NCSE has sought to honor the scientists, educators, activists, journalists, and others making an impact in evolution and climate change through our yearly Friend of Darwin and Friend of the Planet awards. This year, NCSE is also honoring one of those individuals whose behind-the-scenes passion and dedication for NCSE have been instrumental in improving our organization.
Maccewill (“Max”) Yip started volunteering for NCSE in 2013 and has subsequently helped out with countless projects. A non-exhaustive list of his accomplishments over eight years include: working in the archives, creating and delivering activities for the Breaking Down Barriers program, organizing youth volunteers, entering data for multiple programs, and helping prepare fundraising materials. “I’ve continued volunteering because I believe in the mission — helping support the teaching of science,” Yip explains.
Yip has a background in technical theater and has a love of esoteric media. Many of us in the office have had long conversations with Yip about obscure films and other pop culture relics. However, these interests also proved surprisingly relevant for volunteering with NCSE. His technical theater background has been especially helpful as he has helped build prototypes for new activities. For example, his encyclopedic knowledge of filters, PVC pipes, and straps led to our digestive tubes in our 2019 “In Case of Cellulose” activity being a success.
All of us at NCSE have been helped multiple times by Yip’s ingenuity and hard work. “Max has been an incredibly valuable volunteer for NCSE throughout the years,” says NCSE Member Services Manager Nina Hollenberg. “He began in 2013 volunteering for Executive Director Genie Scott when our staff relied on him for multiple important tasks, and his essential assistance continues today. His dedication to our organization has been indispensable to the work that we do, and we appreciate his constant positive attitude, insights, and his dedication to NCSE's mission. We cannot say 'thank you’ nearly enough."
NCSE thanks Yip, along with our Friend of Darwin and Friend of the Planet recipients this year, for all the work they do supporting and defending evidence-based science.
