Street Papers in the News

I had a good meeting with Tom Crothers yesterday afternoon. It was exciting to see what some folks are trying to do downtown to make Toledo a more vibrant city. I also appreciated Tom's directness regarding his organization's (and the city's) approach toward panhandling. Thankfully, street paper vendors aren't panhandlers. However, Toledo does have some laws on the books that need "our" greater understanding. But, as Tom said, laws can be changed...

I need to speak with Andy Freeze again and update him on what I've learned, ask some more questions, and see if NASNA can help me strategize regarding the laws. In the brief time I've been talking to him, Andy and NASNA have been a great resource.

I attended a "strongly encouraged" informational meeting this morning with the Center for Nonprofit Rescources regarding their capacity grants. I must admit some intimidation, both with the grant process and with the short time-frame, on my part as I have not done an RFP before and I'm in the somewhat unique situation of just starting out.

To wrap up this post of random updates, here are some links to great recent articles regarding street papers and vendors.

An overview of street papers by a University of Florida Student.

This story in the Chicago Tribune made me cry.

And another great story about how vending a street paper is changing a couple's life (interesting to note Nashville also has anti-panhandling laws).

Remember...

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS SMALL CHANGE.