- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

25 Nov '10

I'm currently out of the office. Back Monday 11/29. I'll get back to you when I return. Best, Jay Ferm

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Youth Bike Summit 2011
by Pasqualina Azzarello 24 Nov '10

24 Nov '10

Dear Friends and Colleagues, I am pleased to announce the Youth Bike Summit! Inspired by the National Bike Summit that takes place each year in Washington DC, the Youth Bike Summit will address youth, cycling, education, and advocacy. We are currently seeking speakers, workshop leaders, and moderators for the three day conference. Please see the outline and forms below and feel free to share and distribute as you see fit. And don't forget to save the date! *WHEN: *Friday January 14 - Sunday January 16, 2011 *WHERE:* The New School in New York, NY *DESCRIPTION:* The Youth Bike Summit is a three day gathering geared toward students, educators, and advocates in New York City and in the Northeast United States. The conference aims to bring people from different educational disciplines together to explore, network, and learn how bicycling can be a legitimate and safe form of transportation for today's youth. With this mission in mind, the Youth Bike Summit will offer educational workshops and panel discussions on subjects ranging from how to advocate for bike lanes to basic bike maintenance. It will also provide tools and information on fundraising and best practices for schools that wish to incorporate bikes into the physical fabric of the learning environment.* * *PROGRAM SCHEDULE: ** * - *Friday (6pm-9pm):* Welcome + Registration - *Saturday (9am-6pm):** *The full-day program will consist of Breakfast, Workshop Sessions, a Keynote Lunch, a "Speed Learning" Session, and a Tabling Area for Schools, Organizations, Community Groups, Bike Shops, Sponsors, etc. *Workshop Categories:* Environment, Education, Policy, Management, and DIY (Do-It-Yourself) * Workshop Topics May Include:* How to plan a bike-friendly neighborhood, How to get rid of traffic congestion, Cycling infrastructure, Bicycles as a form of sustainable transportation, Pedal Power and Carbon Footprint/Impact, How is foreign oil and wars related to youth and bicycling?, How to start an Earn-A-Bike program, How to start a Ride Club, How to conduct a Learn to Ride program, Bike Drivers Education, Bike Maintenance 101, Safe Routes to School, Map making as an organizing tool, Social Media, Fundraising, Directors Panel/Best Practices, Youth Entrepreneurship, Social Entrepreneurship, Student Organizing, etc. - *Sunday (10am-1pm): *Interactive brunch with moderated breakout sessions that explore a) cycling issues that youth feel are most important and b) specific ways to be proactive in addressing these issues. *ADMISSION: *$10.00 per person for the three-day event *HISTORY: *In March 2010, Recycle-A-Bicycle attended the National Bike Summit with two high school interns who had completed a comprehensive job training and Earn-A-Bike program at RAB. Both participants learned they loved bicycles and expressed an interest in learning more about how bicycling fits into policy, the environment, social entrepreneurship, and community-building. Traveling to Washington DC for the first time, the 17 year old participants explored the nation's capital on an 8 mile bike tour led by a representative of WABA (Washington Area Bicyclist Association) and met with elected officials. Needless to say, we learned a lot. As we debriefed on the bus ride home, we discussed the importance of engaging youth in the national dialogue of cycling and cycling education. As a result, the idea of the Youth Bike Summit came into being. Both young advocates have been active participants in the planning of the conference thus far. Photos of our trip to DC can be seen here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Recycle-A-Bicycle/62453932286?v=photos&ref=ts…<http://www.facebook.com/pages/Recycle-A-Bicycle/62453932286?v=photos&ref=ts…>and in this video by Streetfilms: http://www.streetfilms.org/voices-from-the-national-bike-summit/ *FOR MORE INFORMATION:* More information can be found on Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=168859553137603&num_event_invites=0#%…>and Recycle-A-Bicycle's Website <http://www.recycleabicycle.org/node/441> Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and thank you for all the wonderful work you do! I look forward to hearing your ideas! Best regards, Pasqualina -- Pasqualina Azzarello Executive Director Recycle-A-Bicycle Ph: 718-858-2972 Fax: 718-858-6201 http://www.recycleabicycle.org -- Pasqualina Azzarello Executive Director Recycle-A-Bicycle Ph: 718-858-2972 Fax: 718-858-6201 http://www.recycleabicycle.org

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Lubes, choice of and sources.
by Brian 24 Nov '10

