- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Re: [TheThinkTank] Local bike coalition shut down local bike co-op
by wormsign＠gmail.com 07 Sep '12

07 Sep '12

Hi all, there was a series of productive meetings where we mutually reallized that we have a lot of the same interests and that it was in everyone's best interest to reopen the shop and recognize the cooperative decision making structure of the space. We've received new keys and have opened up a better line of communication between the groups. We are currently working together to create a memorandum of understanding between the both of us (I actually have no experience with these if someone has some constructive input) that we will be working out in the coming week. Enzo Loconte Board Secretary Bikerowave DIY Bike Collective Adams Carroll <adams(a)walkbikenashville.org> wrote: >Go ahead and buy a basic set of tools. You may never earn back the cost of >tools in donations, etc... but you will open up an enormous round of >opportunities. Once you re-establish yourself as a vital community >resource, people will line up to volunteer wrench, promote, or recruit for >your cause. > >Since founding freebikeshop, I've never asked for or received any cash >donations for the repairs that me and my volunteer mechanics have >performed. Regardless, we've put at least 2000 bikes back on the road >around the world in the past three years and the contribution of time, >materials, and promotion that we have received is more than I can tally. >And besides, you can always use your tools to fix yer own damn bike. > >www.freebikeshop.com do it for the bikes > >All the best, > >Adams Carroll >Walk/Bike Nashville <http://www.walkbikenashville.org/> > >*For thirteen years, 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.* > > > >On Mon, Sep 3, 2012 at 9:00 PM, Leslie Peteya <lesliepeteya(a)gmail.com>wrote: > >> Hi Enzo, >> About 4 years ago, the Durham Bike Co-op got burned by our fiscal >> sponsor, an umbrella non-profit, >> in a manner similar to what you are describing, as it folded. We lost >> our-then 501c3 status, some of our actual operating capital, our liability >> insurance, a grant that the City had recommended us for, and a few other >> things. We also got smacked shortly after with accusations from a >> disgruntled ex-volunteer about some of our operating policies. >> >> Needless to say it was a rocky time for the co-op and our collective. >> Luckily we had established a bank account, >> had the keys to the place, and had our tools, and were self sustaining >> through our set-up, so we were able to >> pull through. >> >> The best advice I can give to you is to go it alone. Organize yourselves >> into a board of directors or a core collective, >> establish non-profit status, buy your own liability insurance, and >> purchase your own tools. Set firm policies, reach out to the community, and >> if you're the right fit for the community, you'll soon find demand for your >> shop and services >> will exceed supply. >> >> And, not to knock umbrella non-profits, but I've had nothing but bad >> experiences with them, 2 separate times with 2 separate organizations. The >> problem with umbrellas is all the organizations underneath them can get >> screwed if >> the parent non-profit folds or is mismanaged. >> >> Best, >> Leslie >> >> On Sat, Sep 1, 2012 at 10:33 PM, Carolyn Braunius <brauniusc(a)yahoo.com>wrote: >> >>> I'd say don't be afraid to go out on your own. If the tools are the new >>> shops, negotiate getting them from the coalition, and start looking for a >>> new space. If people like your organization you'll be able to grow and >>> stick true to your values, without having to be under an authority you >>> didn't agree to. >>> >>> If the tools aren't able to come back to the collective, let them go and >>> start over the way your collective would like to operate. When Troy Bike >>> Rescue got swinging in Troy again, it was a few stands in a yard and a >>> couple of filing cabinets. Then it moved into a shared shopfront and is now >>> in its own wheelhouse. >>> >>> Give it a shot and see what happens and good luck. As Troy Bike Rescue >>> grew and established its own identity, I think it grew more quickly than we >>> ever thought it would and it was/is really amazing. >>> >>> >>> www.troybikerescue.org >>> >>> "When shall we live if not now?" - M.F.K. Fisher >>> >>> ------------------------------ >>> *From:* Doug Franz <doug(a)coatesvillebikeworks.org> >>> *To:* 'The Think Tank' <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> >>> *Sent:* Saturday, September 1, 2012 9:30 PM >>> *Subject:* Re: [TheThinkTank] Local bike coalition shut down local bike >>> co-op >>> >>> Enzo, this is quite messy, if I may say so. >>> >>> First, I think you said that the grant that funds the bike co-op belongs >>> to the local bike coalition. Therefore, it’s up to the coalition to decide >>> how to distribute the funds, including the terms (within the terms of the >>> grant, of