Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community.
History
As many long-time Denver residents may recall, the original Denver VOICE was a grassroots newspaper created in large part by homeless people for homeless people. During its 10-year span, the paper went through numerous transformations and reincarnations, and in the spring of 2006 it temporarily ceased publication.
Several years ago, Rick Barnes, a Denver businessman and philanthropist, began having conversations with homeless individuals he encountered on his way to his office near the 16th Street Mall. Moved by their stories, he felt compelled to ensure that the voice of the homeless would once again be heard. He researched the operations of other street papers around the country and began to take the steps necessary to revive the Denver VOICE.
Today
In June 2007, our new staff, comprised of journalists and artists, began working with Rick Barnes to revive and recreate the Denver VOICE. Our first issue was published in August, and we have been publishing a monthly issue since then.
The Denver VOICE, a nonprofit street paper, now reaches a much broader audience than the original paper, which primarily targeted the homeless population. The new paper is designed to be of interest to EVERYONE who lives or works in Denver. This is not a political paper, and we do not use the VOICE to further a particular position on issues or policies. The paper is a true journalistic effort that presents well-researched coverage on issues related to homelessness and poverty. Additionally, the VOICE publishes editorials, personal essays, poetry and original art by people who have lived or currently are living on the streets.
Our vendor program is a critical component of the Denver VOICE. By offering employment opportunities to homeless individuals, we empower people by providing a source of income that can help individuals work their way out of homelessness. Our vendors are comprised of homeless individuals who buy the paper for 25 cents and sell the Denver VOICE for a dollar donation to the public. Within the first few weeks of beginning our vendor program, several vendors were able to make enough to get themselves off the streets and into housing.
Live Music by State Bird (NYC), Mad Happy (Miami), BDRMPPL, Laura Goldhammer and Tanukis with photography by Hanna Quevado
Tea Party and Potluck!
Free Giveaways!
The Free Boutique provides high-end, fashion-forward, spot-on, FREE (yes, that's right) clothes to the general public, ie: you! To kick-start our grand opening we're holding a day of donation gathering, free clothes to pick and choose from, free tailoring/alteration services to trick out your new duds, plus tea, snacks, music, and more! Bring the casualties of your spring cleaning to us!
When: April 6th, 3:00pm Donation Tea Party, 6:00pm Show and Potluck (donations accepted all day!) Where: Brooks Arts Center (14th and Williams) Why: Because We Like You Cover: Please bring 3 or more items or $5 optional donation (for the Brooks Art Center)
!!!!IMPORTANT!!!! ARTIST SHOWCASE FROM 6-7pm; SWAP IS from 7-8pm. FOR THE SWAP, BRING ART OR ART SUPPLIES TO TRADE.....EVEN IF ALL YOU HAVE IS A SAD PACK OF GOOGLY EYES OR A BROKEN CRAYON. FREE FREE FREE! SNACKS!!!
Thanks for being our friend and welcome to Friends of Common Tables on MySpace!!
Common Tables exists to offer the world an alternative to bias, bigotry, racism and religious intolerance. We use education and small group interactions as tools to increase global harmony, lower perceived barriers and to promote respect and understanding between traditionally disconnected communities.
Your appearance as a Friend of Common Tables on MySpace is an important step towards our goal of demonstrating that there are in fact hundreds of millions of people on this planet who sincerely care about global harmony.
The world needs you!!
Thanks again, Dave & Kay Corby, Founders Common Tables Interfaith Initiative www. CommonTables. org
P.S. Please take a few minutes to check us out. If our grass-roots initiative makes sense to you, we encourage you to tell all of your friends about us and to encourage them to also become MySpace Friends of Common Tables.
All groups and individuals are welcome to attend the upcoming Denver Green Party meeting this coming Monday the 18th of February at the Mercury Café(2199 California St. (303) 294-9281) at 6:30pm. Come join other grassroots activists, environmentalists, advocates for social justice, nonviolent resisters and regular citizens who've had enough of corporate-dominated politics.
