Lifetime Member – David Mackenzie (inducted in 2020)
Note to Reader:
David Mackenzie, volunteer extraordinaire, is the first individual to be honoured by the Partnership with both Lifetime Member and Champion Supporter status. Watch the video of the co-presentation by Kim Stephens and Richard Boase on YouTube.
In recognition of his amazing commitment to a shared vision for the Vancouver Island Symposia Series on Water Stewardship in a Changing Climate, the Partnership has deemed David Mackenzie to be a Lifetime Member of the Partnership. His contribution has elevated the potential of the Symposia Series as a way to share ideas and inspire action.
David Mackenzie – Director, Editor Videographer for “Watershed Moments, the Video Trilogy Series”
“In 2020, the COVID pandemic changed everything and created a new reality for everyone on Planet Earth. Until there is a vaccine, mass gatherings are not allowed in British Columbia, by order of the Provincial Health Officer. Thus, events such as the Third Annual Vancouver Island Symposium on Water Stewardship in a Changing Climate were delivered online rather than in-person,” stated Kim Stephens, Executive Director, Partnership for Water Sustainability in British Columbia.
“The series is the result of collaboration between the Partnership and NALT, the Nanaimo and Area Land Trust. David Mackenzie, NALT volunteer extraordinaire, stepped up and opened our minds as to what could be. This is the moment, he said, to leverage technology and reach far beyond those in the symposium room. Be bold and do something other than a Zoom webinar. Inspired and guided by David Mackenzie’s passion, knowledge and attention to detail, a plan took shape to deliver Watershed Moments, the Video Trilogy Series via YouTube.”
Valued Member of the Team
“The story of how David Mackenzie became involved in the Symposia Series shows what is possible for a concerned citizen who wishes to make a difference. In 2018, he went to the first symposium looking for leadership. He found it, he told us later. He was energized by the experience. Afterwards, he volunteered to provide videography oversight for subsequent symposia. Beginning with his video work for Parksville 2019, he became a valued member of the team.”
“In 2020, his contributions were crucial to sustaining our land and water stewardship message in a time of global pandemic. His efforts made possible Watershed Moments, the Video Trilogy Series. To say we could not have done it without David is an understatement; we did not even know we were not doing it until he came along and challenged us to be bold and seize the moment.”
“Thanks to David’s attention to detail, the videos are much more than talking heads in a studio setting. His commitment to interweaving of outdoor imagery has added a compelling visual dimension that draws the reader into the conversation. Also, the addition of speaker interviews in their natural habitats is powerful for connecting with an audience. These vignettes are personalized and revealing; and this helps the audience understand the motivation of team members and how commitment flows from passion.”
“The result of David’s amazing effort is that the Symposia Series has a set of legacy educational resources. Thus, the series is an experience that will keep on giving. We envision that the video content will inform collaboration among the stewardship and local government sectors for some time to come,” concluded Kim Stephens.
To Learn More:
In the interview below, David shared the story of his transition from interested community member to technical director of the Video Trilogy Series. He revealed what took place behind the camera to ensure success on screen.