24 Nov '10

Hello everybody... Would you please share your thoughts concerning your choice in lubes you use. Specifically: 1) Chain lube. We use Prolink - expensive but good performance. Would like a more "green" solution. 2) General oil-like lube, we use Triflow. It's cheap. For both, we buy bulk and refill the smaller bottles. Could you please share your experiences and strategies? Perhaps some sort of automotive lube instead of triflow? Anybody currently supported directly by a lube company? Brian SLO Bike Kitchen Co-founder www.slobikekitchen.org San Luis Obispo, CA

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NSFWork-Trade BABES OF BIKE SAVIOURS 2011 calendar
by allison karow 23 Nov '10

23 Nov '10

the moment you've all been waiting for!! get em while they're hot (off the presses) http://www.bikesaviours.org/

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Bicycle Works is moving
by Patrick VDT 22 Nov '10

22 Nov '10

St. louis Bicycle Works is moving. For 25 years now we have been located on the same intersection in south St.louis but next spring we will be moving. http://tinyurl.com/24ks3jh If you have been to the shop on a busy night you understand this move was long overdue. We are open five nights a week in order to accommodate the volume of people coming to volunteer. The Earn-A-Bike program now occurs on Saturdays and Wednesdays to allow even more kids to learn. The computer shop has continued to increase the accessibility of its Earn-A-Computer programs and has added a one-on-one mentoring program. A new program called BookWORKS was started this year to help kids improve their writing and reading skills. This growth has taxed our core group of volunteers and the building we currently occupy. The same room serves as a classroom, a boardroom, and a storage area all in the same week. More and better space was need for us to continue to grow and pursue our mission. Over a year ago we started touring buildings in the neighborhood and surrounding areas to see what was possible. This spring we found a perfect building to meet our needs and a generous patron to help make it a reality. The space is large enough to allow for growth, it is located in a residential area, and our new neighbors are enthusiastic about our moving in. This new location will have dedicated classroom spaces, more than double the shop space, new bathrooms, a reception and retail area, and plenty of storage, all built to our specific needs. We are extremely excited and thankful for this opportunity. This good news, however, is tempered by the sadness we feel for leaving one of the most amazing and supportive communities in all of Saint Louis, the Shaw Neighborhood. Shaw has been our home for over twenty years, BWORKS was conceived and flourished here and we are deeply grateful for all the support and encouragement Shaw has given us. We look forward to what the future holds.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 50, Issue 21
by the flat collective 21 Nov '10

21 Nov '10

Hey, About a month ago, someone asked if anyone had some volunteer "training" material kicking around. I'm finalizing a really sexy, or at least nicely-designed, volunteer handbook at the moment, including anti-oppression and hands off! sections. When it's all done, I'll distribute the .pdf as well as a file with just the text, so that if you just want to work with that you won't have to retype the whole thing. Zinta the flat.mtl. On Tue, Oct 19, 2010 at 3:56 PM, < thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> wrote: > Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to > thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > thethinktank-request(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > thethinktank-owner(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Thethinktank digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Volunteer *training* manual request > (Bend's Community BikeShed) > 2. Communication Tactics (Godwin !) > 3. Guide to Buying a Used Bike (Chris DiGiamo) > 4. Re: Communication Tactics (Dugan Meyer) > 5. Re: Communication Tactics (Leslie Peteya) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Tue, 19 Oct 2010 10:18:58 -0700 > From: "Bend's Community BikeShed" <bendsbikeshed(a)gmail.com> > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Volunteer *training* manual request > Message-ID: > <AANLkTi=se-_gXnU3wK9MnTHrJ8DSCzsfCRgk3x-o+NHV(a)mail.gmail.com<se-_gXnU3wK9MnTHrJ8DSCzsfCRgk3x-o%2BNHV(a)mail.gmail.com> > > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Jonathan, > > We've also slowed down for the winter here at Bend's Community BikeShed. > I'm in the process of revamping our volunteer manuals, and I'd love to > chat > with you by phone, let me know when is a good time, mornings are best for > me. > > Sami Fournier > Sustainability Coordinator > Bend's Community BikeShed > Whole Bikes = Whole Communities > www.bendscommunitybikeshed.org > > > On Thu, Oct 14, 2010 at 12:15 PM, Jonathan Morrison < > jonathan(a)slcbikecollective.org> wrote: > > > It is that time of year when it gets cold and a little slower, so we > > are assessing what we did this year that worked as well as what > > didn't, while not forgetting the things that we didn't get a chance to > > try. Luckily there is always next year. So... > > > > Have you quantified your volunteer incubation process in the form of > > documents or some coordinator position that wouldn't mind spending > > some time on the phone with me? It turns out the heat lamps we > > tried were unsuccessful, so we aren't doing that again. In Utah we > > want to solidify the way(s) in which we turn a first timer into a core > > volunteer, and hopefully do it more often. > > > > One thing we DID do, that was great, was steal and modify the Yellow > > Bike Project's volunteer tracking software > > (volunteer.slcbikecollective.org) which has resulted in automatic > > contact lists, community service letters with truly valid hours, the > > ability to keep track of Department of Workforce Services employee > > hours, increase enrollment in our email list, a slightly more formal > > way to keep track of people trading in volunteer hours, and the thing > > we always wanted -- valid statistics. So we will certainly be > > continuing that practice. > > > > Now that we are collecting info more efficiently, we need to work on > > how we use that info effectively as a way to engage volunteers at > > higher levels. > > > > Sincerely, > > > > Jonathan Morrison > > Executive Director > > Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective > > 2312 S. West Temple > > Salt Lake City, UT 84115 > > w: 801-328-2453 > > c: 801-688-0183 > > f: 801-466-3856 > > www.slcbikecollective.org > > > > The mission of the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective is to promote > > cycling as an effective and sustainable form of transportation and as > > a cornerstone of a cleaner, healthier, and safer society. The Bicycle > > Collective provides refurbished bicycles and educational programs to > > the community, focusing on children and lower income households. > > _______________________________________________ > > 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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Benches and Shop Layouts
by Lee Reis 19 Nov '10

