TheThinkTank October 2016

thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org

30 participants
21 discussions

Reusable Repair Checklist Tag
by director 02 May '23

02 May '23

Hey All, We just spent some time and redid the tag we use to track repairs on a bike. I'm sure your shops are similar to ours in that many mechanics of varying skill levels will work on a single bike before it's distributed back to the world for use. This make it challenging to ensure a standard of quality on any given bike leaving the shop. As we fleshed out the tag we realized that it could function loosely as a curriculum. For most mechanics, especially students we suggest starting at the top and working down the list. I've come to realize that no two mechanics will do things in the exact same way, everyone has their own style. We've been suggesting that folks do the first two items in order and then address the rest of the repairs at their discretion. Of course we couldn't put everything on a half page so we had to make compromises. You'll notice as you get closer to the bottom of the tag the categories are a little more broad and don't get into the finer details. We're working on a final check list that will include finer details like checking bearing play, tire wear, fine tune derailleurs and brakes... The final checklist won't hang on the bike but it'll be around the shop and part of our training. Stay tuned for this. We print these double sided, cut them in half and laminate them. We hang them on the handlebars and fill them out with a Sharpie. When the bike is done and gone we clean the Sharpie off with 90% rubbing alcohol and a rag. This allows us to use one tag over and over and over. We've been using these tags for about 2 weeks now and it's been awesome. Communication between mechanics is much clearer and bikes are getting done faster. It's really helped orient Earn-A-Bike students to what needs to be done next on their bike. Anyway if you think it's a good idea feel free to adapt it to your shops needs. -- 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

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no boys allowed zine from bikebike?
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 27 Sep '18

27 Sep '18

hey all, i'm looking to get in touch with the person who wrote/published the "no boys allowed" zine which was passed out at bikebike in san francisco. it was part of one of the oppression and gender identity issues workshops. we're looking to start a women's night here at community cycles, and i'd like to scan my copy as a pdf and email it to potential volunteers, as well as make some copies to have in the shop... if you're on the list, or if you know the person who wrote it (her name escapes me), please get in touch with me off list... thanks! josh. community cycles boulder

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Any German co-op
by Tigre Bici 02 Nov '16

02 Nov '16

Hello! We are looking for a german co-op to have some questions asked. Does anyone is part of one or knows one? please let us know Thanks R.

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Save the Date - Youth Bike Summit 2017
by Pasqualina Azzarello 31 Oct '16

31 Oct '16

Hi Everyone, Save the date for the 7th annual Youth Bike Summit! *When:* October 6-8, 2017 *Where:* Washington, DC / Arlington, VA *Hosted by:* Phoenix Bikes in Arlington, VA A "save the date" card is attached - we are planning for the largest Youth Bike Summit yet so please help us spread the word by sharing it far and wide throughout your networks. More information can be found on our website <https://youthbikesummit.org/> and in our newsletter. <https://t.e2ma.net/webview/iisnq/40f834ebe474f7287604bb50e53383a7> You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @youthbikesummit Feel free to be in touch directly should you have any questions or want to learn more about ways you and your shops/orgs can participate in this ever-growing, collaborative youth bike movement. Thanks, everyone! Best, Pasqualina [image: Inline image 1] -- *Pasqualina Azzarello* Director, Youth Bike Summit Website <https://youthbikesummit.org/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/youthbikesummit/?fref=ts> | Twitter <https://twitter.com/youthbikesummit> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/youthbikesummit/> @youthbikesummit #YBS17 *SAVE THE DATE! * *Youth Bike Summit* Hosted by Phoenix Bikes in Arlington, VA October 6 - 8, 2017 // Arlington, VA / Washington, DC

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How-To Guides for Sorting Used Parts
by Anastasia Clement Thorne 31 Oct '16

31 Oct '16

Hello everyone, I work for Kickstand in Vancouver, BC. We are reorganizing the shop to create an environment that allows volunteers to be very self-directed and self-sufficient while volunteering. One of the the solutions I'm working on is creating a How-To guide for sorting EVERY used part, so that brand-new mechanics can get working parts into the appropriate bins, or strip them for small parts (even if they don't really know what all the parts do. Think, flow charts and well-labeled diagrams). I know that there are other shops out there who have already made these resources, so that I don't have to rebuild a wheel unnecessarily. Does anyone work/volunteer for a shop that has these resources? Please share! Or do you know of a shop that does this? I'm happy to contact them! Thanks for your collective brain power! -stasia

