You may start seeing little “OK” buttons popping up on lapels throughout the city, and that’s your queue to strike up a conversation with an open individual who’s not afraid to talk to strangers. Steve Wood has been producing the buttons at no cost for anyone who requests them, after seeing the lack of connection and conversation among strangers in Vancouver. Even in intimate settings like public transit or standing in line at a café, there is very little acknowledgement between people – especially with the popularity of escapist gadgets like iPods. Wood believes creating a community by talking with your neighbours plays a large part in cultivating opportunity and well being. He got the OK button idea when a traveler remarked on the shyness of Vancouverites, then put his graphic design skills to good use. But money isn’t the intended outcome – Wood just wants to see Vancouver become a friendlier place, and the response is already booming.

Get yours at www.oksocial.org

INFAMOUS MAGAZINE, AUG 2007 ISSUE