Homelessness directly affects one's health. In London, for example, life expectancy among homeless people is more than 25 years lower than the national average.
Campaigns
While many street papers campaign on behalf of the needs and rights of their homeless vendors at the local level, INSP provides a unique forum for collective advocacy among its global membership. INSP campaigns encourage local street papers and concerned readers to speak out against threats to the rights of poor and vulnerable people and promote more forward-thinking and equitable decision-making across the world.
You can get involved with member campaigns here.
INSP's next big campaign is still in the works - please check back again soon to get involved. To subscribe to campaign alerts, click here. For more information on INSP campaigns, please contact us
Campaign Spotlight:
Hate Crimes Against the Homeless
It is said that one can judge a society on how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. INSP receives ongoing reports of violent abuse against homeless individuals in street paper cities around the world. INSP unites our members to raise public awareness of this issue, to pressure governments to act swiftly and justly and to put an end to this senseless and sickening trend.
World Poverty Day
For several years, INSP member papers have come together to jointly publish a powerful front cover in honour of World Poverty Day on 17th October. This campaign cover aims to remind the world's street paper readers, their governments and partners about a collective responsibility to bring an end to extreme poverty around the world. Click here for examples of past street paper World Poverty Day Covers.
Supporting INSP Colleagues
INSP also rallies against threats to the rights and advancement of our street paper colleagues around the world. In June 2008, INSP members and supporters spoke out against the UK government's decision to deny our Zimbabwean colleague an entry visa to attend INSP's 13th Annual Conference in Glasgow and strengthen connections with his peers. Click here to read INSP's call for action.
INSP also forms external alliances with powerful decision-making bodies and activist networks, connecting street papers with opportunities to inform social policy and campaign for global justice. Partners include:
- CIVICUS
- European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN)
- Network of International Development Organisations Scotland (NIDOS)
- The United Nations (INSP holds NGO Roster Consultative Status)
- UNESCO Scotland
- Whiteband End Poverty Campaign (GCAP)
(Image courtesy of BISS)