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. Volunteering is a great way to meet other passionate people and have a major impact on the success of the symposium.

Volunteer

Who should Volunteer?

Woodturners, spouses, partners, family, friends and anyone else interested in lending hand to help make the symposium happen.

Why Volunteer?

Support the art and craft of woodturning.
Learn the in's and out's of running a complex symposium.
Be a crucial part of the success of the symposium.
Meet new people from around the world.
Work with a team of passionate people.
Receive a symposium volunteer t-shirt.

What do Volunteers do?

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

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our volunteer coordinators at volunteer@woodturner.org or visit the Volunteer table near Registration at the convention center when you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can volunteer at the symposium?

Anyone can volunteer to help! We encourage everyone who is able and willing to help to volunteer. We encourage spouses, companions, family members, and friends to sign-up to volunteer. In most areas, you do NOT have to be registered for the symposium and/or be an AAW member to volunteer. However, there are a few areas that require you to be registered for the symposium and/or be an AAW member. These areas will state that information in the description. Read the descriptions carefully to know if registration is required. Each volunteer should create an account in SignUp Genius. We encourage everyone who is able and willing to help! We encourage spouses, companions, family members, and friends to sign up to volunteer. In most areas, you do NOT have to be registered for the symposium and/or be an AAW member to volunteer. 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. You must be a registered attendee to attend any of the scheduled rotations.
How do I sign-up?

The best way to sign-up to volunteer is to use SignUp Genius. It is easy and takes just a few minutes. It shows you all the areas that need volunteers. You can go back into program and sign up for more slots without having to register again. It provides AAW with your email (to send out reminders), cell phone number (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, each person should create their own SignUp Genius account and sign up. SignUp Genius is not required but it is highly recommended that you make use of this tool. If volunteers do not use the program, they will miss some of the items listed below. It is easy and takes just a few minutes. It shows you all the areas that need volunteers. You can go back into program and sign up for more slots without having to register again. It provides AAW with your email (to send out reminders), cell phone number (if we need to call you during the symposium), and t-shirt size (you receive a free t-shirt for volunteering).
Does my spouse, partner or companion have to buy a registration to volunteer?

No, registration is not required, unless your spouse or companion attends any of the demonstration/panel rotations. You can volunteer in most areas listed without being an AAW member. However, there are a few areas that require you to be a registered 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 volunteer. We encourage spouses, companions, family members, and friends to sign-up. Volunteers do NOT have to be registered for the symposium and/or be an AAW member for most volunteer opportunities. 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.
Is there a minimum or maximum amount of time I can volunteer?

There is no limit on the amount of time you can volunteer. The only requirement is that a volunteer must complete the full amount of time that slot requires. Volunteers may sign up for one slot or several slots, as long as slots do not overlap.
Do I need to be an AAW member to volunteer?

No, volunteers are not required to be AAW members unless they plan to attend any of the Rotations. You may volunteer in most of the areas listed without being a AAW member. There are a few areas that require you to be an AAW member and registered for the symposium. These areas will state that information in the description.
Do I get compensation or a discount for volunteering?

There is no compensation or discount for volunteering. Volunteers help ensure a successful symposium. We encourage everyone to sign up to volunteer - woodturners, family members, and friends.
Can I volunteer for more than one time or for different areas?

You are able to volunteer for as many slots as you wish. Just make sure none of the volunteer slots overlap. Volunteering helps ensure a successful symposium. We encourage everyone to sign up to volunteer. Volunteers are invited to work in as many areas as possible, as long as the slots do not overlap. You may also volunteer for as many times slots as you want. We encourage you to invite others woodturners, family members, and friends to sign up to volunteer.
Can I volunteer in the Youth Turning Area?

To assist with helping the youth turn: Volunteers may sign up for as many rotations as desired. Volunteers for the Youth Turning area must be 18 years of age or older. You do not have to be an AAW member. Youth Turning volunteers must have intermediate or higher level woodturning experience, preferably with penturning experience.
Can I volunteer to help in the Tool Room?

Yes, there are several spots to sign up for in the Tool Room. Volunteers must be registered symposium attendees to volunteer during rotations. All Tool Room slots on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning require volunteers to be registered for the symposium.
Can I change or delete a volunteer slot that I already signed up for?

Yes, you can go back into your SignUp Genius account and select the slot you want to change. Make the change needed. Submit the change.

For questions or more information, please email your inquiry to volunteer@woodturner.org