Volunteer Opportunities

 

Sign up to volunteer during the AAW Symposium.

The success of every AAW Symposium is due in part to the many individuals who volunteer for a variety of tasks before and during the event. Many volunteers for the 2020 Louisville Symposium are already at work. If you plan to attend the Symposium this year, please support this vital effort.

The greatest need right now is for volunteer in these areas: Blind/Visually Impaired Penturning, Instant Gallery, Special Exhibitions, AAW Merchandise, Sales, Registration, Tool Room, Vendor Assistants, Volunteer Booth, and Youth Turning.

 

Spouses, Partners, Family, Friends, and Relatives

Volunteering is a great opportunity to meet people, and be engaged and active. Most volunteer tasks can be done by non-registered attendees. Please encourage people you know to give a few hours of time. Even two hours of time will be appreciated.

 

How to Sign up to Volunteer

Click the "Sign Up!" button below to view and register for volunteer opportunities.

 

Questions?

For questions or more information contact volunteer@woodturner.org

Volunteering at the AAW Symposium - Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I volunteer?

For the AAW to hold a symposium each year, it is depending on the support of many volunteers. It would not be able to happen without the generous time and energy that comes from the Volunteers.  Volunteers who help each year, no matter what city, are a dedicated group! By volunteering, you have the opportunity to: 

• Support the AAW 
• Get to know fellow woodturners from around the world 
• Have a great time working with others to make the Louisville, KY  symposium a success
• Volunteering is very rewarding and is greatly needed  
• You will receive a symposium volunteer T-shirt 
• The AAW is unable to offer a monetary discount for your help

Please take the time to sign up to help and encourage fellow woodturners, family members and friends to sign up also. In several areas you do not have to be registered or be an AAW membe

Who can volunteer to help at the symposium?

Anyone can volunteer to help

• We encourage everyone who is able and willing to help 
• Each person should create an account in SignUp Genius 
  You do NOT have to be registered for the symposium and/or be an AAW member 
• There are a few areas that DO require you to be registered for the symposium and/or be an AAW member.
• These areas will state that information in the description 
• We encourage spouses, companions, family members and friends to sign-up
• Do I need to be registered for the symposium to volunteer?
• There are a few areas that does require you to be registered (Read the descriptions carefully to know if registration is required) 

Otherwise anyone can volunteer to help. 

We encourage  everyone who is able and willing to help 

• You do NOT have to be registered for the symposium and/or be an AAW member 
• However, you DO have to be a registered attendee to go to any of the scheduled rotations 
• There are a few areas that DO require you to be registered for the symposium and/or be an AAW member
• These areas will state that information in the description 
• We encourage spouses, companions, family members and friends to sign-up 

Do I have to use SignUp Genius?

Yes, it is the best way that we can have you volunteer to use SignUp Genius. It is not required, but we highly recommend that you make use of this tool. 

• It is very easy, take just a few minutes 
• Shows you all the areas that are needing volunteers 
• You can go back into program and sign up for more slots without having to register again   
• Provides use with your email (to send out reminders), cell phone (if we need to call you during the symposium), and T-shirt size (you receive a free T-shirt for volunteering).

Can I sign-up others under my account in SignUp Genius?

No, It is best that each person create and account and sign-up. It is not required, but highly recommends that you make use of this tool. If they do not use the program they will miss on some of the items listed below.

• It is very easy, take just a few minutes 
• Shows you all the areas that we need volunteers 
• You can go back into program and sign up for more slots without having to register again 
• Provides use with your email (to send out reminders), cell phone (if we need to call you during the symposium), and T-shirt size (you receive a free T-shirt for volunteering)

Does my spouse or companion have to be registered to volunteer?

NO, it is not required, unless they plan to sit in on any of the Rotations

• You can volunteer in any of the areas listed without being a AAW member 
• There are a few areas that require you to be an AAW member. These areas will state that information in the description

Can my family members or friends volunteer?

Anyone can volunteer to help.  

• We encourage everyone who is able and willing to help 
• You do NOT have to be registered for the symposium and/or be an AAW member 
• There are a few areas that DO require you to be registered for the symposium and/or be an AAW member. These areas will state that information in the description 
• We encourage spouses, companions, family members and friends to sign-up

Is there a requirement on how much time I have to volunteer?

There is no limit on the amount of time you choose to volunteer.  

• Only requirement is to complete the amount of time that slot requires 
• You can sign up for one slot or several slots, as long as they do not overlap

Is there a limit to how much time I can sign up to volunteer?

There is no limit on the amount of time you choose to volunteer.  

• Only requirement is to complete the amount of time each slot requires
• You can sign up for one slot or several slots, as long as they do not overlap

Do I need to be an AAW member to volunteer?

NO, it is not required, unless they plan to sit in on any of the Rotations.

• You can volunteer in any of the areas listed without being a AAW member 
• There are a few areas that require you to be an AAW member. These areas will state that information in the description

Do I get compensation or a discount for being a volunteer?

There is not compensation or a discount.

• Volunteering to help is how we are able to have a successful symposium 
• We encourage everyone to sign up to volunteer, woodturners, family members and friends 
• The AAW is not able to offer a monetary value or a discount for volunteering.

Can I volunteer for more than one time or for different areas?

You are able to volunteer for as many slots that you choose to do so. Keep in mind to make sure none of the slots are at the same time.

• Volunteering to help is how we are able to have a successful symposium 
• We encourage everyone to sign up to volunteer in as many areas as you choose to do so, as long as the slots do not overlap 
• You can also volunteer for as many times slots as you choose to 
• We encourage you to also invite others woodturners, family members and friends to sign up to volunte

Can I volunteer to help in the Youth Turning Area?

To assist with helping the youth turn:

• You can sign up for as many rotations as you choose 
• Must be 18 years of age 
• Need intermediate or higher level woodturning experience, preferably also with penturning experience

Do I need to be registered to help in the Youth Turning Area?

You do not have to be registered to assist with helping the youth turn.

• You can sign up for as many rotations as you choose 
• Must be 18 years of age 
• Need to have basic woodturning experience

Can I volunteer to help in the Tool Room?

Yes, there are several spots to sign up for.

• You must be a registered attendee to sign up to help during the rotations. 
• All slots on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning require you to be registered for the symposium

Can I change or delete a slot that I have already signed up for?

Yes, you can go back into your account and select the slot you want to change.

• Make the change needed
• Submit the change

 

For questions contact volunteer services: volunteer@woodturner.org