INSP's new Anniversary Members

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

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.

Exclusive Civic Reception for INSP

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

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!

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.