19 Nov '10

Hi everyone, I was wondering if shops could share their bench designs and/or shop layouts - we're moving in January and trying to set ourselves up as best as possible. Specifically, it'd be great if anyone has a copy of your bench design & material list, and in terms of layout we're most interested in bench spacing - see below for an example. What works about your current layout and what doesn't? Our current layout uses a bench that is ~18" deep (from the wall), ~50" from edge of the bench to bike-stand pole, and the length of the clamp (from pole to clamp-edge) is ~18." Our spacing between benches is erratic given our current shop space, but our new space is nice and square-ish. Thanks! -Lee Reis Volunteer Coordinator, Ohio City Bike Co-op 1823 Columbus Road Cleveland, Ohio 44113 (216) 830-2667 www.ohiocitycycles.org

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Fundraiser Ideas
by Christine Hill 18 Nov '10

18 Nov '10

Hello all! I just finished helping Bike Recycle Vermont host their fifth silent auction/bluegrass concert fundraiser. It's something our organization has been doing for five years, and all of the people who worked on it this year agreed that the event was really tired and that we'd prefer to do something that's more accesible to the people we serve and our volunteers and that's more in line with our mission. Anyone out there have some ideas or examples of successful fundraisers that incorporate your volunteers, that involve bikes, yada yada? Any and all suggestions welcome. Thanks! Christine Bike Recycle Vermont Burlington, VT -- *Christine Hill, Americorps*State Bike Recycle Vermont/Local Motion w: 802.264.9687 c: 339.223.0722* Bike Recycle Vermont: www.localmotion.org/brv<http://www.localmotion.org/programs/bikerecycle> Burlington Bicycle Coalition: www.facebook.com/BurlingtonBicycleCoalition *"When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race." - H.G. Wells*

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need to unsubscribe/resubscribe
by Mary Bergeron 18 Nov '10

18 Nov '10

hey all, Loving the thinktank, but would like to unsubscribe from this email and pick it back up at mary(a)recycleabike.org Does anyone know how to do that? thanks! -- Mary Bergeron 508-265-2904 mary.bergeron.designs(a)gmail.com

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bike intake form
by Scott Gibson 17 Nov '10

17 Nov '10

Ok, so somehow Free Ride has gotten by 8 years and thousands of EABs without a good bike intake form. Crazy huh. Does anyone have any really detail, well organized ones that can be easily attached and displayed on the bike? Thanks, Scott

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bikebike 2011 date
by allison karow 17 Nov '10

17 Nov '10

Has a date been set for next year's conference? If so , we would like to include it on our Babes of Bike Saviours 2011 calendar which is going to print in the next week or so. Tantalizing promotional photos coming soon...

