Good Morning!
I'm excited to share that South Carolina Public Radio, a local NPR affiliate, broadcast a story yesterday about a Speak Up writing workshop we facilitated earlier this week at the York County Library in Rock Hill.
The written article is terrific, but the broadcast piece especially is worth your time. It does a superb job of sharing the real voices of people on the streets. You’ll hear from Ben, Thomas, Mark, and Naomi:
Folks facing homelessness get a voice in Rock Hill – their own
Here's an excerpt from reporter and producer Scott Morgan:
The aim is not just to pay people for their work, it’s also to give them agency; a voice, where voicelessness and invisibility are the norm.
Sitting among these writers, it’s impossible to not be moved by their experiences; angered by how so many people make them feel; and struck by how they completely do not see their situation as the defining characteristic of their lives. When prompted to write “I am,” the writers say things like “worthy,” “blessed,” “optimistic,” and “strong.”
Be sure to click the “Listen” button in the article to hear those powerful voices.
It is such a privilege to help draw out these voices and stories!
Update: that one-off writing workshop is now going to become a weekly event. We are extremely grateful to York County Library Rock Hill for the inspired, generous partnership.
We’re now also hosting a weekly online writing workshop for our homeless friends who are dispersed around the country. More details.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Would you like to see an in-person writing workshop for people facing homelessness in your community? Start one with Speak Up—from anywhere. Learn more.
Things are moving quickly for Speak Up. Over the last month we've worked with more writers and street entrepreneurs than during any other month in the previous five years! The enthusiasm I'm seeing from new friends on the streets is genuinely humbling.
These two recent pieces are just a taste of what’s coming:
Needed From You
Will you further amplify this work by donating to Speak Up today?
Your tax-deductible gift strengthens and accelerates this work.
Two big giving needs:
General support — This keeps the ship sailing, covers all our operating expenses. Click the link for more details and to give.
More Speak Up in 2024 — Campaign to to pay writers and print magazines. Demand to write for Speak Up is at an all-time high, we need more funding for this project.
Thanks for reading, listening, and taking the time!
Thank you,
Matt Shaw
Executive Director