2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER Why street newspapers? Street newspapers are produced, purchased, and sold by the homeless and those facing poverty. These newspapers provide a source of income and a platform to interact and build relationships in the community. Street newspapers mainly focus on topics concerning homelessness, poverty, local issues and events. Publications such as these provide communities with a unique perspective for readers on topics and issues of being unhoused and/or facing financial hardship. Street newspapers are non-profits; the community itself can be involved through volunteering their time and services. Students from various colleges and universities also do their internships at these publications. The homeless and the community at large provide the community with a wide perspective for the reader's enjoyment. Like any other publication, street newspapers provide advertising opportunities for local businesses and organizations. These publications are a part of a MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 street newspaper syndicate called International Network of Street Papers. INSP supports a network of 92 street papers, in 35 countries, published in 25 languages. • 3.2 million readers worldwide. • 904 volunteers worldwide supporting our network • Over 390,000 people in poverty supported since the first street paper was published in 1989 • 5,730 vendors sell street papers at any one time • 13.15 million street papers were sold across the world in 2021 • 1,350 towns and cities had a street paper presence in 2021 I would like to talk about my experience as a street newspaper vendor and writer. There is an old saying, "Life is what you make it.” This is true when working for a street paper. In the beginning, I was oblivious to the true meaning and purpose of a street newspaper, and the possibilities this occupation would lead me to. Before becoming a full time vendor at Groundcover News, I was a cab driver for over ten years in Ann Arbor. Being a driver and selling newspapers are a lot alike; you communicate with the public daily. That is what I like most about these two jobs. It took me some time to find my voice as a street paper vendor. After jumping in the water and getting my feet wet, I finally got my pitch down pat. Once you learn how to vibe and communicate with the public, one should have no problem making money and new friends. Just like any other job or occupation there are a lot of ups and downs. At times it can be like riding an emotional rollercoaster. Some days are great and others MAY 31, 2024 not so great; the same with cab driving. When things are good I go home and reflect on the good day. When things don't go so well, I make my way home to meditate and write. Bad weather doesn't help the cause of street newspaper vendors; the best time to sell is when the sun is shining and the weather is nice, at least tolerable. There are other financial opportunities within these publications structures through means of: writings, recordings, workshops, and through different public engagements. I find this very helpful in two ways: first, it helps make ends meet, and second allows vendors to explore their creative inner self. I like to write and street newspapers allow all voices to be heard; that’s one of the many special things about these publications. By becoming a street newspaper vendor and participant you won’t get rich anytime soon, but you will find yourself engaged in a way with your fellow vendors and community that surpasses any purchase, monetary donation or gift. By becoming a street paper vendor, I landed on the greatest ship that ever sailed: friendship! PROVIDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF-DETERMINED INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY POVERTY, PRODUCING A STREET NEWSPAPER THAT GIVES A PLATFORM TO UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES IN WASHTENAW COUNTY, PROMOTING AN ACTION TO BUILD A JUST, CARING AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Hanan Husein — intern ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Teresa Basham Roberto Isla Caballero Jim Clark Ian Earl Cindy Gere Hosea Hill Mike Jones Tabitha Ludwig Jane Reilly Ken Parks Wayne Sparks GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 CONTACT US PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Zachary Dortzbach Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Robert Klingler Simone Masing Emily Paras Caelan Saunders Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Emily Yao Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO OLD ISSUES + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons
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