Another ministry I cannot forgot to tell you about was when I worked with Jeepney Magazine, while I was in the Philippines. The founder and his wife, Bill & Debbie Shaw, are originally from Traverse City, MI (therefore, I knew I was going to like them right away). They saw a need within the homeless community in the Philippines and knew it couldn’t be ignored. I’d like to share with you a little more about this organization and if at the end of this blog you feel that you would want to help in some way you can check out their web site: www.thejeepney.com. You can even subscribe to this social justice magazine and have it sent to your home from their U.S. office in MI.
To understand the magazine even further, you should know that Jeepney is a member of the International Network of Street Papers, a global consortium of 100 magazines and papers that provides job opportunities and an alternative media voice. Fifty to ninety percent of the cover price goes directly to the homeless vendor selling the paper. The magazine has one overriding goal to create and provide jobs for the homeless community that meets or exceeds the minimum wage.
Jeepney puts into practice real and effective entrepreneurship, while providing street and homeless people capital in the way of magazines. They provide training and education on direct sales. Their self-employed vendors learn the value of saving. They learn how to set sales goals. They learn how to relate and interact with people and most importantly, they experience a sense of dignity and self worth.
Street papers are a new idea in Asia. They have proven themselves in Europe, North and South America, Africa and Australia, as a viable method of poverty alleviation. Jeepney is the first street paper among Asian’s developing countries. “Street papers” have been recognized as an effective way, to reintegrate, homeless people and those trapped in drug and alcohol addictions back into society.
During my time in the Philippines I, along with Noe and Luann, accompanied several of Jeepney’s staff on an outing to try and recruit more street vendors. Our venture led us to Old Manila, which is a beautiful part of the Philippines. While we were trying to recruit vendors (a task far harder than I ever expected), we also handed the magazine out to spread the word and inform people about Jeepney. I was thankful to accompany them that day to better understand what all goes into making street papers work. It is an excellent magazine that highlights everyday life in the Philippines. It highlights social justice issues, cooking, fashion and so much more. The magazine is a great way to catch a glimpse of the true Philippines.
Jeepney is published by Urban Opportunities for Change Foundation, Inc., a non-stock foundation. Much of the staff including the Executive Director, Design Director and photojournalist, are unpaid volunteers. This is a social enterprise for the poor. For more information, or to check out the magazine, feel free to check out their website! In the next issue you will see the work of several World Racers and their ministry with Jeenpney.
