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A woodworking community of learning and craftsmanship.

Three Amazing Years!

After three years as president of SDFWA, I’m moving on … to Austin. No, I’m not moving full time but as a newly-minted grandfather I’ll be spending 50% of my time in Texas. Since I won’t be around enough to do the job well, I’m stepping down as president. However, you’re not quite rid of me as I’ll be staying on the board.

As I make my exit, I can’t help but reflect on what the SDFWA has accomplished. Pre-pandemic, Design in Wood had a record 365 entries in the 2019 exhibit. The Shop has grown to 375 members, has a wait list for joining and is profitable with growing cash reserves. We grew our footprint with Shop 2.0 and I’ve signed the lease for Shop 3.0, a second expansion which we’re planning now. All the while we’ve improved our offerings, grown our education programs and enhanced the member experience. 

Looking back, our new efforts have centered on themes:

Year 1: Reinvigorate the SDFWA

  • Deliver More Value to Member
    • Introduced the Woodworkers Corral  
    • Offered Wooden Toy Book Discount
    • Added New Sponsor Discounts
  • Build Bridges Between SDFWA Silos 
    • Gave Shop Slots for DiW Volunteers
    • Started Toy-Building at the Shop
  • Grow Membership thru Diversity
    • Offered More Introductory Classes
    • Started Marketing through Social Media

Year 2: Adjust to the Pandemic

  • Delivered Value During the Pandemic
    • Took General Meetings Online
    • Rebuilt SDFWA.org for Community
    • Installed Discussion Forums
    • Transitioned to a Digital Newsletter 
  • Provided Community During Isolation
    • Made the Member Shop COVID Safe
    • Grew Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
    • Hosted Virtual Member Shop Tours
    • Offered Shop Classes Online
  • Expanded Woodworking Partnerships
    • Added New SDFWA Sponsors
    • Began SDWT Program Exchange
    • Started Lumbercycle Collaborations
    • Launched National Woodworkers Network

Year 3: Boost Volunteerism of Members

  • Increase Educational Opportunities
    • Offered more Introductory Classes
    • Managed Group Build Projects
    • Started more Special Interest Groups
  • Support Woodworking Exhibitions
    • Collaborated with Wood X
    • Exhibited at Bonita Public Library
  • Grew Outreach to the Community
    • Funded Outreach Programs
    • Built Toys for Needy Kids
    • Supplied Desks to Students
    • Built Little Free Libraries

Over the years we also pulled off major technical projects including migrating to a new website and getting all of SDFWA onto a single membership system. Be on the lookout for more! In support of Design in Wood returning, to SDFWA.org we’ll be adding a photo gallery with 20 years of award winning projects. 

As we go forward, I hope you’ll continue to support SDFWA and get increasingly involved. We’ve been through so much these past three years, yet we’ve done more that’s good than ever before. Your participation is what makes being a part of the SDFWA community something special, thank you. 

It’s been an honor to have served you these past three years. Travis

San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association
5360 Eastgate Mall, Suite E
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 230-7593
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Craftsman Referral Terms

BACKGROUND
The San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association (SDFWA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to the education, promotion, and execution of the principles of fine woodworking.
The SDFWA frequently receives requests from people seeking the service of a woodworker. Therefore, although custom woodworking for hire is not the purpose of our organization, we offer this referral service to the public so that they might connect with a woodworker.

SCOPE
SDFWA does not screen or warrant the skills or work of any craftsman. The public should use their own discretion and due diligence before hiring any craftsman, from any source, including this one.
The sole role of SDFWA in this referral service is limited to providing our member woodworkers with your completed form. It is up to each craftsman to initiate a contact with the requester.

PROCEDURE
After a requester submits a project, the form will be emailed to our list of participating craftsmen. If a craftsman is interested in the project, they will contact the client directly, and a two-way conversation can begin.

As the craftsmen themselves choose which projects to respond to, this means that it is probable that some project requests will receive no response. If you do not receive a response in a reasonable time, please submit your request again, using the provided referral form.
Note that contacting SDFWA directly will not achieve the desired results.

DISCLAIMER
By agreeing to these Terms, and by continuing to submit this Referral Form, and by utilizing one or more of the services of any of these craftsmen, you are agreeing to contract exclusively with that individual craftsman and to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the SDFWA Organization, its officers, officials, employees and volunteers from any and all claims, injuries, damages, losses or suits including attorney fees, arising out of or in connection with the performance of this agreement, and any and all failures, damages, or otherwise negative outcomes caused directly or indirectly by the craftsmen you employ to do any project initiated by this Form. This does not preclude you from pursuing legal remedies from the individual craftsman that you employ. But any remedy you pursue is restricted to that individual craftsman, and does not include the SDFWA organization or any of its volunteer members.

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