There are many reasons for forming an AAW chapter in your area:

• Share woodturning skills between individuals.
• Community promotion of the woodturning craft.
• Combine resources for volume purchases.
• Creating a lending library for the group.
• Organizing presentations by well known turners.
• Organizing combined exhibitions of your work.
• Promotion of the art and craft of woodturning in your area.
• Many other benefits.

Star Chapter Recognition

Follow this link to an announcement on the new "AAW Star Chapters" recognition program, and a list of Local Chapters who have achieved 100% AAW membership.

Chapter Best Practices

No need to re-invent the wheel on starting or running an AAW local chapter. Dial in here to view dozens of helpful how-to's written by those who have been there.

Starting a Chapter

Click here for information and recommendations on starting your own local chapter of the AAW.

Changes to Chapter Information

Chapter designated points of contact, usually the chapter President, are able to update their chapter's information online through the AAW members only area. If you have any questions on how to update or change chapter info, please contact the AAW office.

Chapter Demonstrations

Click here for suggestions on how to insure that your club's demonstrations are effective, useful and entertaining.

Local Chapter Info

AAW Local Chapter Committee of the Board of Directors will assist if you are interested in forming a new chapter. Contact the Local Chapter Committee Chair, or the AAW office for more information.

AAW has created the Chapters Forum to assist chapters in their communications with each other. Chapter Board members, website administrators, newsletter editors, and other chapter representatives can discuss issues and experiences that affect their chapters.

While anyone can post to the Chapter Forum, we suggest the chapter President, webmaster and newsletter editor monitor the forum for new information and postings of interest.

AAW Disaster Relief Program

In late 2005, the AAW established a disaster relief program to benefit members in need. Click here to learn more.

Local Chapter Annual Competitions

Best Chapter Newsletter and Website Contests:

• Each year, AAW local Chapters compete for recognition - for the best Chapter Newsletter and Website
• Click here for information on the 2010 competitions.
• And, click here for a summary of past year's competition, (2004 through 2009) - our Chapter Hall of Fame.

Chapter Collaborative Challenge

• Additionally, each year, we encourage all AAW Chapters to participate in the National Symposium's Chapter Collaborative Challenge
• Click here for details on the 2009 event

AAW Critique/Evaluation Form

This is the evaluation form that was originally referenced in the Spring 2004 American Woodturner Journal. One way to improve your woodturning skills, is to encourage a critique or evaluation of your current work. The AAW Evaluation Form will guide you through a constructive review process.