Social Heroes: Urban Ex
“Social Heroes” is Alternavox Magazine’s attempt to bring forth those in our communities that are making a genuine difference in the lives of others. Among others: Social workers, social activists, exceptional volunteers, NGO’s and truly all those that take that extra step to give of themselves. Ultimately it is that unique breed of people that make it worth living in a big metropolis.
Our very first “Social Heroes” choice is none other than the incredibly unique and creative outfit “Urban Ex”. I must admit that when I first met them I was so overwhelmed with the scope of their idea that it took me some time to make sense of it all, but the more I heard the more I convinced myself that they are up to something of genuine consequence and a unique way to open all of our eyes to issues of social justice and how we see ourselves in relation to our social environments.
While many organizations focus on the structural causes of social issues, and rightfully so, I have a feeling that Urban Ex is also very much interested in the human interaction aspect of it all, which makes them quite unique.
The core of Urban Ex comes from two very charming individuals, Em Johnson (Founder/Director) and Alan Waugh (Associate Director) who are the faces and hearts of UrbanEx. This is what they have to say: Read the story »
Publisher-Creator Mikhail Saavedra began life down by the deepest tip of southern Latin America. He started life with a deep curiosity for all things, with music and books being at the forefront, a curious child by all accounts. As he grew and opened his eyes to the world, he developed a sense of justice and dignity in part as a reaction to growing up in a military dictatorship. Alas, this did not fill him with fear or cynicism but a more rebellious spirit, which led him to being incredibly popular at the principal’s office and the local riot police department….
Then came Canada and it was here that he was able to formulate his deep desire to learn about the world, with Toronto being the kind of multicultural soup that could engage his need to know and embrace. It started with writing, then moved on to what became Toronto’s first Latin Alternative radio show, followed by an all-English show in the same vein. It was this desire to find the true “crossover” among people, which led him to the concept of “Alternavox”
He is a lover of wine, good food, Neruda, Eduardo Galeano, rebel music, revolutionaries, dancing, family and beautiful people. Believes that kindness in this much too cynical world is revolutionary, that you are a better person when able to give a little without asking for the change and that on the same token you should laugh at yourself and the madness surrounding you as often as possible as you set out to change the world bit by bit. 