About My Life and Work
I am a writer, editor, and
consultant exploring
the themes of active citizenship, community sustainability, and
the wonder of everyday life.
I grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where I attended the University of Manitoba (Arts and Education). I now live in Brandon, Manitoba with my wife Meg and our three children (now grown).
Much of my work has involved community education with non-profit organizations. Special concerns have been home energy conservation, recycling, and globally-aware lifestyles.
Until the program ended in 2006, I was the general manager of Westman Recycling, operating a recycling program in Brandon and southwestern Manitoba. A highlight occurred when colleague Tim Wiebe and I received the award for "Best Boss of 2004" from the Brandon Regional Health Authority and the Brandon Chamber of Commerce.
For more about the recycling story in Brandon, see Blue Bag System Abruptly Abandoned.
I have been a member, supporter, and volunteer with many organizations over the years in such areas as local community service, the environment, and international development.
Current contract work involves a number of projects. One was public education with the Canada Volunteerism Initiative. Others have been in recycling and waste management with earthbound environmental, an environmental consulting firm. My column Citizen Active appears on the Comment page in the Brandon Sun. (More about my Writing and Editing Services.)
Income tax preparation has been another longtime interest. I have worked as a tax preparer and instructor of courses on the subject. This field rewards me with challenging work, meeting interesting people, and a wealth of ideas to write about. See Get a Break on Your Taxes Through Charitable Donations.
I have developed a new website, Life Money Guide, about "living well and doing good." See Investing With an Eye on Ethics and Why Not Give an Hour of Your Time?
Finally, I am fascinated by the wonder of one life, as revealed in an obituary. This led me to create the website Obituary Guide. It has thoughts and tips about writing an obituary, including suggestions for getting started on your own. For more about this intriguing topic, see Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Stories.
You can contact me at: 204-728-1461, or dm (@) davidmcconkey.com.
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Some Columns:
No Ordinary Walk in the Park Reflections on a trip to England and France.
Proud History of Looking Forward Thoughts about Brandon from its birth as a city 125 years ago.
Is It Time For A New “Palliser Expedition”? A three-part series on the expedition, 1857-1860.
All Those Little Things Can Really Add Up – To Cash Book review of The Long Tail.
It’s Only Fair to Care, Downtown, Over Coffee A conversation about thinking globally, acting locally.
Who Could Be Brandon's Most Famous? Well, just who is "the most famous Brandonite ever”?
A Few Reflections on "Skunk and Junk" The life and death of a prominent local citizen.
Some Columns:
No Ordinary Walk in the Park Reflections on a trip to England and France.
Proud History of Looking Forward Thoughts about Brandon from its birth as a city 125 years ago.
Is It Time For A New “Palliser Expedition”? A three-part series on the expedition, 1857-1860.
All Those Little Things Can Really Add Up – To Cash Book review of The Long Tail.
It’s Only Fair to Care, Downtown, Over Coffee A conversation about thinking globally, acting locally.
Who Could Be Brandon's Most Famous? Well, just who is "the most famous Brandonite ever”?
A Few Reflections on "Skunk and Junk" The life and death of a prominent local citizen.