Take, for instance, the fact that 1Matters‘ Ken Leslie is on his way this afternoon with a team of folks to interview musician John Mellencamp, who’s in Windsor, ON, for a concert. For those unfamiliar with the story, Mellencamp’s 2007 rather impromptu visit to Tent City inspired the vision of 1Matters, which happens to be our fiscal agent. We’re excited to hear what Mellencamp has to say about his music, his upcoming album release, and where his heart is on the issues of homelessness and poverty.

Also in the works is a permanent office location for Toledo Streets! This will be a huge step forward for our vendor program in having a place with regular business hours for our vendors to pick up papers, get oriented, and so on. We’ll keep you posted, because I’m sure we’ll make a big deal out of it when it happens! I do know that once we get situated, we’ll need volunteers willing to “run” the office and assist vendors.

And, since it’s been almost a year since the last NASNA conference, that means it’s time for this year’s conference. We’re headed out on Thursday, July 29th to Chicago to join the rest of North America’s street papers to network, share ideas, and become better sources of income for our vendors, and better sources of news for our readers.

We’re also working on our subscription program, plans on World Homeless Day, and continuing to develop relationships with Northwest Ohio’s homeless services and advocacy groups.

Thanks for your support over the last year as we’ve formed the paper, produced and distributed it. Our actual anniversary is in October. Did someone say party?

And one last thing: we’re in the red, like many other non-profits. 1Matters continues to generously fund us, but can’t continue to do so indefinitely. You can support us two ways: through buying an ad (contact me for ad sizes and pricing – amanda at toledostreets dot org) or through a donation. Checks should be made out to 1Matters.org, with Toledo Streets in the memo, and sent to 3722 Anderson Parkway, Toledo, OH 43613. Or you can donate online through PayPal.

Thanks for whatever you can give, because…

THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS SMALL CHANGE.

In retrospect, I wish I’d spent more time thinking out the vendor program. I knew this was an area of weakness for me, but as the time grew shorter, the urgency to wrap up the first edition and get the paper out became more important. And I trusted things would fall into place.

In some ways they have – it appears the mayor’s office is going to recognize we are a non-profit and waive vendor fees; with exactly two weeks to go, we found a great spot for distributing the paper complete with an articulate individual who was a Street Roots vendor in Portland; the launch party was a success in the amount of enthusiastic friends and supporters who showed up and seemed genuinely happy with the quality of the paper; the local press has been supportive with The Toledo Free Press running a story on us a day after our launch, and The Blade calling me today with a few questions.

Another issue, too, is the lack of a subscription program. Folks who don’t make it downtown regularly but still want the paper have no way of getting it and supporting a vendor. The suggestion is to post the issue online at the same time it hits the streets. But that doesn’t really make for a subscription program. Fortunately, both Andy Freeze at NASNA and my good friend Ken Leslie of 1Matters have given me good ideas. Stay tuned…

So, the need for a person to run the vendor program remains. After talking with Andy, the ideal would be to have two or three orientation options for potential vendors. We have Wednesday nights at The Black Cherry (5:45pm). I’ve toyed with the idea of a Saturday orientation right after Food For Thought, preferably at the library, but I don’t know how available meeting space is at the library on a regular basis. My issue is I won’t be able to start it until November 7th – I will be out of town for the memorial service of a family member this Saturday the 24th, and the following weekend is Tent City. Another good time to have something would be a weekday morning. This option is definitely out for me to run, considering my 8-5 M-F job.

In more “positive” news, we’re already working on our second issue and have a set editorial calendar for the rest of the year. Which, considering that’s now less than 2.5 months, is not all that impressive. But – it’s a start.

Until next time, friends -

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS SMALL CHANGE!

Amanda

“Last July, Street Speech in Columbus, Ohio, had a circulation of 800. In July of 2009, Street Speech had increased their circulation to 7,600. These are just a few examples of how street newspapers throughout North America are beating the odds by increasing circulation and offering a helping hand to those on the street.”

“The Caleb House is a new home being built by the community that will be used for supportive transitional housing for men who are ready to take the next step to independence. Thank you to all who are donating their time, talents, and materials.”

Those participating in [the] ceremony included Paul DeWitt, Eaton Corporation; Jim Moline, Moline Builders – volunteer contractor; Miller Brothers; Mayor Finkbeiner; Dan Rogers, President & CEO of Cherry Street Mission Ministries; Christine B. Dziad, The Anderson Fund; Councilmemer Michael Ashford; Bob McCann, current guest at Cherry Street; and Jamie Schmitz, Board Chairman. (Not able to attend: Stranahan Foundation.)

As I sincerely hope this list may help anyone else trying to start a street paper in their city, and as I also very sincerely hope someone may come along, read this, and contact me to say, “Hey, I can help with item X on your list,” here is what still needs done.

Things to do for Toledo Streets

• Budget
• Claddaugh Inn appetizer party – invitees, date, method of invite
• Networking
• Blade issue
• Tent City feature story interview, photography

- Inaugural issue stories:

• Tent City (Ken, ?)
• Candidates on Toledo Poverty – research; web sites; quotes
• Hoboscope – contact Lemley @ Nashville Contributor
• Henry’s column – name; find volunteer/ghost writer; create guidelines
• Faith column – decide length; email Dan
• Interview with vendor – um, GET VENDORS (see below)
• Letter from editor
• Resources page
• Puzzle
• Guest articles – find writers

- Blog:

• Post first entry on toledostreets.org (done!
• Update streetpaperdiaries.blogspot.com (done!)
• Start double-posting both blogs (begin with this list) (done!)

- Collateral:

• Develop ad guidelines/rates
• Develop press kit for advertisers
• Develop press kit for media/public
• Write/design brochure – general info for donors, advertisers, etc.
• Design vendor recruitment flyer (see Street Roots example from conference)
• Design artist (writers, poets, photographers) recruitment flyer; BLOG IT!

- Vendors:

• Contact Cherry Street facility managers – times for recruitment; orientation
• Introduce Toledo Streets to other area shelters/service organizations
• Code of Conduct (see Street Sense)
• Get city maps (parking authority?) – central biz district, warehouse district, uptown, etc.

- Miscellaneous:

• Develop donor program (put on site)
• More printing quotes
• Write and post Editorial Stance on site
• Research grant opportunities – Toledo Community Foundation & Knight News Service?
• Google Donate button on site?
• Facebook’s Causes (maybe do on site instead of Google Donate? clash with 1Matters?)
• Follow up with remaining “wish list” for advisory board
• Set up financial program for tracking $ – Janice

“Nationwide, government figures show that 1.6 million homeless people received shelter last year, largely unchanged from 2007, but the number of families increased 9% to 517,000.”

Cherry Street is looking for furniture – couches, beds, chairs, tables. If you have something to donate, please contact them at 419.321.1835.

Editor’s note: I had a chance to spend a little bit of time with Tasha French and Mark Lemley of The Contributor while at the NASNA Conference in Denver. Tasha and Mark were very patient and helpful, and have continued to be so as Toledo Streets works on its own launch.