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If You Like Podcasts About Bike Collectives
by Thomas Butler 31 Oct '16

31 Oct '16

Then here (forwarded below) is an episode to add to your list. It's a 34:09 interview with 2 coordinators of Austin's Yellow Bike Project. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Everyday Superhumans" <everydaysuperhumans(a)gmail.com> Date: Oct 20, 2016 6:46 AM Subject: Everyday Superhumans Episode Premiere To: "Thomas Butler" <thomas.unavailable(a)gmail.com>, "Thomas Fackler" < thomas.fackler(a)gmail.com> Cc: Good morning Tom & Thomas, Kyle here. Just thought I would let you know that the interview you two did with Caroline and I a few months ago is live online. You can check it out here <http://everydaysuperhumans.com/2016/10/19/episode-15/>. We want to thank you two again for sitting down with us for an hour to chat about the Yellow Bike Project. We love what you're doing, so much that I ended up buying a bike from you guys the next week! Have a great day! - Kyle S.

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Bulk Used Parts
by Zachariah Wahid 28 Oct '16

28 Oct '16

Would anybody out there be interested in receiving bulk shipments of used bike parts? Back Alley Bikes collects parts from hundreds of bikes every year and many of them are used at a much slower rate than they arrive. We are exploring the idea of running a Community Shared Bike Parts program (after the model of CSAs in communities with access to local agriculture) or simply packaging parts in bulk and shipping them to fellow bike collectives upon request. Please respond with your thoughts. Would you be interested in receiving parts for a fee to cover our costs? Has your collective or others that you're aware of tried something like this before? -- Zachariah Wahid Offsite Program Manager (313) 879-5630

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Neighborhood Bike Works is hiring a Youth Program Director
by Steve Maluk 26 Oct '16

