Strength Through Connection: Introducing the CWA's New Volunteer Leadership Structure

The Climbing Wall Association has always been powered by volunteers that work in the climbing wall industry every day.

For years, committee members have dedicated their time, expertise, and energy to helping the CWA develop industry standards, strengthen certification programs, advocate for the needs of climbing businesses, and share best practices across the indoor climbing industry. Their contributions have shaped the work of the Association and helped make climbing gyms safer, stronger, and more successful.

To every current and former committee member: thank you. The progress our industry has made would not have been possible without your commitment and leadership. For anyone who hasn’t served on a committee or worked with the CWA give a big thank you to one of our volunteers next time you see them.

As the industry and the CWA continue to evolve, we're making changes to our volunteer structure to better support our mission and create more opportunities for industry professionals to get involved.

A New Approach to Volunteer Leadership

Historically, the CWA has relied on a number of specialized committees focused on specific areas of work. While that structure helped accomplish important goals, it also created challenges. Some projects naturally overlapped between committees, expertise was sometimes spread across multiple groups, and it could be difficult to engage volunteers around short-term initiatives without asking them to commit to ongoing committee service.

To better meet the needs of today's industry, the CWA is moving to a structure built around three Standing Committees supported by project-based Working Groups.

The new Standing Committees are:

• Standards & Practices

  • This committee will guide the development and maintenance of industry standards, best practices, technical resources, and safety-related guidance.

• Certifications

  • This committee will oversee certification, education, and professional development programs that help climbing industry professionals build knowledge and skills.

• Advocacy

  • This committee will focus on issues affecting the indoor climbing industry, including public policy, litigation threats, industry research, and other matters that impact climbing businesses.

These committees will provide ongoing leadership and strategic direction in their respective areas while working closely with CWA staff and the Board of Directors.

Apply to join a CWA Committee

The Role of Working Groups

Not every project requires a permanent committee.

Under the new model, committees will be able to establish Working Groups to tackle specific projects and initiatives. Working Groups may develop a resource, review a certification program, update guidance, conduct research, address an emerging industry issue, or complete another defined project.

Once the work is complete, the Working Group concludes.

This approach creates greater flexibility and allows us to engage the right expertise at the right time. It also opens the door for more members to contribute to the industry, even if they are unable to commit to ongoing committee service.

For some volunteers, serving on a Standing Committee will be the right fit. For others, participating in a Working Group may be a more practical way to share their expertise. Both roles are valuable, and both play an important part in helping the CWA serve the industry.

What This Means for Current Committees

Over the coming months, our existing committees will complete transition projects and help transfer knowledge, resources, and ongoing work into the new structure.

This transition is not about replacing the incredible work that committees have done over the years. Rather, it is about building on that foundation and creating a structure that is more agile and sustainable for the future.

The expertise that exists within our current committees remains essential to the CWA's success, and we are looking forward to many of our current volunteers continuing their involvement with the new committees and working groups.

Applications Are Now Open

As we launch this new structure, we are seeking volunteers interested in serving on a Standing Committee, participating in future Working Groups, or both.

We are looking for a broad range of perspectives and experiences from across the indoor climbing industry, including:

• Gym owners and operators
• Gym managers
• Routesetters
• Coaches and instructors
• Consultants
• Engineers and technical experts
• Manufacturers and suppliers

Whether you're a longtime volunteer or someone looking to get involved for the first time, we encourage you to apply.

Serving on a CWA committee or working group is an opportunity to help shape the future of the indoor climbing industry, share your expertise with peers, and contribute to programs and resources that benefit climbing businesses around the world.

Apply Today

If you're interested in helping guide the future of the CWA and the indoor climbing industry, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply Here

Applications are open through September 4.

The strength of our industry comes from the people who are willing to share their knowledge, collaborate with their peers, and work together toward common goals. We are excited about this next chapter and look forward to building it alongside the passionate professionals who make this industry so unique.

Thank you for helping us strengthen every hand that shapes the future of the climbing wall industry.

For questions about committees, membership, or other CWA programs and services, contact hello@cwapro.org.