- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

getting and holding onto volunteers?
by rachael spiewak 23 Jul '07

23 Jul '07

hiya, folks. something sopo's always struggled with is finding volunteers and convincing them to stay. many people who visit our shop would rather have a hands on demonstration than look up how to do repairs in our manuals. we tried having a few bike maintenance 101 classes to get people feeling like they have the capacity to help others with basic repairs, but that didn't stick. does anyone have ideas or experience in this department? or is it sufficient for us to tell people that reading about repairs in our manuals is part of their process at our shop? i tend to doubt the success rate of the last one. i'm thinking food incentives might be a good idea. love/peace/bicyclegrease, rachael

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Start-up question.
by Andrew Bushaw 20 Jul '07

20 Jul '07

Hello, I'm currently working in a collective to start a community bike shop in Fargo, ND. So far so good, we have a fiscal agent that is very well respected in the community and is very hands off. We have many interested volunteers, an agreement with our favorite LBS to get their old tools and quite possibly their used bike inventory. We have quite a bit of community support and really feel like we can make this work. However, we have had difficulty procuring space. We as a city are currently going through a period of "downtown revitalization" which is gentrifying many possible locations. Downtown is strategically located between two cities and three college campuses, so we would really like to make that our home. Does anyone have any experience partnering with other organizations? Does anyone have any good ways to talk to property owners who are holding out to develop into office or condo space? What are the incentives to rent/donate space to us? Also, we are beginning our grant writing and are wondering if anyone has an approximation as to how much we can reasonably write for, who are friendly foundations, ect. Is there any shop that is funded in some way other than through grants? Thanks, Andrew

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(no subject)
by Free Ride 19 Jul '07

19 Jul '07

Hello Bike Bikers!! So, things are really gelling here with the conference. I just had one quick update, well maybe a question. So, after the conference, a friend and I are helping organize a bike tour, to Bedford, PA to take a tour of the Cannondale factory, and I was wondering if there was any interest out there in Bike Bike World. Basically, the factory is about 100 miles from Pittsburgh, and Cannondale is excited to host us. I haven't taken the tour, but apparently there are some cool machines that test things like frame strength and components. The wheelbuilders are supposed to be a trip! The actual tour only takes an hour, but they even said they'd be willing to give a more in depth type workshop for us, for example, how they weld, or paint, etc. The friend who is helping out works seasonally for them. Some logistics. It's going to be a bit intensive, so a decent bike would be required. I haven't done this ride, but it is Western Pennsylvania (Northern Appalachia) and I imagine it to be very hilly. We were thinking of leaving the morning of Monday August 13 and returning to Pittsburgh on Wed August 15. Day one would be 80 miles (the first 20 or so on rail-trail: flat!), day 2 would be 20 miles to Cannondale, take the tour, then 20 miles back toward PGH, day three would be 80 miles or so back into PGH. This is self supported (ie we aint carrying or providing anything other than good folks), and the overnights would be camping style. Sorry this is so last minute, cause I know many of you have already made travel plans, but we just worked some of this out. If you are interested, please contact me soonish so that i can get an idea on how many folks to expect, tell Cannondale, etc. Also, contact me if there are any questions as well. Please respond to erokore(a)bike-pgh.org if you are interested. Thanks! -erok

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bring photos of your shop!
by rachael spiewak 17 Jul '07

17 Jul '07

Hi, everyone.. Something we're interested in at Sopo is learning about how everyone arranges their spaces.. how you set up your tools, workspaces, components storage, office areas, and whatever else you've got in there. It would be great if everyone could bring some photos to share. Two wheels good, rachael

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Business Plan for Community Bike Shop
by Claire Stoscheck 17 Jul '07