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Help with fiduciary paper work etc
by mars psymons 15 Nov '10

15 Nov '10

Greetings and namaste, We would like to run our collective under another persons 501c3 they told us that we would need to give them our mission statement etc to set up the paper work. i dont think i should try and reinvent the wheel here and im wondering if someone could send me their paper work that is doing the same sort of thing or a generic version and i could just use that so that i can pass it on. and then we can begin giving tax writeoffs in exchange for bikes from the community. marshall symons fireweeduniversecity.org

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Nonprofit Branding Contest
by Patrick VDT 15 Nov '10

15 Nov '10

http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/67208/entries/new?ogn=website

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non-profit development questions: staff and board roles
by Ben Tsai 11 Nov '10

11 Nov '10

Hello, We are working on creating new and updated policies for our organization and have lots of questions regarding board and staff roles. We would be happy to hear experiences or feedback on any of the following questions if folks have time. 1) Who should be able to vote at board meetings in a consensus based non-profit, where there is a general desire for as much democracy and particapation as functionally possible? This organization is small and there is considerable overlap in the duties of board members and staff. How many staff should have a vote at board meetings(should there be a restriction on how many)? It seems common that non-profit advisers warn about having staff voting in board meetings (many say limit it to one representative max). Does this still hold if the staff are doing planning and research equivalent to a board member? The executive director or staff representatives are sometimes voting members in other nonprofits we have heard of, but ours doesn't currently have those positions. 2) Our organization has teams that operate semi-autonomously. Staff and board members overlap in these too, but the decision making is by all members of the team (not just board members for example). Reversing question #1, are there issues with having board members voting in groups that focus on daily operations? 3) Who should be allowed to edit the operations manual; staff, board, or both? This isn't the bylaws, but what we call the " handbook for board of directors, staff, and volunteers". Should the staff be able to alter it as long as it doesn't go against the bylaws established by the board? If so, what if no one checks on a regular basis? Are there better ways to divide bylaws from an operations manual. 4) Who do staff turn to when they have problems, or are unhappy with their working hours, pay, coworkers, etc. (There is no executive director). 5) How board members volunteering as staff, on project teams and programs maintain objectivity as a legal employer, while working as part of a team. Are there processes in place that help keep authority issues clear? I guess this ties into question 2. 6) Who are staff accountable to for reviews and pay raises and performance issues? thanks for any info, ben and john

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America reCycled hits the road
by Tim Hussin 10 Nov '10

10 Nov '10

Hey everyone, This is Noah Hussin from America reCycled. We're two bicyclists/storytellers crossing the country on bikes we built at the Recyclery, a bike coop in Asheville, NC. As we ride west, we're documenting efforts to rebuild local culture, community, and economy through short film, photography, music, and writing. We've just started the trip, but have a few stories posted. One explores the bike cooperative where we built our bikes. Here is the link to the bike coop story: http://www.americarecycled.org/?p=293 We tried to capture the magic that happens at bicycle cooperatives, and I figured that this email list would be the best place to get honest feedback about how we're doing so far. Don't hesitate to comment and criticize. We really want to get this out to cyclists everywhere, so if you have a few minutes, we'd love you to look at what we're doing. If you like what you see, it'd be great if you'd pass it on to some friends. The website features a map that charts our route, and nodes that correspond to the stories we're telling along the way. We're also looking for places/communities to visit along the trip. It looks like we'll be heading down to New Orleans, then to Austin, and then up toward N. California. If you have any feedback or ideas for us, please shoot us an email at americarecycled(a)gmail.com Thanks a lot -Noah

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The 816 Bicycle Collective Makes Plans To Move To A Drier Location
by the816bikecollective Kansascity 02 Nov '10

