The SDA is nothing without you. We love design and we love you! The SDA’s goal is to gain exposure while promoting and raising awareness of design within the local, national and international community. In order to achieve our lofty goals the SDA puts on many design related events each year, typically in the form of a design exhibition. However, this year we have extended our reach by hosting a series of design related talks.

We are all really excited about these developments, but there’s one thing missing…how can we possibly run these events without people power? And that’s where you step in. The executive council is a body of students, so naturally we too are volunteers! But with all these nifty events happening, you can’t expect us to handle all the work!

The benefits of volunteering are enormous. Not only do you get to be involved with the events and shows we put on, but it also allows you to develop relationships with other students and members in the design community. Wait, did I mention it’s also a lot of fun? University is more than just a time of learning; it’s a time for personal development, growth, connection, and expansion. It’s easy to choose a route through your 4+ years in design by attending lectures, working in the studio, and going home, but ask yourself, “Am I really getting everything out of my university experience as possible?” You not only develop your skills and connections with other designers by volunteering with the SDA, you also develop the design community as a whole. We want to promote design within our community to show people the value of what we do. The more support we receive from volunteers the greater amount of things we are able to achieve!

I know what you’re thinking now. “Wow, I really want to get involved! But what on earth can I do…?” With every event we showcase there are always jobs to be done, exhibition construction/take down, taking tickets, selling drinks, hosting the front entrance, photography. Each event presents different and unique jobs, which are important to make everything run smoothly, efficiently, and happily. Outside of events we run fundraising event to pay for all these cool things! Fundraising also requires lots of volunteers, and you can know that your involvement is directly helping the SDA achieve our awesome goals.

It’s not only fun, but also easy to get involved. Simply send me an email at volunteer@thesda.ca, talk to me in person, or send a telegraph! Whatever you find easiest to put your name down, and when an event comes up a job will come your way. Volunteer one time, or every event, whatever you feel comfortable with.

I would like to leave you with a quote:

“The Student Design Association has made me more attractive, more popular, and overall a greater person because I chose to volunteer. I wouldn’t have traded it for the world!”

-Anonymous

To volunteer your time with the SDA, email Davis Levine at volunteer@thesda.ca.