CHAMPION SUPPORTER: recognition of David Mackenzie, volunteer extraordinaire (January 2021)

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. 

The Champion Supporter designation recognizes individuals and/or organizations whose commitment to “convening for action” enables the Partnership to foster and support collaborative leadership in the local government setting. A goal of collaborative leadership is to build bridges between those in the stream stewardship sector and those who work for government.

David Mackenzie is only the fourth individual to be recognized by the Partnership as a Champion Supporter. He follows in the footsteps of North Vancouver Mayor Darrell Mussatto and the Water Balance Model team of Jim Dumont and the late Dr. Charles Rowney.

David Mackenzie holding his two certificates of recognition

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.”

Volunteer Extraordinaire

“David Mackenzie is a volunteer extraordinaire. His journey from symposium audience member to communications champion has had a remarkable outcome. He shared his passion for video production to help us realize we were missing a critical piece of our communications plan. Then, with patient mentoring and tireless volunteerism, he led us to full online delivery of Watershed Moments, the Video Trilogy Series in a unique and engaging way.”

“COVID has changed and challenged how we do outreach and peer-based education. In the age of COVID, how does one inspire an audience over a computer? Addressing this existential challenge was our starting point for re-imagining the third in the Vancouver Island Water Stewardship Symposia Series as a virtual event. David 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, he urged.”

“With David’s inspiration and guidance, we moved well beyond a Zoom webinar by leveraging the YouTube platform to provide a viewer experience that we believe is comparable to viewing an engaging TED Talk. David’s video production skill-set, coupled with his can-do confidence and utmost attention to detail, made it possible to bring a vision to fruition.”

“David is always positive; he sees no obstacles that cannot be overcome. He always find solutions. He smiles through it all,” 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.

A BLUEPRINT FOR MAKING VIDEOS IN THE AGE OF COVID: “My intent is to try and help illuminate a pathway for interested parties, and the visionary leaders as well. It’s about human interaction and how to adapt to it on our COVID planet,” stated David Mackenzie, technical director for ‘Watershed Moments, the Video Trilogy Series’