02 Nov '10

August 7th, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *The 816 Bicycle Collective Makes Plans To Move To A Drier Location* Kansas City, Missouri – Last winter electrical damage from a constant leaking roof left the 816 Bicycle Collective without electricity for nearly 3 months. Despite this setback, and the freezing temperatures, volunteers setup shop outside, (sometimes in the snow,) to help all-weather bicycle commuters with repairs. The power is on now, it’s 80 degrees hotter, and with community support 816 is preparing the first steps of relocating to a new building, (with a better roof.) The 816 Bicycle Collective is a recycle a bicycle project that has been helping people in the greater Kansas City area earn bicycles and learn about mechanics for the past 3 years. The organization relies completely on donations and community support. *To help raise funds for a new, drier space, the collective is throwing a party themed BIKES ARE HOT at Californos in Westport located at 4124 Pennsylvania, Sunday, August 22nd at 7PM. Entertainment includes – DJ Madeline, live performances from Andean Express - an Andean folk music group, bike races sponsored by KC Cold Sprints, artwork and bicycle frames/parts for silent auction, games and more!* * * We invite you to be a part of our project! For more information, media inquiries, or to find out what you can do to help – Contact: The816bike(a)gmail.com Or call 505-231-1589 Check out our MySpace http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=2… Read an article written about us in *Spectrum * http://spectrum.mcckc.edu/archives/2007-10-26/features/bike.htm We are also currently in need/accepting the following donations - *All are tax deductable under The Greater Kansas City Bicycle Federation* *-Items to raffle – gift certificates, coupons, art, or other merchandise* -Metric box wrenches and Allen keys, or any specialty bike tools -Bike cables, housing, chain lube, grease and degreaser -Helmets and bike locks (cables, chains, u-locks) -Front and rear bike lights -Bike Stands -Printing services ###

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Resources for teaching bike mechanics in a third world country?
by David Branigan 02 Nov '10

02 Nov '10

Dear Will (and bike collective folks), Bikes Not Bombs has experience training mechanic fieldworkers and implementing bicycle start-up projects in developing countries in Central America, the Caribbean and Africa. We do not have a standardized curriculum, but we definitely have some best practices and lots of project experience. Feel free and contact me to discuss details. Also, just to put this out for everyone- Bikes Not Bombs is developing a new start-up project in northern Uganda, with potential implementation beginning mid-year in 2011. We will be looking for a mechanic fieldworker for this project for a period of at least 6 months. The project will train local mechanics, provide bikes to 400 Village Health Workers, and establish a bike co-op workshop. Our ideal fieldworker would have bike shop experience, time spent living in Africa, experience organizing communities, practiced cultural sensitivity, and a track record of self-motivation and determination. Please share this far and wide, and contact me if you are interested to apply. Peace and Justice, David Branigan International Programs Director david(a)bikesnotbombs.org Bikes Not Bombs promotes bicycle technology as a concrete alternative to war and environmental destruction. For 26 years, BNB has been a nexus of bike recycling and community empowerment both in lower income neighborhoods of Boston and in the nations of the Global South. BNB's programs involve young people and adults in mutually respectful leadership development and environmental stewardship, while recycling 6,000 bicycles annually.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Resources for teaching bike mechanics in a third world country?
by David Branigan 02 Nov '10

02 Nov '10

Dear Will (and bike collective folks), Bikes Not Bombs has experience training mechanic fieldworkers and implementing bicycle start-up projects in developing countries in Central America, the Caribbean and Africa. We do not have a standardized curriculum, but we definitely have some best practices and lots of project experience. Feel free and contact me to discuss details. Also, just to put this out for everyone- Bikes Not Bombs is developing a new start-up project in northern Uganda, with potential implementation beginning mid-year in 2011. We will be looking for a mechanic fieldworker for this project for a period of at least 6 months. The project will train local mechanics, provide bikes to 400 Village Health Workers, and establish a bike co-op workshop. Our ideal fieldworker would have bike shop experience, time spent living in Africa, experience organizing communities, practiced cultural sensitivity, and a track record of self-motivation and determination. Please share this far and wide, and contact me if you are interested to apply. Peace and Justice, David Branigan International Programs Director david(a)bikesnotbombs.org Bikes Not Bombs promotes bicycle technology as a concrete alternative to war and environmental destruction. For 26 years, BNB has been a nexus of bike recycling and community empowerment both in lower income neighborhoods of Boston and in the nations of the Global South. BNB's programs involve young people and adults in mutually respectful leadership development and environmental stewardship, while recycling 6,000 bicycles annually.

