The Mexican press reports numerous cases of “social cleansing” of homeless people in recent years. With these words, they refer to practices aimed at removing those who live in public spaces. The methods used range from harassing them to move from one place to another where they won’t “bother,” to forced relocation to state-run shelters, […]
In the company of the anthropologist Fabrizio Pistillo, the advocates created a dictionary in which they established what various terms commonly used in social policy instruments directed at socially excluded people mean to them. These concepts are often discussed in academic circles, but with this exercise, we open up the space to understand what those […]
On Friday, January 13th, it was an important day for the streets of this “city of rights.” An organized group of homeless individuals decided to put a stop to acts of social cleansing. They appeared resolute and confident. Photo by Eréndira Aquino The events unfolded as follows: Before noon on Thursday, January 12th, the mayor […]
It is an honor for us to announce that Mi Valedor will be participating in the upcoming edition of ZONAMACO this year from February 8th to 12th, 2023, at Centro Citibanamex, Mexico City. This year, the fair will take place for the second time in halls A, B, and C, and once again, the layout […]
Various social organizations and organized homeless individuals throughout Latin America have set out to promote this day in order to create regional synergy to raise awareness of the demands of the homeless population. Eighteen years ago, between August 19th and 22nd, the “Sé Massacre” occurred. In a series of nighttime attacks, 15 homeless people were […]
Article 123 was once a street for the coexistence and overnight stay of homeless individuals; however, they were gradually displaced, and today it is an almost empty space that speaks to us about social cleansing policies, gentrification, and human rights violations. In a symbolic act and as a peaceful protest, on August 19, 2022, we […]
In the last couple of years, it has been frequent to recall the problems unleashed by the SARS-COV2 epidemic, mainly those related to political, economic, and, of course, health circumstances. However, one of the most critical and important issues is also the oldest and most ignored: domestic and caregiving duties. The information and perception […]
It was in the year 2007 when the worst team in the third division of professional soccer in the country captured the hearts of millions of Mexicans by gaining a spot on “Los Protagonistas,” a sports program on Azteca Television, hosted by Jorge Campos, Christian Martinoli, and Luis García. “Los Valedores de Iztacalco,” a name […]
Ahead of our upcoming exhibition in November, we took a tour of the National Museum of Anthropology in continuation with our drawing workshop. The National Museum of Anthropology is one of the most prominent museums in Mexico City and ranks among the most important museums in its category in the world. It was inaugurated in […]
On Thursday, August 3rd, Mi Valedor had the privilege of participating in the 2nd International Real Social Reintegration Symposium at Los Pinos, an event organized by the Mexico City Social Reintegration Institute. Sharing our insights and experiences alongside other organizations devoted to working with vulnerable populations was a true honor. This gathering provided a valuable […]
We took part in the 16th Great Book and Movie Auction by the Monument to the Revolution. The event was organized by the Ministry of Culture of Mexico City to celebrate culture, reading, and diversity. We were absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity to participate in such a wonderful event and the chance to […]
On Thursday, July 27th, graduates of our month-long creative expressionist drawing sessions, got the chance to present the fruits of their labour. In attendance were our passionate programme graduates, accompanied by the talented band of la Plaza de la Concepción. Our heartfelt thanks go out to artist and guide Toro Amillategui, everyone who attended the […]
We were invited to give a photography class at the summer art and justice program for youth organized by @anafenoll at IMDOSOC. We talked about the work at Mi Valedor where photography is one of the means we use to document realities and express unique perspectives. We conveyed this passion, which we consider a powerful […]
We have been on a cultural adventure to the museum! On Tuesday, July 18th, we had a enjoyable experience visiting the Templo Mayor Museum. It is a fascinating place that offers a deep insight into the rich history of the ancient city of Tenochtitlan, now present-day Mexico City. Thank you to the Templo Mayor Museum […]
Art allows the voices of vulnerable groups to be heard in both a powerful and meaningful way. This is why we aim to create a community and a safe space for expression for everyone through our workshops. Every Thursday, we gather at the Plaza de las Conchitas, offering drawing workshops for all. Our thanks go […]
Our ongoing mental health program for our “Valedores”, dedicated to enhancing their well-being and facilitating their social reintegration, continues. Over the past year, psychologist Elsa Marín, specializing in working with vulnerable populations, has been conducting free psychological therapy sessions every Thursday for those “Valedores” who choose to participate. Psychologist Dalton Rangel has also been facilitating […]
