October 2013 - TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Questionable customers
by Mark Friis 14 Oct '13

14 Oct '13

Have an uncomfortable question to ask. How does a shop deal with some of the more questionable customer? By questionable I mean the type of people that are volunteering to earn a bike for the purpose of selling it or using it to get a "fix". The reason I ask, is we had one of volunteers bikes stolen from inside the shop with people there. Didn't care if was caught, yet somehow no one saw him. Lately we have been having a lot of addicts and such coming by looking to get a bike but have little money so we offer them up a cheap Walmart type bike. It was a great way to get rid of the garbage. But now we find that we might be catering to them too much at a cost to those that want to use the shop for what it was intended to be, a place to teach bike mechanics. Any thoughts? Thanks Mark Friis Executive Director, Inland Empire Biking Alliance PO Box 9266 Redlands, CA 92375 909-800-4322 *mfriis(a)iebikingalliance.org*<https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/mfriis@iebikingalliance.org> ** WWW.IEBIKE.ORG <https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/WWW.IEBIKE.ORG>

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How is your shop using online video?
by director 13 Oct '13

13 Oct '13

Hey All, We've been talking about making more videos of our work at Community Cycles this winter. We've done a couple of videos in the past but they've been piecemeal and disjointed. How is your shop using video? What are your goals with video? What service are you using to host your videos; Youtube? Vimeo? Something Else? Why did you choose the service you're using. Here is our Youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z9zYl_yqTw Please share your videos. -- Ride On! Rich Points http://communitycycles.org Executive Director (c)303-589-0597 (w)720-565-6019 Community Cycles is Boulder's only bike shop dedicated to bike commuting. Find us on facebook <https://www.facebook.com/CommunityCycles> Subscribe to our monthly e-news <http://eepurl.com/i7SLv>

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Community Cycles is hiring for Earn-A-Bike
by director 11 Oct '13

11 Oct '13

Hey All, We're hiring an Earn-A-Bike instructor at Community Cycles. http://tinyurl.com/kq7ba2c -- Ride On! Rich Points http://communitycycles.org Executive Director (c)303-589-0597 (w)720-565-6019 Community Cycles is Boulder's only bike shop dedicated to bike commuting. Find us on facebook <https://www.facebook.com/CommunityCycles> Subscribe to our monthly e-news <http://eepurl.com/i7SLv>

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Hand Washing with Boraxo
by director 11 Oct '13

11 Oct '13

Hey All, We've used various hand soaps over the years like GoJo, Goop, Zep and others. Some of those have pumice in them which periodically clogged our drain. We started using Boraxo earlier this year and it's been a great solution. It's cheaper, lasts longer and seems to work better than anything we've tried before it. We bought a case of it and it looks like it'll last us a couple of years. You can pick up a case of it from Uline. http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-16028/Hand-Soaps/Boraxo-Original-Powd… -- Ride On! Rich Points http://communitycycles.org Executive Director (c)303-589-0597 (w)720-565-6019 Community Cycles is Boulder's only bike shop dedicated to bike commuting. Find us on facebook <https://www.facebook.com/CommunityCycles> Subscribe to our monthly e-news <http://eepurl.com/i7SLv>

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Job Announcement - Executive Director; Walk/Bike Nashville
by Adams Carroll 11 Oct '13