course). If they say the co-op needs to be run by their manager, >>> the co-op can take it or leave it. Many entrepreneurial startups have >>> faced the same demand by venture capitalists. It’s part of business. >>> Money rarely comes without strings. >>> >>> Second, you say you were operating under their charter in order to have >>> non-profit status. Of the many benefits you realized, this is probably the >>> smallest. You were likely promoted through their publications, covered by >>> their liability insurance and given credibility on the street and with >>> grantors and donors because of your affiliation. This last part is >>> especially important. An organization’s reputation is extremely valuable, >>> especially in the nonprofit world. It sounds like the coalition is >>> concerned that the activities of the co-op is damaging their reputation. >>> >>> Okay, now to the messy part. What was the reporting arrangement between >>> the co-op and the coalition? Did the coalition have a member or two on the >>> co-op’s board? On the management committee? How did the co-op keep their >>> most important donor informed? This should have been addressed at the >>> co-op’s creation. >>> >>> Unfortunately, it sounds like the communication from the co-op to the >>> coalition was so poor that the allegations raised by the former volunteer >>> were perceived as credible. Even if they aren’t true, the fact that they >>> are plausible is shocking. People at the coalition are realizing that the >>> co-op was operating more independently than they thought. >>> >>> Okay, so it’s decision time for the co-op. Will they turn their back on >>> their support system and go it alone? That’s the route to go to preserve >>> the co-op’s autonomy, but it may destroy the co-op in the process. They >>> could easily be stigmatized as enemies of the coalition. ‘Enemies’ isn’t >>> the right word, but it’s the best I have. They’ll lose their money, their >>> space, and their affiliation. >>> >>> From what you’ve said, I believe the co-op has no bargaining power here. >>> They should put their ego aside and listen to what the coalition has to >>> say, and do their best to preserve their organization within the new >>> framework. >>> >>> My two cents, for what they’re worth. >>> >>> Doug Franz, President >>> >>> [image: BikeWorks_3_wText] >>> >>> coatesvillebikeworks.org >>> like us on facebook! http://www.facebook.com/CoatesvilleBikeWorks >>> >>> doug(a)coatesvillebikeworks.org >>> 610-383-4349 >>> >>> I respect your right to manage the amount of email you receive. If you >>> want to be removed from this email list, please reply to ONLY ME, with >>> "unsubscribe" in the subject line. >>> >>> *From:* thethinktank-bounces(a)lists.bikecollectives.org [mailto: >>> thethinktank-bounces(a)lists.bikecollectives.org] *On Behalf Of *Vincenzo >>> loco >>> *Sent:* Saturday, September 01, 2012 7:24 PM >>> *To:* The Think Tank >>> *Subject:* [TheThinkTank] Local bike coalition shut down local bike co-op >>> >>> I'd like to some info from those of you whose shop runs under the >>> umbrella of a bike coalition or other advocacy group. How has this effected >>> your ability to operate autonomously as a collective? I'm involved with a >>> fledgling bike coop that was created as a biproduct of a grant that was >>> managed by the local bike coalition. We were operating under their charter >>> so as to have non-profit status. It was many of the volunteer's >>> understanding that the bike coalition was only helping us manage our >>> finances, helping us access grants, and generally helping us get ourselves >>> established in the community. As soon as they heard complaints from a >>> former volunteer they at first told us that they didn't acknowledge our >>> decision making process (full consent) and told us that they wanted us to >>> run under a manager that they hire. More recently (following more >>> complaints and accusations from potentially the same ex-volunteer) they >>> went in and had the locks changed and shut the whole shop down. We will be >>> meeting with them this week and trying to discuss how to get the place back >>> open. Has anyone else been down this road? Have you hit walls because of >>> a hierarchic organisation not having faith in the collective's ability to >>> make decisions? Should we even go ahead with them if it means not having >>> control of the direction or operation of the shop? What could we do to save >>> the shop and our autonomy? >>> -Enzo >>> not speaking on behalf of the bikerowave but another org. >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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.… >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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.… >>> >>> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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.… >> >> > >_______________________________________________ >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.…

