The American Association of Woodturners (AAW) is an international, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the advancement of woodturning.
Our mission is to provide education, information, and organization to those interested in turning wood.
Recent AAW News & Woodturning Related Info
New Open Board Meeting Policy (9/02/10):
Click on this link to read the new Board meeting policy, aimed at providing more transparency in AAW operations.
August prize winners announced (9/01/10):
Names of six lucky AAW members have been drawn from the hat, and will receive some really great prizes from our generous supporters - click here for details, and stay tuned for next month's drawing.
Upcoming AAW Board Meeting (8/27/10):
The next Board of Directors meeting will be telephonic, beginning at 6:00pm CDT on 8 September. Click on this link to view the agenda.
Collectors of Wood Art needs your help (8/25/10):
The CWA is compiling a list of museums that have wood in their collection, may be interested in starting to collect wood, or may be interested in exhibiting wood. Click on this link to learn more.
Ethics Committee Announcement (8/20/10):
A message from the AAW Ethics Committee has been posted on the members area main page. Please log in to read this important message.
Special Membership Meeting Cancelled (8/20/10):
The AAW and Mary Lacer have reached a settlement. Both the AAW and the MAG have called off their proxy drives, and the AAW has cancelled the August 28th Special Meeting. The AAW Board of Directors wishes to thank all those who have supported the AAW during these trying times. It is our hope that all members of the AAW will renew damaged friendships and get back to the business of sharing our passion for woodturning.
Notice to International Members (8/17/10):
The printer for American Woodturner journal has advised us of an error they made with coordinating the labels and ballots for all international overseas members of the AAW (does not affect Canadian members.) Click on this link to learn more.
New "Online" membership level announcement (8/16/10):
The new "Online" $38 membership level was first made available in March for new members only. Beginning with the 2011 membership drive, current and renewing members may opt for the new $38 membership level as well. Look for your mail-in renewal form in the October American Woodturner Journal or log onto the members area to renew online. Click on this link to learn more.
Federal Tax Law change may affect AAW Local Chapters (8/10/10):
IRS regulations have changed, and now require all 501(c)(3) non-profits to file an annual report, regardless of income level. Previously, there was a $25,000 income threshold that would trigger an IRS filing requirement - but that has been changed. The law now requires any income less than $500,000 to be reported using Form 990-N, also known as an "e-postcard". Small nonprofit organizations at risk of losing their tax-exempt status because they failed to file required returns for 2007, 2008 and 2009 can preserve their status by filing returns by Oct. 15, 2010, under a one-time relief program, the IRS announced on July 26, 2010. If you are an officer in an AAW local chapter that is also a 501(c)(3), please look into this situation immediately. Click on this link to learn more.
Bylaws review committee formed (8/08/10):
AAW President, Tom Wirsing, has set up a special committee to review and make suggested changes to the AAW Bylaws. The goal of the committee will be to work over the next couple of months and have a set of proposed changes put together that can be sent out to the membership with the December 2010 Journal. Tom Wirsing has appointed Ron Sardo and Dale Larson as Co-Chairs of the committee. The committee members come from across the United States and have a wide variety of backgrounds. They include David Walser, Rob Wallace, Jerry Robertson, Mark Mandell, Judy Kingery and David Moore. All are AAW members who have agreed to help out with this important task. If you wish to contact the committee, please email your ideas to this address.
Supplemental Board Candidate info available (8/08/10):
A supplement to the August 2010 (Vol. 25 No. 4), American Woodturner information on Board candidates (pages 7 - 9), is available by clicking on this link.
Executive Director Job Opening Posted (8/02/10):
The Transition Committee is pleased to report to you that we have posted the Position Profile for our next Executive Director. It can be viewed through this link. We encourage members to circulate this information to potential candidates as well as others who might be able to suggest candidates.
To develop the profile, the Board undertook a deliberative process that included an organizational review as well as input from staff, advisory board members and Directors. We also reviewed the membership survey conducted last fall in preparation for a robust discussion in which we considered AAW’s current situation and future direction in order to identify our current and future executive leadership needs. In the process, we clarified all of the qualifications for the position, our picture of success for the new executive's tenure, and what AAW needs to do to ensure we work effectively with the new Executive Director.
August AW Journal Online (8/01/10):
The "virtual magazine" version of the August (Vol. 25 - No. 4) American Woodturner issue is now available. AAW members should log onto the members area to view this exciting issue online.
AAW Federal tax returns now available (7/29/10):
A new level of visibility and transparency is now available to members - easy access to AAW tax returns. The 2008 return is currently available for viewing, and the 2009 return should be available in the coming weeks. To view this feature, log into the members area, then look to the left-hand side of the page for the new "Tax Returns" button.
25th Anniversary Book: pre-order now (6/18/10):
The 25th AAW Anniversary book, "Woodturning Today - a Dramatic Evolution", may now be purchased at a 20% discount, with delivery taking place next spring. Click here to learn more and to pre-order your copy.
Call for 2011 Symposium Demonstrators (6/02/10):
The 25th anniversary AAW symposium in St Paul will be a tremendous event. If you would like to be considered for one of the demonstrator slots, click on this link to view the online application.
Turning 25 - A Celebration... call for entries now open (4/06/10):
One of the many 2011 symposium special events will be an exhibition of AAW chapter woodturnings. The goal is to have every AAW chapter represented. Click on this link to read about the call for entries.
