Annual Reports -brown

Section Annual Report Form -  Part I - (DOC)
Annual Section operations report

Section Annual Report Form - Part II - (XLS)
Annual Section financial report

International Section Annual Report - (DOC)
Annual International Section operations and financial report

Student Chapter Annual Report
Annual Student Chapter report

Awards (Section/District/National) -red

Individual Section Recognition Awards
Descriptions and criteria of various Section recognition awards

Individual Recognition Certificate Award Template
Sample recognition award certificate for Officers, speakers, and outstanding members

Corporate Recognition Certificate Award Template
Sample certificate for recognizing local corporate sponsor support

Distinguished Member Award
The AWS Distinguished Member Award was created to recognized outstanding service and commitment of AWS Members to the Society and the welding industry.

Distinguished Welder Award – National Award only
This National level award was created in 2012 to recognize an individual whose welding skills and experience would earn her or him the recognition of being an AWS Distinguished Welder.

Image of Welding Award – National Award only
The AWS Welding Equipment Manufacturers Committee(WEMCO), announces the recipients of the fourth annual Image of Welding Awards. Divided into seven categories, these awards recognize individuals and organizations who have excelled in promoting the image of welding in their

Section Scholarship Recipient Certificate Award Template
Sample certificate for presentation to recipients of your Section-sponsored scholarship program

Section-Sponsored Student Welding Competition Certificate Award Template
Sample certificate for recognizing winners of Section-sponsored welding competitions

Student Chapter Member Award
The award provides an excellent opportunity for Student Chapter Advisors, Section Officers and District Directors to recognized outstanding students affiliated with AWS Student Chapters, as well as to enhance the image of welding within your communities.

Section/District/National Awards
Description, criteria and nomination forms for awards selected at your annual District Conferences.
Note: Complete nomination packages for National-level nominations for these awards must be submitted to National for review and selection by the National Awards Committee.

• Meritorious Award
• Dalton E. Hamilton Memorial CWI of the Year Award
• Howard E. Adkins Memorial Instructor Membership Award
• Private Sector Instructor Award
• Distinguished Welder Award

AWS Awards Directory

Part I - District/Section awards and awardees
Part II - National awards and awardees

District Conferences -blue

District Conference - General Information
Explains the purpose and importance of District Conferences and why representatives from your Section should attend.

District Conference Reimbursements
Explanation of reimbursement policies for travel to your District Conference, Section rebate for attendance at the Conference, and reimbursement for the Section hosting a District Conference

District Conference Section Report Form
Short, easy to complete form to use as an aid in reporting and discussing your Section's activities at the Conference

District Scholarship Selection
Districts are allocated $7,500 for District scholarships. Each year, Conference attendees participate in the important task of selecting the District Scholarship recipients from their areas.  For detailed information on application distribution, recipient selection, and scholarship funding, please click here for a PDF download.

To assist Sections in the evaluation of scholarship applicants, a sample of the scholarship summary scoring method used by the National Scholarship Committee is provided. This scoring method may be used by Sections in the evaluation and selection of District and/or local Section scholarship recipients.

Guidelines for Nominating & Selecting National, District, and Section Level Awardees
These guidelines were developed by District 20 to aid in the selection processes of Section, District and National Award recipients at their District Conference. This approach has proven to be very successful in streamlining the selection process at the Conference. Sections may also wish to adapt these guidelines to assist in their selection of candidates to be nominated for awards at their District Conferences.
Note: A complete nomination package must be submitted to the National Secretary, AWS Awards Committee, for all National level nominees.

National, District, and Section Awards
Description, criteria, and nomination forms, listed by award

• Meritorious Award
• Dalton E. Hamilton Memorial CWI of the Year Award
• Howard E. Adkins Memorial Instructor Membership Award
• Private Sector Instructor Award
• Distinguished Welder Award

Student Chapter Member Award
The award provides an excellent opportunity for Student Chapter Advisors, Section Officers and District Directors to recognize outstanding students affiliated with AWS Student Chapters, as well as to enhance the image of welding within your communities.

Instructors Institute
The AWS Instructors Institute provides welding instructors an opportunity to enhance and strengthen their teaching skills, and experience hands-on learning of new teaching techniques.  Each year, a welding instructor is selected at each of the 22 District Conferences to attend the institute, held at AWS HQ in Doral (Miami), Florida.   Detailed information on this year's event is located at Instructors Institute Fact Sheet.  Sections wishing to nominate a candidate should forward the AWS Instructors Institute Nomination Form to their respective District Directors.