During the latest Museum Night in June, we were privileged to deliver a presentation at SOMA, delving into how we create spaces that amplify diverse perspectives through various forms of artistic expression. The session sparked a fascinating discussion about how groups in vulnerable situations navigate inclusion and voice their experiences through unique creative works. The […]
On June 15th, we had the privilege of joining Fredi during the presentation of his book, “¡Inhala profundo Fredi, sé valiente!” (Deep Breaths Fredi, Be Brave!). Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Mi Valedor and Antifaz Política, we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in Fredi’s artistic world and gain insights into the experiences and […]
With the support of the Iztapalapa City Council, our photography exhibition “¡Se armó la cascarita!” (The Soccer Game Got Heated!), inspired by the latest edition of our magazine, will take place on Saturday, June 17th. We have received and curated photographs from different photographers and photography enthusiasts that portray how football is experienced in Mexico. […]
We are one week away from the end of ¡Vaya vaya Tacubaya! a collective exposition. Representing a piece of the photographic perspective of our collaborators and beneficiaries. With its opening on june 15th, this exposition holds two central show-windows from the metro station Tacubaya. The exhibited photographs have the common theme of the city, its […]
The last few weeks the valedores have been getting an objet-art workshop by Francisca Rodillo De Vicente, a chilean artist that seeks to breakthrough paradigms and preconceived ideas related to art, and technique; Francisca doesn´t use materials or formats considered normal for professional artist such as oleos or acrylics, rather she works with construction materials, […]
A few weeks ago we opened the street photographic exposition with the title “Vaya Vaya Tacubaya”, homonym to the station it’s being held at. However, this 30 of june we had the opportunity to present it in form, grabbing the occasion to explain further the social reinsertion project of Mi Valedor, meet with a few […]
Our latest printed edition of the association’s magazine had its presentations at the MAF (from the spanish acronym of Photography archive museum) where we were honored with the presence of Bob Schalkwijk, María Portilla, Cristina Pérez y Daniel H. Vargas to deepen the issues discussed in the volume, specifically in today’s concern with water in […]
On April 22, after months of hard work, Javier’s advocate was able to have his birth certificate issued. The process began in June 2021 and resumed in early 2022. With the help of Mi Valedor, and thanks to the support provided by the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), Javier can now enjoy and exercise his […]
Clavo Movimiento is a nomadic art space dedicated to the exhibition of both emerging and established projects, whose main impulse is to give a twist to the traditional structures of the art fair. This weekend, from April 19 to May 1, 38 exhibitors showed at its new presentation space, located on Querétaro Street, Colonia Roma. […]
This Sunday, May 8, World Red Cross Day was commemorated through the delivery of humanitarian aid to street populations. This date has always been remembered through volunteer activity and support to vulnerable people. Some thirty volunteers from both the Red Cross and other civil society organizations went to the “Plaza de la Concepción” last week […]
As a result of the combined efforts and in order to achieve the harmonious social reintegration of those who have been released from the Criminal Justice System, this May 1st the Human Rights Commission of Mexico City hosted an event that hosted the released population, their families, friends and various activities dedicated to socialization, creativity, […]
Mi Valedor was present at the public hearing of the week of work “Que la calle no lxs calle”, promoted by the Citizens' Parliamentary Association (APC) of the Mexico City Congress and our allies from “El Caracol”. These hearings, where testimonies of men, women, elderly adults and children were heard, were carried out as a […]
This past weekend was announced as a highly special one for Mexico City given the multiple fairs, exhibits, and spaces that are being hosted to promote various art projects. In the frame of introduction of independent proposals for Clavo Movimiento, an alternative space dedicated to the interaction between art and the public, Mi Valedor has […]
The public policy of Mexico City has evolved in its way of understanding and caring for people who are homeless, by proposing laws, institutes and programs aimed to solve this problem for over twenty years. The Interinstitutional Protocol for Comprehensive Care for People Living on the Street in Mexico City represents the most up-to-date document […]
Within the framework of the 11th Book Fair in the central walk Alameda, organized by the brigade Para Leer en Libertad A.C, Arturo Soto and Jimena Acevedo had the opportunity to be part of the conferences day at the open forum of the fair to introduce Mi Valedor as a social project to the audience. […]
This thursday, April 7, the 11th Book Fair started in the Alameda Central of Mexico City, as part of the scheduled events from the brigade Para Leer en Libertad, where Mi Valedor had the opportunity to be part of the guest speakers. For two weeks, the sponsors will be at Mi Valedor stand, where people […]
On Saturday, March 5, the combined effort to provide health services to precarious populations in Mexico City continued, carried out with the support of the ChektNow clinical laboratory as well as Mi Valedor. The lack of access to health services is one of the many consequences of extreme marginalization, and which is acutely suffered by […]
