The WTSWMO mentoring program is a unique membership benefit. Our mentors guide you from basic to complex turning, teaching safety along the way.
Mentors are volunteers dedicated to sharing information on all facets of woodturning.
Mentors are matched one-on-one with mentees seeking instruction in specific or general topics. Mentors have a variety of expertise, and we attempt to match skill levels with applicants needs. Most often the mentor opens his/her shop to the applicant at a mutually agreed upon time and schedule.
So how does the mentoring program actually work?
The program is flexible but in general this is how it works.
*Members who are willing to mentor tell the mentor coordinator what they feel comfortable teaching.
*When someone makes a request for mentoring, the coordinator searches for the mentor whose skills match the request and lives in close proximity (when possible) to the mentored.
*Then the coordinator calls the mentor to see if they are available to accept a new student.
*Once the mentor agrees they will contact the student directly.
*They then discuss schedules and normally meet in the mentor’s shop. Students need to bring their own tools, face shield, sanding/finishing supplies and in some cases wood to turn.
*If the student does not have equipment this should be discussed with the mentor during first contact. Often there are ways to provide some equipment for the student to use as they see if woodturning is for them.
*The mentors/students are responsible for setting up future meetings with each other.
*If for some reason the match does not work for either party the student should contact the mentor coordinator for reassignment. We want this to be a good experience for you and for the mentor.
*There is no limit to the number of sessions so long as the mentor and student agree on the progress.
*There is NO FEE for the mentorship. This is included in your dues. Should membership lapse, the mentorship will be terminated.
FAQ: Why is the mentor writing down our time together?
As a not-for-profit, we are tasked with recording time dedicated to teaching and community outreach. The mentor is responsible for recording the time, date, length of each session and the student’s name and AAW member number for each session. This record is to be forwarded to the Mentor Coordinator after each session. This reporting may be adapted to be entered on our web site.
FAQ: We have a family membership. Can my children take part in the mentoring program?
Yes! To join the mentor program you must be at least 18 years of age OR be accompanied by a parent or guardian to each mentoring session. The parent/guardian must be present during the entire session. Safety equipment should match the mentees size requirements.
No exceptions.
We are always looking for new mentors. Are you willing to share your knowledge with less experienced turners? Please contact the mentor coordinator and discuss your skills and areas of expertise.
FAQ: Are there other programs for Beginning Woodturners
Are you just starting out in woodturning? We can hook you up with a knowledgeable turner who can help you make decisions about buying equipment from lathes to finishing products. We can also help you find the best sources for all sorts of turning equipment and information. Just contact the mentor coordinator and we will find someone to help you.
In addition to our one-on-one mentoring sessions our club offers “open turning” at various times. Mentors are available at these sessions to provide basic instruction or answer specific questions on most any subject. It is a fun an interactive way to learn new tricks and techniques.
FAQ: What are the specific requirements to join the WTSWMO Mentorship?
All mentors and mentees MUST be members of WTSWMO and the American Association of Woodturners to join the mentor program and/or to participate in the “open turning” sessions at the club meetings. No exceptions.
No turning done in the clubhouse or under the mentorship program may proceed without the use of a safety shield.
FAQ: What if there is an accident?
See above for requirements. These requirements are for the safety of all involved as they are stipulated in the AAW Insurance policy which covers WTSWMO events. Those not following guidelines will be doing so at their own peril.
FAQ: Do I have to sign a waiver?
At this time, the answer is yes. All participating in turning activities of any kind are required to sign a waiver on a yearly basis. For your convenience, you may download the waiver by clicking here.
Want to join the Woodturners of SW Missouri Mentoring program?
Contact us at the email below. Please be sure to include:
your name
cell phone
experience level
turning you would like to learn
and area where you live
You will be contacted within 7-10 days to set up your personalized program.
Contact: mentor.wtswmo@gmail.com