Note: See side bar for Active SIGS, currently Chair Making and Hand Planes.

Overview

Introduction

The OWA Special Interest Group (SIG) Program was established to enhance the knowledge and skills of individual OWA members through participation in a group which focusses on a particular issue of interest which they themselves identify. By way of example a SIG could possibly be set up to study and craft pieces of a particular furniture period. The potential list of topics is limited only to the interest level and enthusiasm of the membership.

How it Works

Potential SIG topics may be proposed by any OWA member to the Executive through an email to OWA@Live.ca. Once received, the SIG Program Coordinator, currently Jessica Abbott, will screen the proposal to ensure there isn’t already a similar SIG already active. Details of the proposed SIG will then be posted onto the OWA website SIG webpage and Facebook page, inviting members to join.

Moderator

The member proposing the SIG will normally act as the Moderator until such time as the SIG meets and elects its Moderator, from among its members. The Moderator’s primary responsibilities will be to:

• lead the SIG members in establishing their group’s objectives
• help keep the group on track with its objectives
• keep the SIG Program Coordinator aware of developments, a few times throughout the year
• coordinate the SIG’s updates presentation(s) to the OWA General Membership at monthly meetings at appropriate times throughout the year

Objectives, Meetings and Expenses

The SIG members themselves will establish their group’s objectives, the frequency of meetings and what, if any expenses there may be. Expenses could include paying for materials the group may elect to purchase in bulk, or perhaps a book on the particular focus topic the SIG is studying. Any expenses the SIG may incur is the group’s responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a Charge for Joining or Participating in a SIG?
SIGs are run by and for the OWA members themselves who constitute the SIG. The SIG as a group will decide what, if any financial expectations there may be, and look after its own expenses. Who decides

When, Where and How Often the SIG Meets?
This is up to the SIG members to decide, however meetings will not normally be held during OWA General Meetings.

Who Decides What Objectives the SIG will Have?
This is up to the SIG members to decide.

If I have a Question, Comment or Concern about the SIG Program or have aproposed SIG I’d like to see set up, what should I do?
Contact the OWA SIG Program Coordinator, Jessica Abbott, through OWA@Live.ca and she will get in touch with you.

SIGs Being Proposed

At this time there are three SIGs being proposed. If you are interested in joining any of them, you are invited to contact the interim Moderator, either directly or via OWA@Live.ca:

Introduction to Woodworking SIG. 
Interim Moderator: Marty Schlosser; ph 613-592-9019; email MartyS@Rogers.com

Children’s Toys SIG.
Interim Moderator: Jessica Abbott