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Resources for teaching bike mechanics in a third world country?
by David Branigan 02 Nov '10

02 Nov '10

Dear Will, Bikes Not Bombs has experience training mechanic fieldworkers and implementing bicycle start-up projects in developing countries in Central America, the Caribbean and Africa. We do not have a standardized curriculum, but we definitely have some best practices and lots of project experience. Feel free and contact me to discuss details. Also, just to put this out for everyone- Bikes Not Bombs is developing a new start-up project in northern Uganda, with potential implementation beginning mid-year in 2011. We will be looking for a mechanic fieldworker for this project for a period of at least 6 months. The project will train local mechanics, provide bikes to 400 Village Health Workers, and establish a bike co-op workshop. Our ideal fieldworker would have bike shop experience, time spent living in Africa, experience organizing communities, practiced cultural sensitivity, and a track record of self-motivation and determination. Please share this far and wide, and contact me if you are interested to apply. Peace and Justice, David Branigan International Programs Director david(a)bikesnotbombs.org ************ 1. Re: Resources for teaching bike mechanics in a third world country? (John Patterson) 2. Re: bikebike 2011 date (Scott TenBrink) From: John Patterson <john.patterson(a)me.com> Date: November 2, 2010 3:51:49 AM EDT To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Resources for teaching bike mechanics in a third world country? Reply-To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> For Zambia I suggest contacting Zambikes (www.zambikes.org); a non-profit community-based operation doing great things across the country... Regards, John ___________________________ John Patterson | VéloCity Bicycle Co-op | 204 S. Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314 | velocitycoop.org | +1 703-835-0699 | Mobile: +1 703-608-3660 On Nov 1, 2010, at 8:19 AM, michelle mahlik wrote: > Thanks for the question, Will - I'm also interested in teaching bicycle mechanics in Zambia, Africa, if anyone has experience there. > > On Sun, Oct 31, 2010 at 7:38 PM, William Wedler <w.wedler(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Hi Thinktank list, > > I have a request. I am helping a friend start up a bike collective of > sorts based out of an orphanage in northern India (about 2 hours north > of Delhi). He will be staying there for about two years and is > arranging for some bikes and tools to be brought over from the US. > > My question is if anybody on this list has experience teaching bike > mechanics in a place like India, where the available tools may be > limited and where bikes are used on a much more utilitarian manner > than we are used to in the US. And if you don't have any experience, > would you be able to forward this request on to anybody who has? I > plan on contacting the village bike project for advice (just sending > them email, so not sure how to best get in touch). Are there any > people running projects in Mexico who may be able to help? > > Specifically, I am asking for resources that could help in developing > a curriculum for teaching bike mechanics in a rural orphanage in > India. Any assistance would be appreciated. > > Thanks, > Will > > P.S. See the website to learn more about the bike project: http://www.kvbp.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.… > > > > > -- > Michelle Mahlik > > "To empathize is to civilize; to civilize is to empathize." ~ Jeremy Rifkin -- David Branigan International Programs Director www.bikesnotbombs.org 617-522-0222 x103 --------------------- Bikes Not Bombs promotes bicycle technology as a concrete alternative to war and environmental destruction. For 26 years, BNB has been a nexus of bike recycling and community empowerment both in lower income neighborhoods of Boston and in the nations of the Global South. BNB's programs involve young people and adults in mutually respectful leadership development and environmental stewardship, while recycling 6,000 bicycles annually.

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Resources for teaching bike mechanics in a third world country?
by William Wedler 02 Nov '10

02 Nov '10

Hi Thinktank list, I have a request. I am helping a friend start up a bike collective of sorts based out of an orphanage in northern India (about 2 hours north of Delhi). He will be staying there for about two years and is arranging for some bikes and tools to be brought over from the US. My question is if anybody on this list has experience teaching bike mechanics in a place like India, where the available tools may be limited and where bikes are used on a much more utilitarian manner than we are used to in the US. And if you don't have any experience, would you be able to forward this request on to anybody who has? I plan on contacting the village bike project for advice (just sending them email, so not sure how to best get in touch). Are there any people running projects in Mexico who may be able to help? Specifically, I am asking for resources that could help in developing a curriculum for teaching bike mechanics in a rural orphanage in India. Any assistance would be appreciated. Thanks, Will P.S. See the website to learn more about the bike project: http://www.kvbp.org/

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Mailing list:)
by Edoardo G. Buenaobra 30 Oct '10

30 Oct '10

Hello, Please add me to your mailing list. Thank you kindly, -- Edoardo G. Buenaobra Education Coordinator www.phoenixbikes.org 703-575-7762

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What is your mission statement?
by Jonathan Morrison 29 Oct '10

29 Oct '10

Add it here... http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Mission_Statement Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Executive Director Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective 2312 S. West Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84115 w: 801-328-2453 c: 801-688-0183 f: 801-466-3856 www.slcbikecollective.org The mission of the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective is to promote cycling as an effective and sustainable form of transportation and as a cornerstone of a cleaner, healthier, and safer society. The Bicycle Collective provides refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community, focusing on children and lower income households.