On March 1st,, Casa Frida offered its headquarters to set up a free health point in collaboration with Mi Valedor and the clinical laboratory ChektNow. This spot is a shelter that works as a care center for LGBTIQ+ people who have been victims of violence due to their sexual orientation, gender expression or health condition. […]
The fourth and last day of the Health Fair, held with the support of the UNAM Faculty of Medicine, Condesa Clinic, and ChektNow medical laboratory, found us in Mexico City’s downtown. Promoting essential access to health and right monitoring for the most vulnerable populations in our urban environment: homeless people. In this context, it is […]
In the midsts of 1985, a surprising rumor began to spread: you could find through the streets of Iztapalapa the famous Statue of Liberty, the same one that has its residence on Liberty Island, in front of New York, USA. Hurriedly, many young people went to corroborate the story and found themselves face to face […]
From the second week of February, Mi Valedor organized a vaccination day, our members received medical support, like the influenza vaccine and HIV and syphilis tests. They could also get access to glucose tests and blood pressure measurements. The third day of the vaccination was carried out in the offices of Mi Valedor, in Colonia […]
Starting the second week of February, Mi Valedor organized a vaccination day in which our collaborators provide medical support, the influenza vaccine, and tests for HIV and syphilis detection. On the other hand, those who attended got glucose tests and blood pressure measurements. The second day of the Health Fair was held in the neighborhood […]
From February 14th onwards, Mi Valedor organized a vaccination day in which our members participated in order to get medical support as the influenza vaccine. Mi Valedor participated in the Health Fair for street populations organized by the UNAM School of Medicine and by Dr. Ali Ruiz Coronel. Influenza vaccines, HIV and syphilis detection tests, […]
There are few people who, out of interest or necessity, know in depth the content of the Political Constitution of our country, and it is also not known that, by law, the rights of homeless people must be guaranteed. Particularly the following: Education Integration to the community Training for employment and self-employment Place to spend […]
To crackle is to produce a fine rupture, to produce a subtle break that changes a surface’s appearance. It is a gesture that disrupts. This is the intention of the curatorship of the XIX Photography Biennial, presented at the Image Center. With 25 selected works, the curatorial discourse by the cultural manager, writer, and curator […]
Talking about homeless people is also talking about institutional invisibility, structural violence and a deficient exercise of human rights. As people with insufficient support networks, they are subjected to violence and mistreatment without others interceding to stop them. What obligations do institutions have to guarantee the exercise of their rights? Let’s go by steps: First, […]
“The plan was to add color to the houses because all of them made a gray patch.” This is part of what Dione Anguiano, head of Iztapalapa, said when an urban improvement program was launched in August 2016 to paint 2,500 houses in Cerro del Peñón, a neighboring area between the municipality and Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, […]
The most recent exhibition by artist Néstor Jiménez at PROYECTOSMONCLOVA gallery, entitled The Importance of Being Self-Sufficient, reflects on the ideological implications of modern architecture in Mexico; namely, how political aspirations around socialist governments defined much of Mexico’s landscape in the 20th century, as well as the welfare expectations of a society that was venturing […]
Reflections from a life far away and yet so close to Mexico City. Inaugurated on November 6, 2021, and completed on January 8 of the present year, The Invention of the Outskirts (la invención de la periferia) addresses life from the perspective of various artists from Mexico City’s periphery. 12 women, mostly from the State […]
Despite the fact that corn and tortillas appear without fail in the daily life of Mexicans, both as food and as the representation of our national identity, many of us tend to ignore the true dimension and impact of this crop. Corn may be an indispensable part of our diets and an essential element in […]
To close a year full of activities with our collaborators, we organized with U-Storage, an event to thank beneficiaries, the team and our allies for their support and constant work. This event took place on Tuesday, December 14 at the facilities of U-Storage Del Valle, in Buenos Aires neighborhood. The night began with welcoming words […]
On November 18th, our very first collective exhibition was inaugurated, showcasing a collection of photographs, written texts, and drawings made by Valedores as well as some of our close collaborators. After six years of continuous work, we accepted La Laguna’s invitation to exhibit a demonstration of our combined efforts. Born from the idea of community […]
The weeks prior to the exhibition’s inauguration were filled with heady work for the Valedores, as well as for the editorial team, who accompanied them during the creation, edition and selection process. During a period that lasted more than 8 weeks, the Valedores worked on each of their pieces within their area of choice: photography, […]
