What shedia is

Shedia is the only Greek street paper.

Street papers are not sold at the usual press points (newsagents’ etc.) but in the city’s streets by approved vendors.

Vendors come from vulnerable population groups: homeless, long-term unemployed and other people experiencing extreme poverty and social exclusion. The cover price is € 5.00, out of which € 2.70 (out of which € 1.64 is net) goes directly to the vendor, allowing them the dignity to earn a small income to cover some of their basic needs. It goes on sale every last Wednesday of each month, eleven times a year (with the exception of August).

What else shedia is

In addition to being a special opportunity for people experiencing social exclusion to ensure a decent income and rebuild their lives, shedia is a means of activation and social (re)integration.

Shedia is also an independent journalistic source of information and an instrument in the fight against all forms of social exclusion. It gives voice to the weak and is part of the solution in the effort to combat poverty and social exclusion.

What shedia is not

Shedia is not a form of begging. Vendors do not beg, but sell a street paper that they have previously bought in order to make a living with dignity. The paper’s code of conduct does not allow vendors to beg. This is the case for all street papers around the world. Shedia is not charity. Readers pay € 5 to buy a notable magazine that deals with a wide range of issues, but also has a clear social orientation.

The street paper

Shedia is an independent paper. It is characterised by independent reporting, optimism and subversive humour. It is a general interest street paper focusing on various subjects of interest to citizens and the society, including news reports, articles,

analyses and commentary on the political, social and sporting life of Greece, as well as articles on cultural topics, gastronomy and so on. The editorial team of shedia is made up of both young and more experienced professional journalists, photographers, cartoonists and commentators who work in line with the basic principles of objective and independent journalism.

Shedia is a member of the International Network of Street Papers (www.street-papers.org).

The International Network of Street Papers

The International Network of Street Papers (INSP, www.ngo.org) numbers more than 112 street papers published in 34 countries, from Australia to South Korea and from Sweden to Chile. Total readership exceeds 6.000.000 readers per publication worldwide.

Since it was founded, in 1994, the International Network of Street Papers has offered its support to more than 240.000 homeless people and individuals experiencing poverty and social exclusion.

The world’s first contemporary street paper (Street News) was born in New York in 1989. The Big Issue was first published in London in 1991 and is considered by many to be the flagship of street paper movement.

“112 street papers, 34 countries, 5 continents, 1 voice united against poverty” is the motto of the International Network of Street Papers.

How can someone become a vendor?

Vendors may be individuals who:
• Are homeless or reside in emergency housing, temporary or precarious dwellings.
• Are unemployed or earn less than minimum wage.
• Live below the poverty line.
• Are over 16 years old.