You may not know it, but I am technologically challenged – with ‘modern’ technology, that is. As a university student back in the 1980s I wrote all my essays by hand with pen and paper and once finished, typed them out on my typewriter. Times have changed. The technology that has allowed me to reach a wide audience instantly has also brought some frustrations. Without the assistance of young folks who take computers and cell phones for granted I have struggled to figure out things that I’d rather just came as second nature to me. I’m sure there are many computer and camera functions that I haven’t even discovered yet. And still, I persevere.
I’ve been pecking away at this blog (and my Facebook page) for more than five years. My goal has always been to connect and educate other chicken keepers to build capacity, create a sense of community and to improve the health outcomes for their flocks.
Last year, I was approached by Heather Levin, organizer of the Backyard Chickens Summit to be a speaker at the event. I didn’t have the time given short notice, but when she invited me to participate in this year’s Summit, I accepted. I can’t say I jumped at the chance because, frankly, the skill set needed is out of my wheelhouse. I am fine at the keyboard, but the Summit would require me to submit a 20- 30 minute video and a contribution, of some sort, to the Summit Toolkit.
I thought easy-peasy, I’ll throw together a video made with a cell phone and then be done and dusted. Only problem is I hadn’t ever taken a selfie yet alone produced a video. I started to fret thinking about the finished product given my limited experience (and patience). I did what I always do when I hit a roadblock and need help – I posted on our local community bulletin board and asked for some tips. A few folks made helpful suggestions and then an angel came to my rescue. Joani Thompson (of Character Driven) offered to drop by my place and see what I needed. We sat by my woodstove, drinking coffee, chatting about all kinds of things – some related to the project and others just getting to know each other. I discovered she had decades of experience as a professional film-maker and photographer. Before the end of visit she was talking about ‘us’ and ‘we’. I asked if that meant she was willing to actually make the video. Yes, and this would be her ‘pay it forward’ project. I was overwhelmed by her generosity and felt a giant weight lift from my shoulders.
She arrived a few weeks later, her vehicle full of video equipment: three lights, two video cameras, sound system and a clip on microphone. She rearranged my livingroom furniture, set me up in chair and had me talk about my two topics: Chicken Health Checks and First Aid Kits. The former required the assistance of one of my hens, Mercedes, an Appenzeller Spitzhauben cross. She rocked her video debut and, I think, was more relaxed than I was.
Two and a half hours elapsed and then Joani left, tasked with wading through all that material to create something worthy of presenting at the Summit. We emailed back and forth, adding still photos for sections of voice overs, editing things in and out. We were a bit challenged as her area of expertise is making videos, while mine is chickens and neither of us knew much about the other. We might have been better served if we’d had some conversations about how the process would unfold. I might have been more at ease in front of the camera if I’d had more practice. Regardless, I’m happy with what she produced and we’ll both know more if we collaborate again in the future.
Joani even took the initiative to use the audio material we’d recorded to make a short introduction to my YouTube Channel.
So what exactly is this Summit I’ve been talking about? The Backyard Chickens Summit is a free three day virtual conference aimed to support small flock keepers to raise healthy chickens with less confusion and more confidence.
There’ll be me plus 22 other poultry keepers presenting workshops (March 4-6) on all things chicken. As far as I can tell, this is the only event of its kind and I am the only Canadian in the bunch.
Each day will be packed with expert speakers who can help you understand flock dynamics, disease management, health issues, predator proofing, using herbs and more. We also have a private pop-up Facebook group where you can connect with other backyard chicken keepers, ask the speakers questions and win prizes. Last year, more than 5500 participants attended the Summit and we’re hoping for more next week.
The Summit is absolutely free to attend the three days of presentations and to access any of the videos for 48 hours after they go live. If you choose to upgrade to the Toolkit you’ll get bonus resources and unlimited access to all presentations. My contribution to the Toolkit is a 10-page e-book. a companion to my presentation or as a stand-alone resource.
The Toolkit is currently available at a special price, and will disappear for good once the Summit is over. You’ll get all the details and a special offer once you get your free ticket here!
The live kick-off for the Summit is on March 3rd @ 1pm (Central Time Zone). I’ll be presenting on March 4th @ 1pm (Central Time Zone). I hope to see you there, in our Facebook group and at the Summit itself.
If you have any questions or encounter problems accessing the site drop me a line using the ‘contact’ button on my home page. Happy chickening!
Bitchin' Chickens 
I’m looking forward to the summit.
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