Inspirational Monday – Cardboard Bicycle!

Posted on September 30, 2012 by Kate McKenzie

Amazing idea by Izhar Gafni filmed by Giora Kariv. Using a completely new engineering philosophy to create a bicycle that is economic, environmental and innovative! Izhar demonstrates that we can make our communities better by following what we are passionate about and making it a reality!

Inspirational Monday: Culture Hub

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Kate McKenzie

Tinto Tintero is a cultural hub in Medellin, Colombia. I was so impressed to hear how Dave, a former teacher has, with the help of his partner, Monica, started a business model that is not only financially successful but is also making their community a better place! They have found a way to merge their passion for art, culture, literature and music all within one location. Through their efforts, they are transforming their community by providing opportunities for culture and offering a diverse array of options for entertainment throughout the week. But it is not only culture they are offering but also a public space devoted to building a strong sense of community.

Inspirational Monday: Passing the Puck

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Kate McKenzie

I believe that sport has an amazing ability to teach where lessons and talks fall short. For me, sport has often been a metaphor for understanding greater concepts and has helped me to learn how to live in community with others. Whether it was playing Rugby, running in Track, or just getting people together for a game of frisbee I believe there is an amazing power to learning through games and fun! See how Alejo from Colombia is bringing a new sport to his city and how it is uniting people and building leaders!

Inspirational Monday: Love Cafe – Cafe Converso

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Kate McKenzie

Well after spending the whole day trying to upload the Inspirational Monday I can relate to Thomas Edison when he said “ I have not failed. I’ve just found 10000 ways that won’t work.” I found it hard today to keep pressing on but I believe that this story is so important and I want to others to see how doing something so simple like smiling or being welcoming can make the world a better place. After doing this all day though, I am very excited to leave the hostel and go in search of something with lots of chocolate! Andres and Diana, the owners of Cafe Converso, declared themselves my first friends in Bogota and they may never know how much that meant to me. They helped me to feel welcome and loved when I was wondering if I was doing the right thing. I will be forever grateful to them for helping me to remember why I am doing this and for reminding me of what I know to be true -- there are good people everywhere, we just have to be brave enough to seek them out! Today is family day back home. My mom prayed for me before I left that I would find family everywhere I went and I believe I have found it here in Colombia.

Inspirational “Tuesday” – First Steps

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Kate McKenzie

Hi Everyone! I had difficulties finding a fast enough wifi connection to upload my film yesterday but here it is today! As I set out to talk to others about how they started their own inspirational initiatives I wanted to document my first steps too. Unlike many other travellers I am not escaping from something bad which makes this journey different than others I’ve had in the past where I was eager for warmer climates, different experiences, or a change of pace. This time around I can honestly say my life is amazing and leaving behind that life, especially Leor and my friends and family has been hard. The moment of hope for me was a conversation with two amazing cafe owners, Andreas & Diana! Their generosity in taking the time to help me brush up on my Spanish and tell me about their country amazed me! What a simple way to make a difference -welcome a stranger into your space! Any of us could do that!

Inspirational Monday: Creating Great Public Space

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Kate McKenzie

This week I met with Calgary author, Chris Turner who is making his city better by writing and speaking about the importance of great public spaces. He is a unique voice in the world of urban development and climate issues since he focuses on hope rather than the doom and gloom ,choosing to emphasize positive change. His solutions, success stories and insights into the ways that individuals and small groups can make positive change in their communities provides hope for improving cities!

Inspirational Monday: WINS Thrift Store

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Kate McKenzie

WINS Thrift Store is a social enterprise that uses they money it makes to provide resources including a free referral program for household needs and clothing as well as learning opportunities for families. Its environmental program, employment skills program and collaboration with the community help make Calgary a better city! Get involved by visiting their website.

Inspirational Monday: CAWST

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Kate McKenzie

This video was created by three Jr. High students as part of Reel World Youth Documentaries and produced by Worldviews Project & Hidden Story Productions. It is the first one to be featured within Inspirational Mondays, but look for more from my amazing students to come. CAWST is making their community better and providing hope by providing water to communities worldwide. You can get involved by visiting www.cawst.org

CBC Homestretch Interview

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Kate McKenzie

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.

The Worldviews Project!

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Kate McKenzie

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.