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April 13th, 2021
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SWM Volunteers Make it Happen

In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 18-24), AWFS^® and SWM recognize and thank the volunteers who we serve and who make our work possible!

The Society of Wood Manufacturing, or “SWM”, is AWFS’ Southern California chapter. SWM exists to connect local wood industry professionals with educators and students. It was established in 2017 and since then, it has supported fourteen SkillsUSA California student competitions, serving hundreds of local high school students. It has collected well over $100,000 in tools, supplies, and material to donate to schools and students, and it has represented the wood industry at dozens of education events…but NONE of this would have been possible without the commitment of the SWM volunteers!

SWM President Saúl Martín is an Example to All

In 2019, AWFS^® presented Saúl Martín with the inaugural Saúl Martín Volunteer of Excellence Award, recognizing Saúl for his tireless dedication to industry education. Saúl is the founding and current President of the Society of Wood Manufacturing, and leads the group’s activities and efforts in connecting and serving students and educators. Saúl has done it all…from designing and developing SkillsUSA California project plans, to strategizing, organizing, setting-up, overseeing, judging and tearing down the contests. From staying up late nights and weekends to prepare material to hosting shop tours, student internships, and teacher externships. From setting up, manning, and tearing down the SWM booth at the AWFS Fair and other events to presenting sessions and speaking on podcasts. Saúl serves as a pillar to the SWM team and is constantly seeking ways to strengthen industry education and serve students and teachers. Beyond SWM, Saúl has served on the AWFS Education Committee, and AWFS Public Policy Committee and has participated in the annual AWFS DC Fly-In. He was a founding committee member and judge for the Design it Digital student competition, and has helped the AWFS^®Fair education features in immeasurable ways. Saúl’s heart for service comes from his educational background and experience with VICA (now SkillsUSA), and his passion for the wood industry and earnest desire to see it thrive.

AWFS^® is proud of it’s strong history as a leader in industry education, but much of what we do cannot be accomplished without the hard work and support of our volunteers!

There’s always room for more…contact AWFS to learn how to get involved! We also want to highlight those who are volunteering elsewhere – please share your service story with us!