Membership FAQ
Answers to common questions about joining SAWS, membership types, renewals, billing and the SAWS Member Portal.
Joining SAWS
Membership types, eligibility and registration.
Who can join SAWS?
SAWS welcomes anyone with an interest in woodworking, from people just getting started to experienced hobbyists and professional makers.
What membership types are available?
SAWS currently offers three main membership types:
- Regular Membership for members in the Calgary area.
- Out-of-Town Membership for people who live more than 50 km from Calgary.
- Student Membership for full-time students.
Current membership options and pricing are shown when you join SAWS.
How much does membership cost?
Current prices are shown on the SAWS registration form when you join.
We keep pricing there rather than duplicating it throughout the website so that you always see the current membership fee before completing your registration.
Who qualifies for an Out-of-Town Membership?
Out-of-Town Membership is available to people who live more than 50 km from Calgary.
Who qualifies for a Student Membership?
Student Membership is available to full-time students.
Student members are asked to provide information about their educational institution and program as part of their member information.
How do I join SAWS?
Visit the Join SAWS page, choose the membership that applies to you and complete the registration form.
After registering, follow the instructions sent to your email to finish setting up your SAWS account.
I am already a SAWS member. Should I register again?
No. If you already have a SAWS membership or an account created as part of SAWS's membership-system transition, please do not create another account.
Use the SAWS Member Portal to access your existing account.
Renewals & Billing
Automatic renewal, payment information and cancellations.
Does my membership renew automatically?
Yes. SAWS memberships renew automatically using the payment method on file.
SAWS will send you a reminder before your upcoming renewal so that you have time to cancel if you do not wish to continue.
How do I update my payment information?
Sign in to the SAWS Member Portal and open My Account.
Your account area includes the billing controls needed to manage your payment information.
How do I cancel automatic renewal?
You can cancel automatic renewal before your renewal date through the SAWS Member Portal or by contacting SAWS.
Cancelling automatic renewal does not immediately end your current membership. Your membership remains active until the end of the period you have already paid for.
Are membership fees refundable?
Membership fees are normally non-refundable once paid.
SAWS may, at its discretion, approve a refund in exceptional circumstances.
See the SAWS Membership Terms for the complete policy.
What happens if my renewal payment cannot be processed?
If the payment method on file cannot be charged, your membership may become inactive or expire until payment is successfully completed.
You can review or update your payment information through the Member Portal.
Your SAWS Account
Signing in and maintaining your member information.
Where do I sign in?
Sign in through the SAWS Member Portal.
The Member Portal is the central place for your SAWS membership, account information and members-only resources.
How do I update my name, address or contact information?
Sign in to the Member Portal and open My Account to manage your basic account and contact information.
How do I update my woodworking interests and member details?
Sign in to the Member Portal and select Member Details.
You can update information such as your woodworking interests, areas of expertise, meeting interests, ways you may be able to help SAWS and other profile information.
I forgot my password. What should I do?
Use the password-reset option on the SAWS login screen. A password-reset message will be sent to the email address associated with your SAWS account.
If you do not see the message, check your junk or spam folder.
Can I change my membership type?
Membership and plan information can be managed through your SAWS account. Sign in to the Member Portal and open My Account.
If you need help changing your membership type, contact SAWS.
Member Resources
Accessing members-only information and resources.
Where do I find members-only resources?
Sign in to the SAWS Member Portal and select Member Resources.
This area provides access to the members-only information and resources currently available through SAWS.
Why do some member resources still use the old Members page?
SAWS is transitioning its members-only website resources to the new membership system.
During this transition, some existing resources may continue to use the previous Members page. When required, current members can find the information needed to access those resources through Member Resources in the Member Portal.
Will SAWS have a member directory?
SAWS is developing a members-only directory that will make it easier for members to connect based on information such as woodworking interests, expertise and general location.
The directory will be made available through the Member Portal as that part of the membership system is completed.
Terms & Privacy
Membership conditions and personal information.
Where can I read the SAWS Membership Terms?
The current SAWS Membership Terms are available on the SAWS website.
They cover matters such as membership, automatic renewal, cancellation, refunds, member resources and member conduct.
How does SAWS use my personal information?
SAWS uses personal information for reasonable purposes connected with operating the Society, administering memberships, communicating with members and providing SAWS programs and resources.
See the SAWS Privacy Policy for details.