17 Jul '07

Hi all... Sibley Bike Depot of St. Paul MN is a community/public bike shop getting kicked out of a neighborhood which is in the process of being gentrified. We are currently looking for new spaces, and uncertain of how we can afford new rent ranges...and are looking to write some kind of business plan to make sure what we get ourselves into is actually at least moderately sustainable. Do any of your shops have a busines plan or something of the sort you could send me so we can use it as an outline to base ours off of? We'd really appreciate any advice we can get... Thanks so much, Claire with Sibley Bike Depot (www.bikeped.org ---sorry the site is down right now) On 7/5/07, baglady(a)riseup.net <baglady(a)riseup.net> wrote: > > Hello Everyone, > > There are a whole 36 days left until Bike Bike!!!! > > Can you believe it!!! > > In such a little bit of time you, and hundreds (maybe) of your compatriots > in recycled bicycle love, will be getting together for three action packed > days of workshops, presentations, networking, bike rides, movies, and > dance parties. > > So what does this mean? > > It means that if you want to do a workshop we need to hear from you > ASAP!!!!!! > > Please send us a description a brief description including > a) subject matter, > b) workshop format, and c) any facilities preferences/av needs > > Please submit your name, the organization you are representing (if > applica- > ble), full contact information, and a short biography of yourself and/or > your organization. > Please send in your proposals via email to workshops(a)bike-pgh.org, and in- > clude the word "Proposal" in the subject line. > > If we have already spoken and confirmed whatever workshop you are doing > please send us a description paragraph that we can put on the website. > > We especially need people to help facilitate workshops for the Bike 101 > day. We need people to lead workshops/discussions on recruiting > volunteers, programming (EAB for adults & kids, different models) how to > get & keep a space, intro to legal stuff (501C3 status, fiscal sponsorship > etc) getting donations of tools & bikes, organizational models and more. > And what we would really love is for all the shops that are just starting > ujp to tell us what they want to learn in Bike 101 day, so that we can be > sure we have relevant workshops. Also, we would love it if you wanted to > help us organize this day and correspond with the people facilitating > workshops. > > In the coming days we will have a tentative list up of all the 20+ > workshops up on the website bikebike.org > > Also, PlEaSe PLeaSe pLeAse send us your registration forms. We need to > know how many people are coming so we can arrange housing, bike loans, > cook sufficient food and schedule enough workshops for everyone. If you > didnt get a registration form you can download it at bikebike.org. > > If you have questions you can call us at Free Ride at 412 731 4094 or > e-mail general questions to freeride(a)bike-pgh.org and workshop questions > to workshops(a)bike-pgh.org > > See you in 36 days or earlier if you want to come early and help set it > all up and also help us prepare loaner bikes. > > Bike On, > Your fellow bicycle lovers at Free Ride! > > bikebike.org > _______________________________________________ > thethinktank mailing list > thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… >

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Re: [TheThinkTank] giving away free bikes?
by omar bhimji 17 Jul '07

17 Jul '07

http://pedalpower.org/?q=education#FREE%20BIKE%20PROGRAM -- omar pedal depot project manager p 604.708.4992 f 604.879.2453 e learn(a)pedalpower.org

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Job posting from Bike Works in Seattle
by Free Ride 16 Jul '07