Leadership Symposium
The first AWS Leadership Symposium took place in 1999 in hopes of building the Society's future base of leaders.  Each year, an individual is selected at each of the 22 District Conferences to attend the Symposium, held at AWS HQ in Doral (Miami), Florida.  Detailed information on this year's event, is located at Leadership Symposium Fact Sheet.   Sections wishing to nominate a candidate should forward the AWS Leadership Symposium Nomination Form to their respective District Director.

Forms & Templates -green

Cash Receipt
For creating a cash receipt for Section use

Check Request 
Template for Section Officers to use when requesting a check from the Section's Treasurer

Evaluation Form
Section Officers will find this form useful in gauging the success of Section meetings and special events

Invoice Template
Create a Section invoice

Liability Insurance
Depending on the circumstances, Sections may be required to obtain liability insurance for an event(s).  Link includes general information and insurance request form.

Section Ledger
For use in tracking Section finances throughout the year, as well as in completing the Section's annual financial report.  This ledger was submitted by the AWS Cleveland Section

Section Meeting/Event Report Form
Short, easy to complete form required for submitting news and photos for publication in the Welding Journal

• Guidelines for Submitting Section News and Photos for Publication in the WJ
  

Recording Minutes

• Minutes - Executive Committee
  Template to record minutes of your Section's Executive Committee meetings
• Minutes - Section Meetings
  Template to record minutes of your Section meetings
• Roberts Rules of Order
  To assist in conducting Section meetings

Instructors Institute -yellow/gold

The AWS Instructors Institute provides welding instructors an opportunity to enhance and strengthen their teaching skills, experience hands-on learning of new teaching techniques, and learn more about AWS programs such as SENSE. Meeting together with other instructors, the participants will be able to communicate and share their experiences in a setting that is devoted to their specific concerns. Each year, a welding instructor is selected at each of the 22 District Conferences to attend the institute, held at AWS HQ in Doral (Miami), Florida.

Please note that applicants are required to be AWS members in good standing and must be currently employed by a secondary (high school), post-secondary (college) or private educational institution.  Detailed information on this year's event is located at Instructors Institute Fact Sheet.  Sections wishing to nominate a candidate should forward the AWS Instructors Institute Nomination Form to their respective District Directors.

Leadership Symposium -green

The first AWS Leadership Symposium took place in 1999 in hopes of building the Society's future base of leaders. Since then, many who have participated in this annual event, have gone on to serve on the AWS Board of Directors. Each year, an individual is selected at each of the 22 District Conferences to attend the Symposium, held at AWS HQ in Doral (Miami), Florida. Please note that applicants are required to be AWS members in good standing and active in Section activities. Detailed information on this year's event is located at Leadership Symposium Fact Sheet. Sections wishing to nominate a candidate should forward the AWS Leadership Symposium Nomination Form to their respective District Director.

Letter Templates -pink

Templates for the following letters have been created to assist Section's in day-to-day activities.

Section Masthead - AWS Logo
Approved, authorized masthead that can be used for Section letterhead, newsletters and other Section-related promotional material

Donation thank-you letter #1
Short version donation thank-you letter for contributions to Section golf tournament, Scholarship or general fund, or other Section event

Donation thank-you letter #2
Long version donation thank-you letter for contributions to Section golf tournament, Scholarship or general fund, or other Section event

Career Fair Exhibitor Set-up Information Letter Template
Sample letter to registered exhibitors providing set-up information and instructions

Career Fair Invitation to Participate Letter Template
Sample letter to local companies inviting them to participate in the Fair

Corporate Recruitment & Sponsorship
The following links provide information on recruiting, retaining and recognizing corporate sponsorship.  Sections may request a list of AWS Corporate Members within their Sections at any time.  Contact Member Services Director  for an up-to-date list.

• Corporate sponsor recognition letter
  Sample thank you/recognition letter for valued corporate sponsor

• Corporate sponsor recruitment letter
  Sample letter to be used for recruiting corporate sponsorship in your area.  Section Chairmen may request a list of current AWS Corporate Members within their Section to aid in this endeavor.  Contact the Director, Member Services for an up-to-date list.

