Keenan Wellar
Thanks for visiting my personal blog. I’m the co-founder and the co-leader of Ottawa-based charitable organization LiveWorkPlay.ca, which supports people with intellectual disabilities to experience life as included members of the community. My wife Julie Kingstone and I co-founded LiveWorkPlay back in 1995. It became our surprise full-time occupation in 1997 when I left my position as a project manager in the IT education sector and Julie left her position as a Recreation Therapist at a local hospital.
Working with an amazing staff team of 10 and more than 100 volunteers, I maintain daily involvement in the lives of more than 100 individuals and families that benefit from LiveWorkPlay supports and services. My role is transitioning: the majority of my energies are now dedicated to partnership development, marketing and communications, and strategic initiatives. I have accepted the responsibility to explore the abundance of opportunities in our community and work with individuals, businesses, and organizations that can help change our community one life at a time.
The outcomes of my work in marketing and communications have been reflected most publicly through the organization’s media relations and robust social media strategy, but it’s really about building trust and relationships with others. At a time when voluntary organizations are struggling with succession and sustainability, LiveWorkPlay has attracted highly qualified staff, grown its volunteer corps, built a robust board of directors, and diversified its funding.
Recognized in 2010 with a United Way Ottawa Community Builder Award (which bears my name but is shared with many) I am an active community volunteer, providing pro bono workshops for non-profit organizations at local, provincial, and national events. I am currently taking a break from my diverse volunteer interests so I can focus on my volunteer advisor roles with People First of Ontario and People First Ottawa. We need to support people with intellectual disabilities who are ready, willing, and able to speak for themselves and in the service of others.
My formal educational background includes an Honours BA in History and a Bachelor of Education with Ontario Teacher Certification (both from the University of Ottawa) as well as an MA in Applied Linguistics & Discourse Studies (Carleton University) and a Professional Certificate in Public Sector and Non-Profit Marketing (Sprott School of Business at Carleton University).
Underlying all of my efforts be they in business, community, or personal life, is an affinity with the sociological concept of social capital, which refers to the connections within and between social networks. Through this understanding of human relationships and their value, I utilize social capital to pursue positive change in the context of institutional barriers and biases that make change difficult for individuals and communities alike.
As part of my shifting work responsibilities I have started to spend more time communicating formally and informally in an effort engage people and groups in a dialogue about building an inclusive society. Partnerships often begin with a cup of coffee and open agenda about improving our community. If that sounds like a conversation worth having, I invite you to contact me – as everyone says these days “I’m busy” but you won’t be ignored, I will get back to you!
I like to read on my Kindle and watching what I consider quality television that includes current shows like Game of Thrones and Boardwalk Empire.
When I get out of the house I enjoy photography, whether it is the urban areas near my home in Beechwood Village (Ottawa-Vanier) or more natural settings, especially in and around Frontenac Provincial Park, which remains a “wild place.” My wife Julie Kingstone and I love kayaking together, especially if the day ends with a really great meal, preferably with some red wine shared with great friends.
I like to stay up late – very late – which over the years has been both a gift and a curse. If you are a fellow night owl, you might find me up late with my synapses firing. On a typical late night I will be doing some writing, some graphic design, and perhaps some listening and reading of anything from non-profit management articles to the news of the day. Reach out to me @socialkeenan on Twitter or http://fb.me/kwellar on Facebook at strange hours and you might be startled by a quick reply!