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Local bike coalition shut down local bike co-op
by Vincenzo loco 06 Sep '12

06 Sep '12

I'd like to some info from those of you whose shop runs under the umbrella of a bike coalition or other advocacy group. How has this effected your ability to operate autonomously as a collective? I'm involved with a fledgling bike coop that was created as a biproduct of a grant that was managed by the local bike coalition. We were operating under their charter so as to have non-profit status. It was many of the volunteer's understanding that the bike coalition was only helping us manage our finances, helping us access grants, and generally helping us get ourselves established in the community. As soon as they heard complaints from a former volunteer they at first told us that they didn't acknowledge our decision making process (full consent) and told us that they wanted us to run under a manager that they hire. More recently (following more complaints and accusations from potentially the same ex-volunteer) they went in and had the locks changed and shut the whole shop down. We will be meeting with them this week and trying to discuss how to get the place back open. Has anyone else been down this road? Have you hit walls because of a hierarchic organisation not having faith in the collective's ability to make decisions? Should we even go ahead with them if it means not having control of the direction or operation of the shop? What could we do to save the shop and our autonomy? -Enzo not speaking on behalf of the bikerowave but another org.

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Boise Bicycle Project Hiring a FT Volunteer/Program Coordinator
by Jimmy Hallyburton 06 Sep '12

06 Sep '12

Hey Good people, BBP's Volunteer Coordinator is moving into the Shop Manager position and behold there is now an opening for a Full Time Volunteer/Program Coordinator position. The position is posted locally, but of course we'll open it up to our friends from out of the area. Attached is a full job description and application process. Keep up all the good work out there, and spread the word that there is a life changing position opening up at the Boise Bicycle Project. -- Thanks, Jimmy Hallyburton Executive Director Boise Bicycle Project (208)-429-6520 1027 Lusk St Boise, ID 83702 www.boisebicycleproject.org .……………......…….__o .………………...…….>,\ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~( · ) / ( · ) Join the Boise Bicycle Project's Free Spirit Newsletter list by going to www.boisebicycleproject.org/Newsletter

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Any luck with bike recipient organizations covering u-lock and light expenses?
by Ryan Feller - Suncoast Community Bikes 06 Sep '12

06 Sep '12

Hi all, I and some other folks are starting a bike collective-esque organization here in Southwest Florida. We're working with existing nonprofits to distribute the bikes we collect and refurbish, and it seems that demand for our bikes will far outpace supply. We consider it necessary to include a basic u-lock and lights on every bike we distribute, but we also wish to keep our expenses down, so we can focus more on collecting/distributing bikes and less on selling them as a fundraiser. Even at wholesale cost through J&B (with quantity discounts), it'll cost us around $16 to equip each bike. We would like to test the waters a bit and see if any recipient organizations would be able to cover some or all of these costs. Perhaps it's a stretch, as these organizations are just as cash-strapped as we are, but have any other bike collectives had success with this? Also, is there any cheaper place to find u-locks and lights (perhaps some supplier sells them cheaper or offers super-high-quantity discounts)? Many thanks! -- Ryan Feller Director 5800 Bay Shore Road, Box 275 Sarasota, FL 34243 (954) 232-3790 ryan(a)suncoastcommunitybikes.org *www.suncoastcommunitybikes.org*

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Any luck with bike recipient organizations covering u-lock and light expenses?
by summitcyclingcenter＠yahoo.com 04 Sep '12