• Corporate Recognition Certificate Award Template
  Sample certificate for recognizing local corporate sponsor support

• Corporate Sponsor Program
  The AWS Houston Section has initiated a successful program for recruiting, retaining, and recognizing corporate sponsors.  This program also provides a fundraising stream for the Section. 
• More information on how your Section can initiate such a program. 
• Houston Section's corporate sponsor flyer

Welcoming new members
Letter and  phone script included

Member retention
Letter and phone script included

Past Chairman's Night invitation letter
Sample letter inviting past Section Chairmen to a recognition meeting in their honor

Speaker request letter
Sample letter to an individual/company requesting a speaker for a future Section meeting

Speaker confirmation letter
Sample letter to confirm/thank an individual for agreeing to be a speaker/presenter at a future Section meeting
Welding for the Strength of America
Letter template for the AWS Capital Campaign, "Welding for the Strength of America," a fundraising campaign to provide and assist with workforce development for the welding industry

                                                    Manuals
AWS Manual of Operations for Sections and Divisions
General information on Section operations, provides suggested responsibilities & duties of Section Officers

Duties & Responsibilities of Section Officers/Committee Chairs

• AWS Houston Section Officers Manual

The AWS Houston Section created their own Officer Manual which provides a quick guide to the
duties and responsibilities of  Section Officers and Committee Chairmen.  Other Sections may
wish to use this template as a guide to create their own manual. 
Sample Section Manual Cover Page

Suggested Section Bylaws

How to Run a Successful Section Meeting
Tips to help maximize the success of your Section meetings

• Roberts Rules of Order

To assist in conducting Executive Committee, as well as other Section

Getting Grassroots Publicity
Guide to generating local Section publicity

AWS Logo Graphics Identity Standard
Standard for preparing printed Section communication using the AWS logo.  Contact Director, Member Services for the Standard and proper use of the AWS logo.

Organizational Manual for Sections, Divisions and International Sections
Guidelines for establishing a new AWS Section, Division or International Section

Guidelines for Establishing a Section Scholarship Committee and Program
Guidelines to assist Sections in establishing a local scholarship program.

Recommended Procedures for Conducting a SkillsUSA Welding Contest
Procedures for conducting a Skills USA Welding Contest

SkillsUSA Reference Guide
Recommended procedures to assist your Section in conducting a SkillsUSA welding contest

• SkillsUSA Report –

This year the SkillsUSA National Welding Competition was held in June in Kansas City. Students from your Sections or Districts who were the top contenders in this year’s local welding competitions participated in the national competition. Download the activity report and results from the competition that is attached.

Speakers Directory
The AWS Speakers Directory has been prepared specifically to assist Sections in locating speakers for their educational and technical programs.  The Directory contains the names and contact information of those who have volunteered to speak at local Section meetings

                                  Meetings & Events

CAREER FAIR   (Section Sponsored)
These guidelines for organizing and hosting a Section-sponsored Career Fair were developed by the AWS Nebraska Section to aid in planning an annual Career Fair. Their approach has proven to be successful, and the Section submitted this information to share their knowledge and experiences so that other Sections may adopt these guidelines to assist in planning Career Fairs in their areas.

Sample Guidelines for Organizing and Hosting a Section-sponsored Career Fair

Invitation to Participate Letter Template

Exhibitor Registration Form Template

Career Fair Exhibitor Set-up Information Letter Template

Sample Career Fair Promotional Flyer/Poster

CWI SEMINAR and Exam (Section sponsored)
If your Section is interested in hosting an AWS seminar and exam, click here for more information.

WELDING COMPETITION  (Section sponsored)
These guidelines for organizing and hosting a Section-sponsored Student Welding Competition were developed by the AWS Reading Section to aid in the planning of the Section’s annual welding competition.   Their approach has proven to be successful, and the Section submitted this information to share their knowledge and experiences so that other Sections may adopt these guidelines to assist in planning a student welding competitions in their areas.

Invitation to participate letter template

Sample Competition Rules and Instructions

Contestant Sign-in Sheet template

Sample Competition Guidelines for both first & second-year welding students

                Results sheet template

Awards Banquet invitation template

Awards Banquet program template

PDHs (award PDHs for Technical meeting attendance)

Professional Development Hours may be used to determine continuing education eligibility for recertification in the AWS CWI program.   Awarding PDHs can prove to be a great way to increase your meeting attendance at qualified Section meetings and events.

• Overview of Professional Development Hours for AWS CWI Program
• Requirements for, and promotion of, awarding PDHs for Section meeting attendance
• PDHs may be awarded for attendance at Section meetings where technical presentations that cover one or more of the areas indicated in AWS B5.1, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors, are given. Further information on PDHs may be found in Section 16 of QC1.                  

• Certificate of Attendance template
  Note: Section name must always be used in conjunction with the AWS logo, as shown on the template.

