Vendor program
The Denver Voice is committed to be an agent of social change by empowering homeless, impoverished and transient individuals through our Vendor Program. The Denver Voice was founded on the idea that poverty and homelessness are not simply the problems of individuals directly affected. Instead, we believe that the community has a responsibility to address the root causes of these social issues. Building community is essential to social change. Together we can work toward eliminating the origins of homelessness and increasing the quality of life for everyone in the community. All people have the right to dignity. The Denver Voice Vendor Program assists homeless, transient and impoverished people reclaim that right.
Structure
The Vendor Program is the main source of distribution of the Denver Voice. This is how it works…
After completing a mandatory Vendor Orientation, where vendors sign a code of conduct and are given a T-shirt, a vendor ID badge and 10 free papers, official vendors are able to purchase the Denver Voice for 25 cents each at our distribution centers. Then, they sell the paper to the public for a $1 donation. The difference in cost (75 cents) is theirs to keep. Vendors are accountable for their commitment to the Denver Voice. They are also encouraged to hold the DV accountable to our commitment to them.
Vendor commitment to the Denver Voice
Each person who decides to become a vendor is required to sign and commit to the Vendor Code of Conduct. Violation of this Code of Conduct, or of the rules described in the Orientation, may result in suspension or termination.
- Vendors must be sober while they represent the Denver Voice to the public. Drug or alcohol use while selling the paper is not allowed. If you appear intoxicated or smell of alcohol, we will not sell you papers.
- Please be respectful of others while selling the Denver Voice and while you are in the office. Abusive language or threatening behavior of any form is not acceptable. You represent the Denver Voice and reflect upon all of us while you sell the paper.
- Vendors must wear their Denver VOICE Badge in a clearly visible manner while they sell the paper.
- The Denver Voice Badge, and the papers you buy, cannot be loaned or given to another vendor.
- Do not fight with other vendors or panhandlers over turf. Either agree to share space, or find somewhere else to go.
Denver Voice commitment to our Vendors
The Denver Voice is committed to empowering our vendors by creating an opportunity to earn an income, giving them the ability to effectively communicate their stories to the community, providing a support group of dedicated staff and volunteers who recognize and appreciate their efforts, and by referring them to services that can help them meet their needs. We are committed to quality, professionalism and accountability in everything we do.
Ready to get started? Become a vendor.
Vendor profile
Raelene Johnson
Raelene Johnson was the featured guide in a student film about homelessness in Boulder that premiered at CU on April 30. Johnson was a perfect ambassador for the young film crew because of her two years of experience living on the streets of Boulder. The students, who ranged in age from 18 to 23, had hoped to spend 48 hours on the street, but lacked the stamina and fortitude of Johnson and only managed to make it 24 hours.
Johnson showed them the ropes and provided encouragement when the students couldn’t manage to sell the Denver Voice and when morale was down. “Even when someone says something rude or mean, tell them to ‘Have a blessed day,’” she told them.
She showed them how to ask for a donation for the Denver Voice, but they only managed to sell six papers while Johnson got 56 papers into the hands of Boulderites (and made nearly $100). They spent a cold, but relatively comfortable night on the streets. Because of Johnson’s care and resourcefulness, they even had some wholesome bread from a Wild Oats dumpster for breakfast.
Johnson is 51 years young and first came to Boulder when she was 15 after she escaped her abusive home life in Virginia. She has since lived all over, and most recently returned to Boulder from Virginia, yet again, to get a fresh start. She loves it there.
She holds down two other jobs in addition to collecting donations for the Denver Voice. Johnson is an intern at the Carriage House, a community center for the homeless, in downtown Boulder. She also cleans office buildings. Johnson has been homeless more than over two years and she has been selling the Denver Voice since January.
Optimistic is how Johnson describes herself and her future. She loves living in Boulder and is excited about new opportunities.