It’s been almost 35 years since a group of peace advocates, friends of Toronto human rights activist Maggie Helwig, invaded a national journalism conference and inspired me on a quest for new models of journalism. Must we always exploit division and polarization? Or can we help find ways to heal communities?
Twenty-three years ago, with their advice in mind, I launched SooToday, envisioning it as an experiment in that direction.
When I wrote about this in a 2011 Facebook post, I wasn’t sure I was anywhere even close to achieving my initial vision.
But I see SooToday Spaces, developed under the leadership of our CEO Jeff Elgie, as a promising first step in a new direction.
Today, the Rev. Canon Maggie Helwig (yes, we’re related) is an Anglican priest, Canadian poet, novelist and a fierce defender of homeless citizens encamped outside her Church of St. Stephen in-the-Fields in Toronto’s Kensington Market.
Her 16th book, Encampment: Resistance, Grace, and an Unhoused Community, was released this week by Coach House Books.
It’s been almost 35 years since a group of peace advocates, friends of Toronto human rights activist Maggie Helwig, invaded a national journalism conference and inspired me on a quest for new models of journalism. Must we always exploit division and polarization? Or can we help find ways to heal communities?
Twenty-three years ago, with their advice in mind, I launched SooToday, envisioning it as an experiment in that direction.
When I wrote about this in a 2011 Facebook post, I wasn’t sure I was anywhere even close to achieving my initial vision.
But I see SooToday Spaces, developed under the leadership of our CEO Jeff Elgie, as a promising first step in a new direction.
Today, the Rev. Canon Maggie Helwig (yes, we’re related) is an Anglican priest, Canadian poet, novelist and a fierce defender of homeless citizens encamped outside her Church of St. Stephen in-the-Fields in Toronto’s Kensington Market.
Her 16th book, Encampment: Resistance, Grace, and an Unhoused Community, was released this week by Coach House Books.