26 Oct '16

Hi all. Our program director of the past 4+ years, Liz Pisarczyk, is leaving us in February. Liz has done a ton for NBW, and so now we've begun the search process to find someone to step in and build off of the strong state of our youth programming. Here's the job description, and it's also attached as a PDF. Please take a look and share far and wide! * Director of Youth Programs – Neighborhood Bike Works* *Position Summary:* Neighborhood Bike Works (NBW) is seeking a full-time Director of Youth Programs to lead our organization’s youth bike-education programming. This position assumes primary responsibility for directing and developing all youth programs, and supervising and supporting the professional development of all youth program staff. Additionally, the Director of Youth Programs works with the Executive Director and other department managers as part of NBW’s leadership team, represents NBW and its programming to funders, community partners, youth, and families; and partners with Board, other staff, and volunteers to develop the organizational resources of NBW. *About Neighborhood Bike Works:* In 2017, NBW will build on its recent growth and reloication to a new community shop and bike education hub. NBW is celebrating 20 years of using bikes as the hook to engage youth in positive out-of-school-time activities. By learning bike mechanics and exploring the city by bike, young people at NBW build life skills and healthy habits, and gain leadership experience. Based in West Philadelphia, we primarily serve youth of color from low-income communities. In addition to our youth programs, NBW provides a DIY bicycle workshop space for adults as well as community outreach programs to promote cycling. More information regarding NBW can be found at neighborhoodbikeworks.org. *Reports to:* Executive Director *Reporting to this Position:* Ride Program Manager, Youth Engagement Specialist, Lead Youth Program Instructor, and shared supervision of the Outreach Coordinator *Primary Responsibilities:* *Program Development and Evaluation* (40%) · Plan and direct current and new programming in collaboration with Executive Director, program staff, and other stakeholders. · Work with youth program team to coordinate all NBW programming, manage program calendar, and communicate with program partner organizations. · Collaborate with youth program staff to develop curriculum for youth programs, set benchmarks for youth involvement in NBW programs, and develop channels for youth to grow and assume leadership roles within and outside of NBW. · Develop and maintain systems for tracking data on students and programs, including registrations, participant involvement in all youth programs, and graduation information. · Develop and maintain program evaluation methods in collaboration with program staff and Executive Director. Ensure effectiveness of data collection and analysis. · Provide organization-wide program reports on a monthly basis and as needed. · Ensure programming remains culturally responsive for the youth and families we serve. · Work with program staff and other stakeholders to facilitate the continued development of a long-term vision for NBW’s programming, including all levels of youth programs. *Staff Management and Support* (40%) · Recruit, hire, support, and supervise youth program staff. · Work directly with youth, supporting program staff in the delivery of youth programs. · Develop, coordinate, and deliver training and orientation for all program staff. · Support program staff in planned, continuous professional development. · Foster teamwork, appreciation, and shared leadership within the programs department at NBW. · Ensure that all instructors, volunteers, and program participants comply with NBW policies and procedures, including all safety and risk management policies and procedures. · Conduct annual performance reviews and 360-degree reviews for all direct reports. *Financial Management, Development, and Communications* (15%) · Work in partnership with the Executive Director and Development Manager to support fundraising related to programs, including events and donor communications. · Write program updates and reports for use in grants, reports, and promotional materials. · Create and manage program budgets. · Work alongside other staff to solicit feedback and stories from participants, parents, and others. Share feedback with all staff and work with others to promote programs externally. *Administrative and Strategic Oversight* (5%) · Work with Executive Director to create and update risk management policies and guidelines as needed. · Participate in NBW’s strategic planning process and assist in developing short and long-term program plans for core and advanced programs. *Qualifications:* The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of management experience in a non-profit setting or related field, a proven track record successfully supervising and supporting staff and volunteers, and experience working with diverse populations including youth of color and those from low-income families. Background knowledge of Philadelphia’s education system, history, bicycling community, and networks of youth development organizations is preferred. Candidates with non-traditional work and education experience are encouraged – please tell us about those experiences that qualify you for this position. Additional Qualifications: · Driven by the mission and work of NBW. - A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work, Public Administration, or related field preferred; however, equivalent work experience will be considered in lieu of education. - Successful development and implementation of youth programming curriculum. - Commitment to social justice and youth leadership. - Experience with performance management and supporting the professional development of staff. - Knowledge of nonprofit management. - Must possess and demonstrate superb communication skills, both written and verbal. - Energetic and engaging with youth while being reliable, responsible, and professional. - Familiarity with Philadelphia’s neighborhoods preferred. - Ability to be flexible with a set work schedule and work evenings and weekends as needed. · Experience with Microsoft Office and Access. · Successful passing of PA State Police Criminal Background Check, Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, and FBI Clearance required. This is a full-time, hourly position that will begin in January 2017. The position will be non-exempt in compliance with new December 2016 FLSA overtime regulations. The pay range for this position will be $18.25 to $20.20 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. NBW offers a competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans. *Please email a resume and cover letter* to jobs(a)neighborhoodbikeworks.org. Applications received by November 28, 2016 will receive priority consideration. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seek staff who reflect the community we serve. Candidates of color are encouraged to apply. -- Steve Maluk Executive Director Neighborhood Bike Works <215-386-0316%20x%20113>215-386-0316 x118 www.neighborhoodbikeworks.org [image: NBW's Bike Drive and Birthday Party] Celebrating 20 years of positive youth development.

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CiviCRM
by Jonathan Morrison 23 Oct '16

23 Oct '16

Has anyone been using (https://civicrm.org/) or would they recommend a different software package? -Jonathan

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bike maintenance training for a local Boys and Girls club
by Let's put people on bikes 20 Oct '16

20 Oct '16

My community does not have a bike coop. I repair donated bikes and give them away through local charities and offer free bike clinics around town (library, churches, etc). I have been donating bikes to the local Boys and Girls club and now have been asked to give bike maintenance training to some of the kids. The kids are middle schoolers, we have no dedicated space, there are no tools except what I can provide, I get about an hour a week, and I am enjoying every minute of it. I started out going over how to do a pre-ride safety check, changing tires and tubes, and things like that. It quickly be came a problems course - a bike would show up and we diagnose what needs to be done to get the bike safely back on the road, I supervise the kids when they fix it, and the bike immediately finds a new happy owner. Basket cases go to my shop and I make them work. I am looking for pointers to any kind of similar programs to see what they cover and get any advise that might be available. All help is greatly appreciated. Best regards, JB

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TheThinkTank October 2016