• Meeting Attendance Log template

Handy tool your Section can provide to Members and CWIs to assist in keeping track of meetings attended and required documents accumulated

• Sample meeting notice and certificate of completion use by the AWS Utah Section

Liability Insurance
Depending on the circumstances, Sections may be required to obtain liability insurance for an event(s).  Link includes general information and insurance request form.

Roberts Rules of Order
To assist in conducting Section meetings

            Newsletters & Meeting Notices

Section Newsletter - General Information
Information on mailing labels, electronic rosters/labels, roster changes and "hot sheets”

Upload and email Section newsletters and meeting notices to your membership
directly from the AWS website!
We are pleased to offer Sections this new tool whereby your newsletters and meeting notices may be uploaded and emailed to your membership directly from the AWS website.  Sections that have been using this tool find it to be easy to use and a real time saver, with absolutely no cost to the Section.

Simply provide Rhenda Kenny, Member Services, with the name of the Section Officer who will take on the responsibility of your Section's member roster administration, so that we may set-up the permissions necessary for him/her to access the site.  The designated roster administrator will be contacted and provided with instructions for using this new tool. 

Send your newsletters and meeting notices to non-members in your area
The capability to send your newsletters and meeting notices to non-members in your area has been added to the online Email Tool.  Your Section may now add those folks who are not members, but are interested in attending Section meetings and events, to your email list.  Please note that it’s best to add only the folks who have expressed interest in receiving your electronic news bulletins.
As always, when sending any information to your membership, the use of this tool is limited exclusively to promoting AWS Section meetings and activities.

View a video tutorial for using the Email Tool

Section Masthead - AWS Logo
Approved, authorized masthead to be used for Section letterhead, newsletters and other Section-related promotional material. AWS Sections must include the Section name underneath AWS full logo, and may do so without prior approval. The Section name must be in italics. Any other wording must be approved by the AWS marketing director.

                Policies, Tools and Resources
Publication Purchases and Resell Policies
AWS Sections are entitled to receive a discount on AWS produced publications.   It is recommended that the proceeds from selling these publications be used toward the Section’s scholarship fund. 
The Section discount is 40% off the list price.

• For the procedure on ordering AWS publications using the Section 40% discount, Click here.
  
• Section Officers, especially those tasked with the resale of publications by your Section, should be aware of, and understand, the AWS Board-approved resell policies.

Useful links:

AWS Presentation
The PowerPoint presentation, “This is AWS” has been created for your use at Section meetings and activities. The presentation provides information on the Society and its relationship with the welding industry. Highlighted are AWS publications, the wide variety of certification programs, educational seminars, conferences, AWS scholarship programs, & much more.

Bulletin Board
Online forum specifically for AWS Section members to access and exchange ideas

Careers in Welding
Click here for information on the many job opportunities available in the welding industry
National Certification & Seminar Programs Schedule
Click here for a schedule of all AWS certification and seminar programs. Includes city, state, dates, application deadlines, site codes, and hotel information.

Dates to Remember
Calendar of important Section-related dates/deadlines

Items Available from National
List of items available from National for Section use and distribution

Success Stories
A list of Section success stories compiled from attendees who have participated in past AWS Leadership Symposiums.  Ideas run the gamut.  Whether it was hosting a golf tournament or a student night, all of these ideas were a success and made possible through the hard work and dedication of our AWS Sections and their many volunteers.

Section Websites
AWS has improved its website services to Sections by providing Sections with a new website.  New features include calendar, upcoming events, photo gallery, sponsor listings, post documents to your website, and an email address. More features are being added.

A Section web editor has joined the AWS staff dedicated to assisting Sections create and maintain their websites.  Contact Henry Chinea at 800-443-9353 x 452 or hchinea@aws.org.

WELD TV
AWS is starting a new TV show and we need your section videos to get the word out about your Section. Mail your videos to:

• AWS Marketing Department

8669 NW 36th St. #130
Miami, FL 33166

• Video questions?  Call 305-443-9353 x 456

• Check out our YouTube Video Channel
  

                                    Student Chapters  
Student Chapter Annual Report

Student Chapter Manual - Organization and Operation
Information on how to establish and operate a Student Chapter
Student Chapter Member Award
This award was established for the purpose of recognizing AWS Student Members whose Student Chapter activities have produced outstanding school, community and/or industry achievements.  The award provides an excellent opportunity for Student Chapter Advisors, Section Officers and District Directors to recognize outstanding students affiliated with AWS Student Chapters, as well as to enhance the image of welding within your communities.

Student Chapter Website
Direct Link to the AWS Student Chapter webpage