04 Sep '12

Shop BIG LOTS or another closeout Store. I have seen u locks for $8.00 that retail for $30. Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Dylan Thies" <dylan.thies(a)lostorienteerer.net> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Any luck with bike recipient organizations covering u-lock and light expenses? Date: Tue, Sep 4, 2012 9:41 am It depends on how active the crime is in your area, if it is like NYC wear the thieves are wheeling around plasma cutters than my solution is not for you. That being said you can buy chain by the foot at most hardware stores and if you buy in bulk it gets cheaper by the foot, and simple padlocks don't costs that much money 5$? I think at home depot i got chain 20 ft of chain at 1.20$ a foot and 10 padlocks for ~5$ a lock totaling around 75$ which could be ten chains and locks at 2 ft for a price of 7.50$. all prices are USD hope that could be a solution for you On 1 September 2012 12:15, Ryan Feller - Suncoast Community Bikes <ryan(a)suncoastcommunitybikes.org> wrote: Hi all, I and some other folks are starting a bike collective-esque organization here in Southwest Florida. We're working with existing nonprofits to distribute the bikes we collect and refurbish, and it seems that demand for our bikes will far outpace supply. We consider it necessary to include a basic u-lock and lights on every bike we distribute, but we also wish to keep our expenses down, so we can focus more on collecting/distributing bikes and less on selling them as a fundraiser. Even at wholesale cost through J&B (with quantity discounts), it'll cost us around $16 to equip each bike. We would like to test the waters a bit and see if any recipient organizations would be able to cover some or all of these costs. Perhaps it's a stretch, as these organizations are just as cash-strapped as we are, but have any other bike collectives had success with this? Also, is there any cheaper place to find u-locks and lights (perhaps some supplier sells them cheaper or offers super-high-quantity discounts)? Many thanks! -- Ryan Feller Director 5800 Bay Shore Road, Box 275 Sarasota, FL 34243 (954) 232-3790 ryan(a)suncoastcommunitybikes.org www.suncoastcommunitybikes.org _______________________________________________ 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.… -- Dylan Thies Come on I dare you Derive me crazy Don't be charitable because you need to bebut because you want to be

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bbne updated site
by Andrew L 29 Aug '12

29 Aug '12

hi all, we are finally getting some confirmations and registrations for Bike!Bike!NE. thanks to those who have registered! there is some more info up here, as of now: http://troybikerescue.org/bikebikene just a heads up to the thinktank! over & out. -- ------__o ----_`\<,_ ---(_)/ (_) andrew lynn 518-573-7947

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Re: [TheThinkTank] at-risk youth starting a community bike shop?
by GMelton909＠earthlink.net 26 Aug '12

26 Aug '12

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at-risk youth starting a community bike shop?
by Allyson Lowery 22 Aug '12

22 Aug '12

Hi there, I work with at-risk youth in a rural northern community and yesterday as I was tossing my sea foam green toilet at the dump I saw at least 6 bikes. I have been looking for something to engage some of my kids and I started thinking about bike-cycling/community shops etc. I feel that this is a really worthwhile project I just have no idea how to go about starting off - so I am looking for support - I am going to check the lists and see what advice is there, then I am going to start networking within my community. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated! Allyson Lowery , MS Ed Child and Youth Care Program Mackenzie Counselling Services PO Box 790 Mackenzie, BC V0J 2C0 tel: 250.997.6595 xt 226 fax: 250.997.3903 email: allyson.lowery(a)mackenziecounselling.ca

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Free Product for Your Shop, Courtesy of Planet Bike
by Mike Samuelson 22 Aug '12

