Vendor for a Day Program
Unfortunately, construction in the Street Sense offices has made it impossible for the Vendor for a Day Program to be held for the next few months.
The program will begin again on February 1, 2012.
For information or to book a spot for after the restart of the program, please contact Allen Hoorn at manager@streetsense.org.
“Thank you so much for welcoming my teens and me into your Street Sense family yesterday. My 19 volunteers all had meaningful experiences, and we had a great morning/afternoon with Reggie.” – Rachel Hillman, DC BBYO
Give your students a hands-on learning experience about homelessness by participating in Street Sense’s Vendor For A Day (VFAD) Program!
One big family: students pose with vendors after the VFAD program
What is VFAD?
VFAD is a program in which student groups in the D.C. area sell Street Sense papers for a day as a way to have a meaningful, personal learning experience about homelessness and poverty. These groups come from all over the country, and from many different cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.
Time and Schedule of Events:
VFAD is a three hour program that runs from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM, but can be modified to fit your schedule. Arrangements can be made through Street Sense Community Development and Program Manager Allen Hoorn at 202-347-2006 or manager@streetsense.org. A typical day’s schedule is generally as follows:
10:00 AM: Introduction and orientation led by a volunteer or staff member. This meeting will cover a brief introduction to homeless and some of the stereotypes people hold about homelessness, the history and mission of Street Sense, and the protocol for selling the paper. Students will also hear a personal story from a vendor volunteer who will serve as their guide.
11:00 AM: Sales. A Street Sense vendor will take small groups (7-10 students per vendor) out to sell papers.
12:30 PM: Debriefing and Reflections.
Who can participate? Student groups from middle school to college level are welcome.
Where: Students meet at the Street Sense office at 1317 G Street NW, and accompany a vendor to their selling location.
Note: This event takes place rain or shine, so students should dress for the weather. Water bottles are highly recommended, particularly in the summer months.
Check out a YouTube video fromConcord University Bonner Scholars to get a taste of their experiences! For more videos about the Vendor for a Day Program and Street Sense in general, check out our YouTube channel!
