scotland - INSP's global headquarters.

This year's event also featured the first-ever ‘International Street Paper Awards,' celebrating the fantastic work of INSP publications from around the world. It took take place at the prestigious Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow. See the Conference Report for details of the winners.

2008 conference delegates