Edward Fenner, MA

​York Pioneer and Historical Society (YPHS)

 

In 2023, I joined as a member and volunteer Corresponding Secretary to finish developing their new website, maintain it, and to maintain their social media accounts. The YPHS owns and maintains the historic Scadding Cabin, Toronto's oldest building, built in 1793, and which is located on the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition. 

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York University

 

I believe in giving back to the community. In 2010, York University's Senate awarded me its highest honour: The President's Medal (Murray G. Ross Award). It is given to a graduating undergraduate for high academics and service to the University's community.

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In all, I have volunteered over 3,500 hours from 2004-2018 to York University causes.

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• Fellow, Vanier College (2008-present)

• Strategic Communications Council (2011-2014)

• Brand Stewardship Council (2008-2011)

• Digital Communications Team (2011-2014)

• Accessing Built Environments Subcommittee of Access York (Disabilities Issues, 2013-2014)

• New Media Subcommittee (2008-2011)

• Existere - Journal of Arts and Literature (2007-2018)

• ACMAPS 5-Year Working Group (Review & Steering Committee, Mature Students' Issues, 2012-2013)

• ACMAPS Advisory Board (2007-2011)

• Science & Technology Studies Executive Committee (2010-2011)

• Mobile Sites and Applications Working Group (2010-2013)

• York University Orientation Steering Committee (2005-2007)

• Mature & Transfer Student Orientation Subcommittee (Chair, 2007)

• Emergency Response Warden, York Lanes Offices (2010-2015)

• Building Emergency Captain, York Lanes Offices (2012-2015)

• Student Life Forum (2006-2007)

• Atkinson Student & Alumni Relations Subcommittee (STARS)
  (2006-2007)

• YUMSO - York University Mature Students' Organization (2004-2008, as president)

• York Press Consortium Development Committee (2007-2009)

 

Existere - Journal of Arts & Literature

 

In 2007, I revived the then-recently-defunct literary magazine. Existere was founded in 1978 and I felt this was too good an opportunity to let languish. I revived the journal, assembled a team, trained them, redesigned the journal, strategized its focus and marketing, created a website, created social media outlets, and set about pulling together its first issue. I was its publisher, executive editor, communications director, marketing manager, and mentor to 20 or so students each year. For over 10 years now, twice per year, we publish a high-quality literary magazine that is distributed nationally (and internationally, via web sales). In my capacity as Vanier College Fellow, I continue to mentor and oversee the journal as its publisher and editor emeritus. I have logged over 2,500 volunteer hours here.

 

York University Mature Students' Organization (YUMSO)

 

In 2004, I began attending undergraduate studies as a mature student. I sought out peers and services and found us scattered to the winds and largely overlooked. I founded this group and served as its president, director of communications, and events manager for four years. During that time, we grew to over 600 members making it the University's second-largest of over 250 clubs. However, YUMSO was much more than a club. During my advocacy, I was able to change University policy to better serve this constituency - which comprised about 20% of the student population.

 

Working with the VP Academic (Dr. Sheila Embleton), the Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-time Students (ACMAPS) was founded to act as a service bureau for these students in place of the volunteering I was doing in this capacity of student advising. Through YUMSO, I was able to also inspire the generation or revival of similar clubs and organizations at universities and colleges throughout Ontario and in far-flung regions such as Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Alberta, and the USA. ACMAPS continues today. I was a member of its advisory board during its first five years and a member of the review committee in 2013 to evaluate its past and strategize its future. I have logged over 1,000 volunteer hours serving mature students.

 

Canadian Assembly of Mature Student Organizations (CAMSO)

 

I built CAMSO as a network of clubs and service bureaus serving mature students across Canada. The goal was to improve advocacy through improved communications and the sharing of strategic information. It had some success but it was rather like herding cats due to the high turnover of student executives.

 

Red Cross / Canadian Blood Services

 

52 units of whole blood donated.

 

Kalachakra 2004

 

In 2004, I spent nine days with the Dalai Lama as a volunteer. The Tibetan community put out a call for help with the Kalachakra which was being held in Toronto that year. Because I am tall and looked imposing (yet friendly) I was detailed to VIP security section. That meant I stood by the stage at the VIP section letting the VIPs like monks and movie star Richard Gere in and gently steering non-VIPs respectfully back to their seats. Nobody was ever in any danger. Tibetan security and plain-clothes RCMP were standing a few metres further back. I learned a lot about Tibetan culture, cuisine, art, and Buddhism. My time here led directly to my volunteering at York University and elsewhere.

  

Words Alive Literary Festival

 

From 2009-2011, I acted as the publicist, media strategist, co-organizer, and talent wrangler for the festival which was held annually in York Region at the Sharon Temple National Historic Site and Museum. These unique structures and grounds were an inspired setting for readings of poetry, plays, and short stories as well as performances of song and spoken word. It was a highlight of the region's Fall entertainment calendar. Esteemed guests included winners and nominees of Canada's highest awards in literature and poetry (Governor General's Award, Giller Prize, and Griffin Prize).

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