Hear Kate’s interview on CBC Eyeopener as she speaks about her upcoming TEDxYYC talk. To hear the whole interview click here.
Kate’s Interview on CBC Eyeopener
Reply
Category Archives: Updates
Speaking at TEDxYYC
I always encourage my students to take a step out of their comfort zone and be okay with taking risks. I even have broken track and field hurdles up around my classroom to remind them that it is okay to run at life’s obstacles at 100%. If you fall, I remind them, it’s okay, just remember to get back up and keep going.
Somehow, when I have to take that advice myself it gets a lot harder! I was invited today to speak at TEDxYYC. I’m honoured, excited but mostly nervous! This talk will be an amazing opportunity to share positive news with a new group of people and to honour those who participated in Worldviews Project. There’s a part of me though that still always feels scared. What if no one is interested? What if I mess it up?
I guess I’m also nervous that I’ll be branded as “Positive Story Girl” instead of Kate. I’m not positive all the time. Sometimes I’m angry and I want to punch people or yell or scream. I just try to work really hard to control those feelings and act in a better way. I’m scared that somehow giving this talk will make people think I have it all figured out, which I don’t. I’m just trying to be brave enough to say that my intention is to be positive.
I’m not so different from my students, taking that first step and staring that obstacle in the face is hard. I’m determined to do it though. I want to be the kind of person who approaches these kinds of challenges with courage rather than fear.
I will need all of you supporting me in this journey. I need to know when I step on that stage on June 14th that there is a community of people behind me cheering me on. Because, ultimately it’s not about me at all. I’m giving this TED talk because I believe that we need to share positive news. So even if I’m not the perfect ambassador for this message I’m going to give it my best shot. Keep your fingers crossed for me! Or better yet, buy a ticket and come be a friendly face in the audience!
Exciting News! Youth Worldviews Project Partnership
I am so excited to announce a new partnership with the Calgary Public Library and Youth Central to offer Youth Worldviews Project! Through a series for four sessions we will be mentoring and equipping Calgary youth to get involved in their communities and develop leadership skills! Continue reading
Something Bold for 2012
It is amazing to me to see what ordinary people can do to make their communities better. I recently connected with a great family from Calgary, the Bissky Dziadyk family whotraveled for four months in Southeast Asia as a family in 2008 with their two children, one of whom has Cerebral Palsey. Their story is inspiring as they set out to learn and to raise awareness about disabilities, environmental issues and promote world peace through their project called No Ordinary Journey. Now they are continuing to inspire others through the launch of their new website, Something Bold for 2012. I was honoured to be asked to write the first entry for them and I want to encourage others to think what they could do in 2012 to make a difference. It doesn’t have to be a trip around the world (although if you want to join me I’d welcome the company!) it could be as simple as smiling at every person you pass.
CBC Homestretch Interview
I had a great time yesterday down at the Homestretch with Doug Dirks, Jenny Howe and Danielle Nerman. After spending most of my childhood waking up to hearing the CBC playing in the background (that is whenever my Dad had control over the radio dial!) it was awesome to be a part of creating positive news. Listen to the interview by clicking on the picture.
3 Things for Calgary
See our film for 3 Things for Calgary. 3 Things for Calgary is an awesome idea to encourage citizens to find ways to get involved in making their city a better place!
First Interview!
Today I interviewed my first person! As I was driving up to the location I was mentally going over all of the tips that Chris and others had given me about interviewing. Bring the questions with you, ask them to summarize their responses, always take more “B-roll” then you think you’ll need, don’t use too much head room…..
All of these thoughts were whirling around in my mind until I walked in the door to Women in Need, the organization I would be featuring in an upcoming Inspirational Monday. As soon as I sat down with Executive Director, Cathy Coutts, my focus shifted. I realized that I had the best job in the world! All I needed was a camera and people were willing to share their stories with me. All I had to do was press record! Maybe it sounds simple, but I was blown away! Film is amazing, it’s amazing that not only would I get to hear their stories but I would be able to share these great ideas with others around the world! I couldn’t contain my excitement, I started calling up everyone I knew and telling them how cool it was. I hope that as I enter the more difficult parts of planning this trip and making the reality of it happen that I’ll remember this moment, the moment that determined for me that telling these stories is important and it’s amazing that I get to have the privilege to be the person who makes it happen!
Worldviews Project Fundraiser
Thank you so much everyone for your support! We had over 80 people out for the first Worldviews Project Fundraiser and enjoyed amazing music from Sydney Crutchley, Old Beard Soft Shoe, Last September and Boreal Sons. A big thank as well to Marlene for her help in helping us find this this beautiful venue!
The Worldviews Project!
Junior High school teacher, Kate McKenzie’s students told her they felt hopeless because there were insurmountable problems and bad news everywhere they looked. Kate set out to inspire her students by demonstrating how one small action can make the world a little bit better. She took her lesson on the road to inspire many more people to make a difference and generate positive news. Be part of the adventure! Follow along as she shares about her travels to nine countries over seven months, seeking out community leaders who are innovating creative solutions that bring people together and create positive change.
Hello from Kate
Hear Kate’s first video about Worldviews Project and what inspired her to start it.