16 Jul '07

Position Announcement: Outreach & Community Events Coordinator Bike Works is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build sustainable communities by educating youth and promoting bicycling. Our programs include Earn-a-Bike for youth, Summer Bike Camp, Neighborhood Rides, YouthVentures bike clubs, Community Bike Shop, Annual Kids Bike Swap, bike exports, and more. Primary Responsibilities: 1. Community Building: Organizing Community and Family Events & Outreach (50%): The Bike Works Outreach & Community Events Coordinator will build the capacity of the organization by organizing community and family events, spearheading community engagement projects, conducting community outreach. 2. Volunteer Development & Recruitment (20%): The Bike Works Outreach & Community Events Coordinator will cultivate new volunteer recruitment and continue to develop on-going volunteer relationships. 3. Fund Development (20%): The Bike Works Outreach & Community Events Coordinator will Work in partnership with Assistant Director and Executive Director to support Bike Works Fund Development. 4. Program Planning (10%): The Bike Works Outreach & Community Events Coordinator participate in agency-wide planning and staff development processes, such as strategic planning, by collaborating with all staff and Board members through regular staff and Board meetings. Hours & Term of Service: • The Outreach and Community Events Coordinator will generally be expected to work from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, and occasionally on evenings or weekends when programs are scheduled. Sound Youth AmeriCorps Members make a commitment to serve full-time for 10 months, averaging at least 32 hours per week. Members spend the majority of their service time each week at the site project. Member also participate in ongoing training, dialogue and community service activities as a corps, throughout the AmeriCorps year. Minimum Knowledge, Skills & Qualifications: 1. An enthusiasm for the project and the ability to motivate others. 2. Knowledge of volunteer/grassroots organizing and a loyalty to community-based initiatives. 3. A desire to serve hands-on and in a classroom, bike shop, and office. 4. Basic bike maintenance and tool use skills or the genuine desire to learn. 5. A commitment to the concept of environmental sustainability, 6. Ability to self-motivate and self-direct on individual projects. 7. Skill and comfort working with youth of all backgrounds. 8. The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. 9. The ability to serve a flexible schedule including weekends and evenings when necessary. 10. A respect for and commitment to diversity, teamwork, and progressive social values. 11. 18 years of age or older by the completion of the program. 12. U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident. 13. Possession of high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving education award. 14. Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying. 15. Must successfully pass criminal history background check through Bike Works. 16. Regular and reliable attendance. Preferred Qualifications: • Experience in the bicycle industry/community and/or in youth development. • Medical experience: CPR, First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, etc. • Familiarity with Seattle and the Southeast sector in particular • Valid WA state driver’s license Benefits of Service: • Opportunity to gain skills in the field of nonprofit management/leadership, community building, outreach, organizing community and family events, volunteer development & recruitment, and fund development. • Become an integral member of the Bike Works community of staff, Board members and volunteers • Transferable skills, including volunteer management training, community outreach, organizational development, project management, facilitation with groups of youth, and experience with computer systems and programs, especially Microsoft Word, Excel and Access • Networking opportunities with other nonprofits, community organizations, and schools • Opportunities for additional leadership and responsibilities depending on individual’s interests • In exchange for 1,700 hours of service over the 12 month term, full time Sound Youth AmeriCorps Members receive a %11,500 living allowance and an education award in the amount of $4,725 (upon completion of the year of service). Health care is also provided, if needed. Limited childcare benefits are provided, if eligible. To Apply: We need to hire for this position immediately, we strongly encourage any interested applicants to contact us ASAP. Email or mail cover letter and resume to Melanie at development(a)bikeworks.org. Bike Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to the development of a diverse, multicultural staff and volunteer base. Women, minorities and people of color are encouraged to apply. Bike Works 3709 S. Ferdinand St. Seattle, WA 98118 206-725-9408 http://www.bikeworks.org "Building sustainable communities by educating youth and promoting bicycling."

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Running list of shops on the website
by freeride＠bike-pgh.org 13 Jul '07

13 Jul '07

Dearest Bike Bikers, Just a quick note to throw out some exciting news. We have posted the running list (growing daily) of shops and projects on the bikebike.org website, under the "about" section. It's looking pretty impressive! This is the list of shops that have either sent in their registration forms, committed to a workshop, or verbally told us they were coming. Please check it out and make sure that there are no mistakes. If your shop isn't on that list, it can be in one easy step! All you have to do is send in your registration forms! Also, there is this really cool forum on the website that nobody seems to be posting to. It's a great resource, and a great place to ask questions, because there is a good chance that someone else has the same question. Also, we are trying to encourage folks to bring their own bikes, it's less that we have to get ready. Fortunately, Free Ride is open Thursday Nite, so if you arrive that day, feel free to come in, check out the shop, and help get some loaner bikes in working order. We understand that there will be a bunch of people flying in and won't be able bring a bike. If you do need a loaner bike, we'd really appreciate it if you brought a lock with you, as we have more bikes than locks. Thanks and we're getting really excited for this. -erok Free Ride, Pittsburgh -------------------------------------------------------------------- myhosting.com - Premium Microsoft® Windows® and Linux web and application hosting - http://link.myhosting.com/myhosting

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Re: [TheThinkTank] 36 days till Bike Bike!!!!!
by Bill Wright 11 Jul '07