11 Oct '13

Hey all, hope one of you all is interested in moving to Nashville to lead our local advocacy organization! Details below: ----------------- Walk/Bike Nashville, a 501(c)3 with a mission to make the Nashville area more walkable, bikeable, and liveable, seeks a leader with strong organization-building skills and a background in management. As the figurehead and key spokesperson for the organization, the Executive Director is charged with developing and maintaining relationships with donors and stakeholders. She or he must be skilled in effective communications, consensus building, and community outreach. Together with the Program Manager, the Executive Director will coordinate activities supported by current grant funding and develop additional revenue sources to support expansion and programming. Reporting to and working with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will implement and update the long-term strategic plan for the organization. Responsibilities include the daily operations, financial health of the organization, staff management, advocacy, and image. The successful candidate will have the experience to lead the organization to meet and exceed its goals. Walk/Bike Nashville is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, political orientation or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local law. *Position Responsibilities:* - Collaborate with the Board of Directors to prepare and implement the organization’s long-term strategic plan and policy decisions. - Coordinate with the Program Manager to execute the activities supported by current grants. - Create and manage an annual budget and fundraising plan in accordance with strategic and operational plans. - Monitor and ensure a positive fiscal condition: - Create and retain revenue streams from grants, sponsorships and memberships. - Solicit donors and develop community, corporate, governmental and other sectors in support of fundraising goals. - Position the organization and its programs to maximize fund development opportunities. - Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with other groups whose missions align with Walk/Bike Nashville. - Establish, manage and assist in efforts to augment advocacy, including public policy. - Supervise Programs Manager; maintain a positive work environment by following sound human resources policies. - Provide recommendations to the Board of Directors and any committees and staff to enable timely and responsive decision-making. - Provide leadership and assistance in board recruitment and board development. - Serve as a spokesperson for the organization to the public; ensure that written and verbal communication about the organization reflects its mission and goals; represent the organization at public events, media events, conferences and workshops. *Requirements:* - Bachelor's degree in business or public administration or related field; Master’s degree preferred. Related equivalent experience will be taken into consideration. - Five years of demonstrated general management experience in non-profit position, with two years in the fields of bicycle/pedestrian advocacy, transportation issues, and/or community organizing. Some marketing background is desirable. - Demonstrated success in organizational planning, budgeting and financial management, with proven success in fundraising in the non-profit sector. - Experience supervising professional staff and volunteers. - Experience working directly with Board of Directors. - Proficiency in use of computer and basic software applications, including Quickbooks. *Personal Attributes:* - Visionary yet Analytical Thinker - Creative Problem Solver - Clear, Persuasive Communicator, both verbally and in writing - Works independently and collaboratively - Understands and Manages Priorities Timely - Anticipates, Identifies and Analyzes funding support and other growth opportunities. - Possesses Integrity, Dedication, Drive, Diplomacy AND an Overall Love of Walking and Bicycling, and communities that support these activities *To Apply:* Resumes and letters of intent will be accepted by the Executive Director Search Committee from qualified candidates through October 25. Please submit your letter of intent and supporting documents by clicking on this link. <https://redcap.vanderbilt.edu/surveys/?s=kvHJEkHpok> Questions related to this opportunity may be directed via e-mail to info(a)walkbikenashville.org. Please, no walk-ins or phone calls. All the best, Adams Carroll Program Manager Walk/Bike Nashville <http://www.walkbikenashville.org/> c: (615) 440-0281 *Since 1998, Walk/Bike Nashville has sought to make active transportation an option for Nashvillians, no matter where they live or where they're trying to go.**We want our sidewalks and bikeways to support active living, commuting options, and recreational opportunities.**Together, we're building a more walkable, bikeable, livable Nashville.*

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bikebike photos
by Roedl, James M 10 Oct '13

10 Oct '13

BikeBike was super rad. While we all need to continue to talk about what happened and expand on what we learned I would like to know. Does anyone have photos? If you do can you make them available to the rest of us. Thank, James Roedl

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B!B!2014?
by Erk Magosh 10 Oct '13

10 Oct '13

Sorry if this has been anounced, I haven't poked around the archives yet, but where will B!B!14 be? erk nashville the workshop

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Donations from Businesses
by Matt VanSlyke 10 Oct '13

