Dear AAW Members,

As associations go, the AAW is a very successful one that has grown steadily from infancy 24 years ago to the large and very active organization we are today. Aside from the basic interest in and enthusiasm for woodturning itself, there is no doubt in my mind that a primary reason for the AAW’s success has been the involvement of its members. This is an organization of over 13,500 members that has a small paid staff, and a relatively small budget. How can so much in the way of programs, activities, and benefits be offered and carried out with limited resources? I believe the answer is: VOLUNTEERS!

Here is a short description of the various volunteers that keep the AAW running.  The AAW board of directors, put in a tremendous amount of time and effort over their three year term. Directors are often re-elected to serve a second term.  Serving as a board member can be a very demanding unpaid part-time job. Then, there are a whole host of other jobs fulfilled by volunteers. Some serve in various capacities on the 19 AAW committees.  Some volunteers carry out the duties of website and forum moderators. The Professional Outreach Program (POP) committee, and its members, have made a major contribution in developing and producing programs.  The AAW insurance programs and the new website sales venue were created and now overseen by volunteers.

The attorney we turn to for legal counsel and the marketing professional we seek advice from volunteer their support and time. Website management and software programming are major efforts, and many of those hours are accomplished by volunteers. Planning for and implementing the myriad tasks involved with an event of the magnitude of our symposium is done by a large cadre of volunteers. There are dedicated volunteers who organize an outstanding youth program. Others volunteer in the St. Paul office and Gallery of Wood Art. Volunteers also man the AAW booth and information tables at the annual SOFA (Sculpture Objects & Functional Art) fair in Chicago, considered the world’s foremost exposition of contemporary decorative arts and design. 

Have you ever thought about thanking any of these volunteers?

These contributions of time, effort, and expertise are essential ingredients to the success of AAW’s programs. For all those who have offered their services to the AAW in this way, a very HEARTY THANK YOU!  Your efforts are greatly appreciated. The AAW couldn’t be what it is today without you.

For those who would like to offer their help in some way, I encourage you to give the office a call, or contact a director, and discuss your interests and where you think you can be of assistance. You can be an active part of and a helping hand on our fantastic AAW team of volunteers. All AAW members are encouraged to help the organization in recruiting members and sharing their talents in the education of others.

The new year, 2010, is just ahead of us with all its potential and opportunity. On the board of directors, we have two new members: Warren Carpenter and Kurt Hertzog. All of us should be thankful for the contribution they will make and welcome them to the board. A special thank you for all their service and effort is extended to the retiring board members, Frank Amigo and Al Hockenbery. Tom Wirsing will be the new board president next year. I wish him well, and know that he will receive everyone’s full support for what I know will be effective and successful leadership for our great organization. A heart-felt thank you to all who have supported the AAW and me this past year.

Wishing you and yours a special Christmas and Holiday Season,

Bill Haskell, President
American Association of Woodturners