11 Jul '07

Hi, I would like to help with the Bike 101 classes, but I can not attend. The good news is we wrote a book about Recycled Bikes and loaning them out! It is called "Anybody's Library Bike Book" and is available at www.Lulu.com . The book covers a lot of the subjects you will be addressing, and some specific ones about fixing hundreds of bikes, and dealing with hundreds of participants of all stripes! We have loaned out over 4000 bikes, been doing this for over 8 years now! You can check out the book and what we are doing at www.librarybikes.org . I'll send a flier when I get home, (on bike vacation) and stay tuned for the release of thousands of Public Bikes in Paris! The world is ready for a trendy bike lifestyle, I feel it. Bill Burton, Director, LibraryBikes.org p.s. Maybe we can get someone from our group out there to talk about what we have been doing, maybe one of the mechanics for the Bike 101 day. Bill >From: baglady(a)riseup.net >Reply-To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> >To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> >Subject: [TheThinkTank] 36 days till Bike Bike!!!!! >Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2007 15:59:40 -0700 (PDT) > >Hello Everyone, > >There are a whole 36 days left until Bike Bike!!!! > >Can you believe it!!! > >In such a little bit of time you, and hundreds (maybe) of your compatriots >in recycled bicycle love, will be getting together for three action packed >days of workshops, presentations, networking, bike rides, movies, and >dance parties. > >So what does this mean? > >It means that if you want to do a workshop we need to hear from you >ASAP!!!!!! > >Please send us a description a brief description including >a) subject matter, >b) workshop format, and c) any facilities preferences/av needs > >Please submit your name, the organization you are representing (if applica- >ble), full contact information, and a short biography of yourself and/or >your organization. >Please send in your proposals via email to workshops(a)bike-pgh.org, and in- >clude the word Proposal in the subject line. > >If we have already spoken and confirmed whatever workshop you are doing >please send us a description paragraph that we can put on the website. > >We especially need people to help facilitate workshops for the Bike 101 >day. We need people to lead workshops/discussions on recruiting >volunteers, programming (EAB for adults & kids, different models) how to >get & keep a space, intro to legal stuff (501C3 status, fiscal sponsorship >etc) getting donations of tools & bikes, organizational models and more. >And what we would really love is for all the shops that are just starting >ujp to tell us what they want to learn in Bike 101 day, so that we can be >sure we have relevant workshops. Also, we would love it if you wanted to >help us organize this day and correspond with the people facilitating >workshops. > >In the coming days we will have a tentative list up of all the 20+ >workshops up on the website bikebike.org > >Also, PlEaSe PLeaSe pLeAse send us your registration forms. We need to >know how many people are coming so we can arrange housing, bike loans, >cook sufficient food and schedule enough workshops for everyone. If you >didnt get a registration form you can download it at bikebike.org. > >If you have questions you can call us at Free Ride at 412 731 4094 or >e-mail general questions to freeride(a)bike-pgh.org and workshop questions >to workshops(a)bike-pgh.org > >See you in 36 days or earlier if you want to come early and help set it >all up and also help us prepare loaner bikes. > >Bike On, >Your fellow bicycle lovers at Free Ride! > >bikebike.org >_______________________________________________ >thethinktank mailing list >thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _________________________________________________________________ Need a brain boost? Recharge with a stimulating game. Play now! http://club.live.com/home.aspx?icid=club_hotmailtextlink1

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nyc or philly to pittsburgh on 2 wheels anyone??
by andrew L. 10 Jul '07

10 Jul '07

hi all. i wanna formally throw out an invite for a ride to bike bike from philly. i will be coming from nyc via chinatown bus to philly and then... workin on it: http://breathingplanet.pbwiki.com/bikeridetopittsburgh i dont know exact dates yet, but likely will be leaving NYC on Monday. I may stop off at my parents farm for a day on the way. not sure yet. if y'all dont know about bikely.com (shown in the link above), its a really cool tool for searching, planning, and sharing rides. be in touch if there is interest!! thanks. andrew -- http://www.breathingplanet.net ------------------------------ andrew lynn | fon: 518-573-7947 | skype/aim: destroyallandrew

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