10 Oct '13

Thank you everyone for your valuable insight on this topic. We have 501(c)(3) pending and are working with a fiscal sponsor so donations are deductible. Stephen of BNB raises a good point so we'll provide them with our thank you letter/form and let them decide on the issue of deduction. While contemplating this question and your responses I decided to take advantage of this gorgeous fall day in upstate NY ny taking a ride over to the shop in question. And I'm happy to report that this visit got some results. We are now partnering with them to surprise 15-20 kids with shiny "new-to-you" bikes this holiday season!! The great news for us and the kids we'll surprise. Matt Utica Bike Rescue On Thu, Oct 10, 2013 at 1:50 PM, Stephen Bosco <stephen(a)bikesnotbombs.org>wrote: > Hi Matt, > > Your question got forwarded to me-- > > In my years processing bike donations for BNB, I've had a few bike shops > that seemed to care a lot about getting a tax donation receipt for their > bikes, but from my knowledge of business tax law, I don't think it > matters. Here's why: > > A business has a "cost of goods sold" that they pay for their inventory. > That number gets subtracted (along with other expenses) from their gross > sales in order to arrive at a net profit figure, on which they are taxed. > If they buy bikes (and never successfully sell them), that's automatically > reflected in net profit that doesn't get realized. > > And, on a related note- if the shop is donating bikes that they didn't > buy, (i.e. customers abandoned them at the shop), they can't deduct the > value of those either, because they have "no basis" in the bikes. > > So if I read the question correctly, you want to approach this shop and > regale them with all the benefits of donating these old bikes. > Unfortunately, I don't think a reduction in tax liability is one of them. > > And my disclaimer: I'm not a CPA... if you want to know for 100% sure, > you'll have to check with one of them! > > Stephen > > > -- > Stephen Bosco > Bike Donations Coordinator > > Bikes Not Bombs > 284 Amory St. > Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 > p: 617-522-0222 > f: 617-522-0922 > > On Thu, Oct 10, 2013 at 11:08 AM, Sarah Braker <sarah(a)bikesnotbombs.org>wrote: > >> Thought you might have some knowledge to share on this... >> >> >> ---------- Forwarded message ---------- >> From: Andrew L <breathingplanet(a)gmail.com> >> Date: Thu, Oct 10, 2013 at 12:06 PM >> Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Donations from Businesses >> To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> >> >> >> not sure.... good question! >> >> we get bikes on occasion from about 3 local shops and they have never >> asked or cared. >> others have never approached us. >> >> Andrew >> TBR >> >> >> On Thu, Oct 10, 2013 at 11:55 AM, Matt VanSlyke <matt(a)uticabikerescue.org >> > wrote: >> >>> ThinkTank, >>> I have been trying to research this and I'm not really finding a >>> complete answer. Perhaps some of you have personal experience/knowledge >>> that can help. There is a bike shop in my City that has a stockpile of used >>> bikes in a warehouse and they've expressed some interest in donating them >>> to our community bike shop. Does anyone know specifically what the tax >>> advantages are for the business that donates? I know how it works for >>> individuals but I don't know how it works for a business. >>> >>> Does anyone have epxerience with this? >>> >>> Thanks, >>> Matt >>> >>> -- >>> *Matt VanSlyke* >>> *Utica Bike Rescue* >>> *714 Washington Street, Utica, NY 13502* >>> *315.525.9554* >>> *matt(a)uticabikerescue.org* >>> *www.uticabikerescue.org* >>> *www.facebook.com/uticabikerescue* >>> *Learn. Earn. Ride.* >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Thethinktank mailing list >>> Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >>> To unsubscribe, send a blank email to >>> TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org >>> To manage your subscription, plase visit: >>> >>> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… >>> >>> >> >> >> -- >> ------__o >> ----_`\<,_ >> ---(_)/ (_) >> andrew lynn 518-573-7947 >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >> To unsubscribe, send a blank email to >> TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org >> To manage your subscription, plase visit: >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… >> >> >> >> >> -- >> Sarah Braker >> Communications Manager >> Bikes Not Bombs >> 284 Amory St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 >> 617-522-0222 ext. 104 >> www.bikesnotbombs.org <http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/youth> >> >> Donate online <http://bikesnotbombs.org/support> to support our work! >> >> Follow us on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/bikesnotbombs> and Twitter<http://twitter.com/bikesnotbombs> >> ! >> >> >> >> > > -- *Matt VanSlyke* *Utica Bike Rescue* *714 Washington Street, Utica, NY 13502* *315.525.9554* *matt(a)uticabikerescue.org* *www.uticabikerescue.org* *www.facebook.com/uticabikerescue* *Learn. Earn. Ride.*

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Adaptive Cycling Equipment
by Amanda Chilson 10 Oct '13

10 Oct '13

We have a variety of adaptive equipment that was donated/given to our local community, it is being stored in a local storage building for free, along our rail trail. In order for it to be used a licensed Physical Therapist has to fit someone to the equipment. It is challenging finding someone to do this as they do not want to be liable. Does anyone have experience in renting out adaptive equipment and are there other avenues to go with so the brand new equipment does not just sit, like it already has been doing for one year? Thank you for your help!!! Amanda Chilson Project Coordinator Mass in Motion Northern Berkshire Community Coalition 61 Main St. Suite 218 North Adams, MA 01247 413-663-7588 Ext. 16 www.nbccoalition.org Nominate someone for a Neighborly<http://nbccoalition.org/?post=fall-neighborly-nominations> !

