San Diego Architectural Foundation

There are many volunteer opportunities within SDAF, and various ways in which to become involved. Depending on what you are interested in, or what you have talents for, we have a job for you. If you have any special skills, let us know. If you have the interest but not the experience, we can use your help, too. Just send us a note and we can help to identify the right fit for you within the SDAF - and be sure to attend one of our Volunteer Orientations!
   
VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION is designed as a way to get more people familiar with SDAF at a higher, more involved level in support the development and appreciation of outstanding architecture and urban design throughout the San Diego region. Training lasts about 60 minutes and we will cover some background info on SDAF along with information and insight on getting involved with tasks relative to organizing fundraising and outreach programs and events; including but not limited to BEEP, Inside the Studio, By Design, SIR (Sustainability Is Responsibility), Community Vision Award, Design Scholarships, Competitions and Tours, Orchids & Onions, PechaKucha Night, computer based help and more. Our next Volunteer Orientation will take place on July 13, 2010. Click here for more information or to RSVP on the Facebook event page, or write volunteer@sdarchitecture.org.
    
Here's a sample of some SDAF programs that are in need of volunteer support: 
   
BEEP (Built Environment Education Program)
Established to help implement the SDAF's education goals, BEEP has a long history and presence in San Diego’s architectural community with many notable San Diego architects, planners, landscape architects, and urban enthusiasts having been involved with the program since the 1980’s. The SDAF has initiated a new project within BEEP; the preparation of a BEEP Lesson Manual to be used by SDAF volunteers and local schools to teach educational concepts using the built environment. Many opportunities exist for getting involved in BEEP, including lesson plan reviews, graphic support, research, classroom support and marketing. Contact BEEP@sdarchitecture.org for more information.

BY DESIGN (SDAF Newsletter)
We’re always in need of written material and graphic support for the SDAF newsletter, By Design. If you have a feature article or short piece up your sleeve, or are able to provide graphic support, contact ByDesign@sdarchitecture.org.
  
INSIDE THE STUDIO
Inside The Studio features live profiles, discussions and stories with an assortment of architects, landscape architects, designers, planners, developers, artists and then some. Inside the Studio takes our audiences on a vicarious visit to the minds’ eye of our guests with penetrating and fascinating interviews, for which extensive preparation and research are required. We're also in need of sponsorship, event, graphic and A/V support. Contact ITS@sdarchitecture.org for more information.

COMMUNITY VISION AWARD
Community Vision Award is a grant program designed to promote collaborative, Smart Growth oriented, sustainable and green building practices. Contact CVA@sdarchitecture.org for more information.

SDAF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
SDAF currently offers three design scholarships, and is looking forward to establishing another. To help with this process, contact scholarships@sdarchitecture.org for more information.

ARCHITECTURAL, ART AND DESIGN TOURS
SDAF currently offers special custom architectural tours, with a robust selection of Podcast tours in the works. If you are interested in guiding custom group tours, research and design support for Podcast and walking tours, or anything else tour-related, contact tours@sdarchitecture.org.

ORCHIDS & ONIONS
Taking a critical and complimentary look at local architecture and design is a vital part of the mission of Orchids & Onions (O&O). San Diego’s premier awards program for the built environment was purchased from AIA San Diego in 2002, and a ‘reinvented’ O&O debuted in 2006. With a focus of educational outreach, O&O seeks to engage all San Diegans in exercising their say about our built environment by accepting public nominations and hosting a People’s Choice Award. Opportunities are vast and are organized by sub-committees, including Silent Auction, Sponsorship, Event Planning, Award Follow-Up and more. If you’re interested in participating in this exciting and multi-layered program, click here and let us know!

PECHA KUCHA NIGHT
SDAF is the official chapter of the international PechaKucha Night organization. We hold four events annually and are always looking for presenters and event support, including A/V and technical, sponsorship and set-up. Contact PKN@sdarchitecture.org for more information.

FUNDRAISING AND EVENT PLANNING
We have fundraisers and special events taking place throughout the year. We need volunteers to help with event planning and setup, as well as PR work, staff the SDAF information booth, and sponsor procurement. For more information, contact volunteer@sdarchitecture.org
  
PUBLIC RELATIONS AND ADVERTISING
We need volunteers for our PR/Outreach program. There are opportunities for webmasters, graphic artists, newsletter editors/workers, and people who can help with publicity and media relations and more. Contact volunteer@sdarchitecture.org for more information.

WEBSITE AND INTERNET
SDAF needs more motivated people to help with website formatting, updates and increase the reach and awareness of our blogs. Click here for a full description of the website specialist position For more information or to get involved, contact info@sdarchitecture.org.

CORE VOLUNTEER
If you can't decide what to choose but you know you want to help, this is for you. The role of a Core Volunteer is to assist SDAF with various functions and to serve as a SDAF envoy by informing and engaging the public about who SDAF is and what we do. Click here for a full Core Volunteer description. For more information or to get involved, contact volunteer@sdarchitecture.org

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Send us your ideas! If you can help in ways not listed here or can think of another project that we should do, let us know. If you can think of ways for SDAF to enhance and expand our existing projects and campaigns we want to hear them. We are always in need administrative support in our East Village office. Other roles to fill include graphic design, such as the design of T-shirts and posters. If any of this sounds good to you, contact volunteer@sdarchitecture.org for more information.