Ceramics Volunteer

Ceramics stewardship at Asmbly is crucial to the success of the shop and grants access to unique membership benefits. As a ceramics steward, you will be responsible for assisting members, prepping class materials, and maintaining the shop, but we also encourage you to shape the ceramics space and culture. You're an Asmbly ambassador! Here’s what you need to know about ceramics stewardship. To get started, fill out the volunteer form.

Ceramics Steward Duties

Member Assistance

• Help members with clay and tool knowledge
• Answer questions and provide guidance
• Do not work on your own projects while serving as a Steward

Studio Maintenance

• Clean and organize the studio to ensure a safe and functional space
• Report Problems to the appropriate channels
• Create and update wiki pages for ceramics equipment
• Host CSIs (Ceramics Safety & Information classes)

Community Support

• Create a program like clay recycling, show off your skills at a demo day, or propose a project that draws new members in or improves the experience for existing ones! Talk to the ceramics shop lead about your ideas.

Steward Task List

Daily Tasks

1. Studio Cleanliness & Organization
   • Report unclean or damaged areas via the problem report QR code.
   • Hose down 3–4 aprons, hang outside to dry, bring in at shift end.
   • Empty drying racks at sinks; return everything to their proper locations.
   • Tidy wareboard stacks by size.
   • Wash down sinks and remove clay debris from bottoms.
   • Clean clay traps
   • Mop floors—focus under tables and wheel stations.
   • Clean sponges, bowls, and tools as needed.
2. Member & Visitor Assistance
   • Answer member questions on policy, tools, or clay techniques.
   • Assist non-members with pickup (verify ID matches slip).
3. Waste & Recycling
   • Combine trash; take to Asmbly-labeled dumpsters.
   • Take out recycling.
4. Tools & Glazes
   • Check wax resist brushes and re-clean with hot water or alcohol, if needed.
   • Tidy glaze table and glaze area.
5. General Upkeep
   • Wipe down tables.
   • Catch up on #ceramics Slack channel.

Weekly Tasks

• Update or add to Wiki pages.
• Restock Buffalo Wallow, Cinco Blanco, and Porcelain from storage (if able).
• Sign up for CSI & Steward-on-Duty shifts (via Signup Genius).
• Windex ceramics hallway and entrance doors.
• Wipe down empty shelves.
• Clean slab roller canvas and metal.
• Clean extruder.
• Replace paper towel rolls and refill soap dispensers.
• Clean clay trap (if trained—ask the Ceramics Shop Lead).

Monthly Tasks

• Deep clean: mop entire floor with cleaner.
• Reset and restock bathroom.

Ceramics Steward Benefits

To recognize volunteer contributions, we offer credits toward membership and shelf space.

Free Shelf Option

16 Volunteer Hours = One Month of Base Membership + Ceramics Studio Access.

At least 8 of those hours must be volunteer time in Ceramics. Our greatest need is CSI hosts, followed by cleaning and maintenance from the above checklist.

Volunteers who meet the above requirements are eligible for a free half shelf.

• This is capped at 4 volunteers/month.
• Volunteers must go through the ceramics onboarding before being eligible for a free shelf. Talk to the Volunteer Coordinator to schedule this.
• Volunteers can sign up for CSI shifts through SignUpGenius, which they will have access to after completing onboarding.
• Cleaning and maintenance can be done at any time, but will not be count toward the 8 hour ceramics requirement unless properly reported in the #ceramics-volunteers channel on Slack.
• This membership tier gives you access to all Asmbly shops.

Paid Shelf Option

Volunteers are eligible to purchase shelves at a discounted rate.

Redeem 12 Volunteer Hours to purchase a ceramics shelf at the below rates:

• Half Shelf: $80/month
• Full Shelf: $155/month

These hours can be from volunteering anywhere at Asmbly. They do not need to be ceramics-specific.

Aside from the above distinctions, the base volunteer terms and benefits apply.

Ceramics Steward Requirements

In order to become a Ceramics Steward, you must:

• Complete all base volunteer requirements
• Complete a ceramics volunteer onboarding (Contact the volunteer coordinator to schedule)
• Sign up to host CSIs, attend the monthly Ceramics volunteer day, and complete tasks from the above checklist!