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Seeking help with volunteer training systems
by Dan Hock 10 Oct '13

10 Oct '13

Hello All, I work at Bike Recycle Vermont<http://www.localmotion.org/programs/bikerecycle/> in Burlington,(you guessed it) Vermont. Our shop structure is all volunteer with the exception of myself. Our program, in short, accepts donated bikes and, with volunteer help, refurbishes them so that they can be sold exclusively to low-income Vermonters. Personally, I have been struggling with training unskilled volunteers that are new to our program. I have many great people coming through the door with great intentions, but limited mechanical aptitude. Our volunteer retention is down because new folks tend to feel helpless and frustrated. In an effort to address this, I am going to start offering structured mechanics training to new volunteers. I am coming to the list with a few questions: - Are there other programs out there that require unskilled volunteers interested in volunteering as mechanics to go through mechanics trainings? If so, shed light on what structure you are using? - If we are investing over 10 hours in each prospective volunteer, is it reasonable to charge participants or ask them to commit a set amount of hours to our program in exchange for the class? If so, how much is fair in either time or money? - Does anyone have any curriculum and/or course materials (diagrams, glossaries, etc) for participants that they would be willing to share? - Are there any lessons to be learned/advice to be given to someone in my position. Thanks in advance for your time! Dan -- Dan Hock Bike Recycle Vermont Program Manager w. 802.264.9687 Bike Recycle Vermont <http://www.localmotion.com/bikerecycle> 664 Riverside Ave. Burlington Learn to ride a bicycle. You will not regret it if you live. ~Mark Twain

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Shop Setup - Taming the Chaos PDF posted on the wiki
by director 10 Oct '13

10 Oct '13

Hey All, It was great to connect with you all at Bike! Bike! in New Orleans this year. I've posted my presentation on the wiki as a big giant pdf 180mb http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Bike!Bike!_2013#Shop_Se… Feel free to write me with any questions or comments you might have. -- Ride On! Rich Points http://communitycycles.org Executive Director (c)303-589-0597 (w)720-565-6019 Community Cycles is Boulder's only bike shop dedicated to bike commuting. Find us on facebook <https://www.facebook.com/CommunityCycles> Subscribe to our monthly e-news <http://eepurl.com/i7SLv>

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Update Wiki With BikeBike! 2013 notes
by momoko saunders 08 Oct '13

08 Oct '13

If you know how to edit the wiki, please add notes to this very basic draft of the workshops held at this years bikebike! http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Bike!Bike!_2013 *If you don't know how, but you have notes on a workshop, pictures, or video, please send me the the info directly to my email - analyst(a)bikefarm.org* * * *If you are eager to help with getting this content up on the wiki, please also email me.* This will be very useful to those who could not make it. Also, it is especially helpful to those who went, who want to relate what they learned to their collectives. Please help out! this is the best way to give back to BikeBike! Thanks! -momoko

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What to Teach When You Only Have 1 Hour...
by Matthew VanSlyke 08 Oct '13

08 Oct '13

Okay Folks, here's the challenge: You've been offered a chance to do a bike related workshop on a college campus. The only direction you have is "we want you to do a bike related workshop on campus. You have 1 hour". So, what do you teach? Basic Bike maintenance? Riding in/as traffic? How to: get yourself to class on time even if you: get a flat, drop the chain, bend the wheel in a pot hole, etc? In your experiences, what has been valuable for adults/college students? The community bike shop is a new concept in our City and we're trying to launch an effort to get students to lease our repurposed bikes. This will be a good "in" for us and a good way to introduce Utica Bike Rescue to the college community. Any thoughts? Thanks a Bunch, Matt VanSlyke Utica Bike Rescue

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