22 Aug '12

Hi Think Tank, The Alliance for Biking and Walking is excited to partner with Planet Bike to donate extra Planet Bike gear to community bike shops across the continent! Planet Bike has some refurbished product inventory that they need to clear to make room in their warehouse. With their commitment to advocacy, they are excited to offer these refurbished products free of charge. Attached is the catalog of gear available through this offer. Per Planet Bike¹s request, to be eligible to receive donations your organization must have a relatively up to date website, submit a brief description of your youth earn-a-bike program and commit to pass these items on free of charge to kids (18 years old or younger) who are active in your program. (Your EAB program need not be exclusively youth oriented, but it must have a robust youth contingent.) Orders received first will get first priority. Unfortunately, we may not be able to fill all requests due to limited quantities. If you are interested, please complete the attached order form by filling in the "Quantity Requested" column and email the form back to me by Monday, August 27th. In addition, please include a brief description of your earn-a-bike program and acknowledge that you will give away any donated product that you receive from Planet Bike through this offer. I¹m happy to answer any basic questions you have or pass more detailed questions along to Jay Ferm, Advocacy Director at Planet Bike. Best, Mike Mike Samuelson Member Services and Open Streets Coordinator Alliance for Biking & Walking P.O. Box 65150 Washington, DC 20035 Phone: 202-449-9692 x 7 Mike(a)PeoplePoweredMovement.org <mailto:Mike@PeoplePoweredMovement.org> Follow the Open Streets Project <http://openstreetsproject.org/> on Twitter <https://twitter.com/#%21/Open_Streets> and like us on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/OpenStreetsProject> to stay up to date with the latest on open streets!

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Hiring: Exec Dir for Sopo Bike Coop in Atl, Ga
by tito ＠ sopo bike co-op 20 Aug '12

20 Aug '12

Aug 20, 2012 – Sopo is looking to hire a Full time Executive Director. Job descriptions are in the body of this message. Individuals who are interested should email their resume plus cover letter, as well as any inquiries, to tito(a)sopobikes.org. Applications are due on August 24th for the Executive Director position. Sopo Bicycle Cooperative is now located in Grant Park at 586 Woodward Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30312. *Sopo Bicycle Cooperative is a 501(c)3 nonprofit bicycle repair workshop. Sopo's* *mission is to create equitable access to bicycling by providing affordable bicycle* *maintenance services and education. All donations to Sopo are tax deductible. The shop* *is located at 586 Woodward Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30312. Operating hours are* *Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nightsfrom 7 pm until 10 pm and Saturday and* *Sunday afternoons from 2 pm until 5 pm. Visit **www.sopobikes.org **for more information.* * * *Job Description* Title: Executive Director Status: Full-Time Salary: $28,000 (+ stipend for benefits) The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of Sopo Bicycle Cooperative. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors, and is responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives. Sopo’s Executive Director’s responsibilities are as follows: Serve as the public face of the organization along with Board members; attend local community meetings, participate in local bike politics, represent organization at regional and national conferences; Work with the staff, Finance Committee, and the board in preparing a budget; see that the organization operates within budget guidelines; Be responsible for developing and maintaining sound financial practices ; Assure that the organization effectively implements its long-range strategy which achieves its mission, and toward which it makes consistent and timely progress; Develop and implement fundraising regime; engage funds providers and sustain beneficial partnerships, organize fundraising events; submit grants; ensure that adequate funds are available to permit the organization to carry out its work (in coordination w/Board); Maintain program oversight; provide support for Volunteer Coordinator, ensure programs are sustainable by providing organizational support for Programs; Provide leadership in program development; explore means to better provide equitable, practical and affordable [bicycle repair and education] services; Demonstrate continuity of community engagement through internal and external communication; participate in monthly meetings; keep Board informed on a timely basis of all information relevant to the governance of Sopo; publicize events and programs; Provide organizational stability by maintaining official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations; create bi-annual reports for Board; Jointly, with the president and secretary of the board of directors, conduct official correspondence of the organization, and jointly, with designated officers, execute legal documents; Maintain a climate in the Shop and at Sopo events that attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse crew of top quality staff and volunteers (shared with Volunteer Coordinator); and See that an effective shop management team, with appropriate provision for succession, is in place (shared with Volunteer Coordinator). Required skills and experience: Basic bicycle maintenance skills, 2 years of significant volunteer experience at Sopo or another local focused nonprofit service based organization, excellent communication skills, social media skills, intermediate computer skills, experience in conflict resolution, experience in personnel management, budgeting skills, fundraising experience, grant writing experience and a deep commitment to Sopo's values. Bilingual Spanish/English is a plus. tito sands @ SOPO Bikes 1270 Caroline St NE Ste D120-392 Atlanta, GA 30307 cell. 678.907.3892 www.sopobikes.org Our mission is to create equitable access to cycling by providing affordable bicycle maintenance, services and education.

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