The Hope in Shadows 2012 calendars recently hit the streets. The annual project is a fundraiser for Pivot Legal Society and showcases photos from the Downtown Eastside—allowing the residents of the neighbourhood to show the rest of Vancouver what their community is really all about.

In this issue of Megaphone we look at how the program gives participants disposable cameras and a voice and how it also gives low-income people an economic opportunity—vendors (including Megaphone vendors) sell the calendars on the street for $20.

Also in this issue: Pivot Legal Society has filed a civil suit against the Transit Police Service on behalf of a disabled man who allegedly was assaulted when he was arrested for having an expired pass; Megaphone discusses the importance of Canada’s highest courts in recognizing citizen’s rights; David Suzuki sizes up Ezra Levant’s Ethical Oil theory; and we preview the upcoming Headlines Theatre presentation of Us and Them.

And don’t forget to take our Readers Survey to win exciting prizes like yoga, sausages and books!

Please support our vendors by purchasing a copy of this magazine from them.