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(no subject)
by Kelly Auer 27 Oct '10

27 Oct '10

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Changing Gears Community Bike Shop is hiring a Director of Sales and Marketing!
by Changing Gears Bike Shop 27 Oct '10

27 Oct '10

Hi all, Here's an exciting opportunity for folks to grow and build the Changing Gears Community Bike Shop in Alameda, Ca! Please feel free to forward this to anyone who might be interested! Thanks, Evan Changing Gears Bike Shop seeks a *Director of Sales and Marketing* to join our fantastic, fast-paced and friendly grassroots, not-for-profit community bike shop in Alameda. Changing Gears provides people of all backgrounds the opportunity to earn-a-bike, job training for formerly homeless adults, do-it-together repair access, bicycle donation drop-off and much more! The shop offers a full-range of services which fund the shop including sales of used bicycles and parts, and comprehensive bicycle repair services. The mission of the shop is to offer recycled bicycle services that are safe, vibrant, creative, and self-sustaining. The vision is to nurture community engagement, political power, dignity, and economic opportunity. The Director of Sales and Marketing is responsible for managing all of the day-to-day sales, marketing, communications and public relations tasks for the organization under the direction of the Site Director. This person must be organized and capable of multi-tasking. We’re looking for a self-starter who can work independently and collaboratively. The primary responsibilities of this position are: 1. Sales · Sell refurbished bicycles, parts, accessories and labor to people of all incomes and backgrounds from all over the Bay Area. · Train other staff members and volunteers best practices for customer service. · Provide superior customer service to all. · Price bicycles and parts. 2. Marketing · Review the marketing plan, and collaborate on a business plan with other staff and volunteers. · Implement the marketing plan and bring in supporters to buy and donate bikes. · Grow supporter base. · Strengthen connections with existing supporters. 3. Web Development · Manage website and bicycle database. 4. Volunteer Coordination · Coordinate volunteers to help with marketing and sales efforts. 5. Repairs · Perform basic repairs and professional bicycle diagnosis for used bicycles. 6. Pick up Bicycle Donations · Pick up (or coordinate volunteers) bicycle donations from organizations and events such as BART, AC Transit, Alameda Bicycle and more. 7. Event Coordination · Organize and attend events to promote Changing Gears. 8. Other revenue generation · Soliciting individual, organizational, and foundation donations and grants. The following qualities are important for success at this position: · Exceptional communicator who is effective, friendly and patient with people of all ages, backgrounds, preferences and income levels individually and in groups whether selling a bike, meeting with other staff/volunteers or teaching a young person how to fix a flat. · Be committed to the mission and vision of the organization. · Ability to stay organized and grounded while multi-tasking. · Commitment to recycling, reusing and reducing consumption. · Strong desire and passion to promote bicycle transportation as a strategy to strengthen the health and sustainability of communities. · Motivated Self-starter who is able to work independently and collaboratively. · Detail oriented. · A strong background in small business development, sales and marketing. · Computer and internet competency. · Energetic, enthusiastic, and warm. · Must be able to lift and haul bicycles. · Driver’s License. · Basic to extensive knowledge of bicycles strongly preferred. Benefits: · Work within a diverse and vibrant community. · Ability to take leadership. · Develop and grow a social enterprise. · Health Benefits (Coming Soon with your help). · Lunch break and holidays are paid. · A supportive fiscal sponsor, Earth Island Institute. This is a salaried position starting December 15th, 2010 with no benefits for now. The position starts at $24,750 (at 34 hours a week) for a three month trial period, with an increase in salary as sales goals are met. The first month of training will be part-time (15-20 hours a week) and salary will be pro-rated accordingly. HOW TO APPLY: Please send or email your resume with three references (at least two must be professional) and a cover letter to: Barry Luck, Site Director, Changing Gears Bike Shop Email: barry(a)changinggearsbikes.org Mailing address: Changing Gears 650 W. Ranger Avenue #C-2 Alameda, CA 94501 We are an equal opportunity employer. Women, People of Color, and people with experience working w/ African-American and/or formerly homeless people and Alameda residents are strongly encouraged to apply! Visit the website at: www.changinggearsbikes.org to learn more about the shop. -- Changing Gears Community Bike Shop 650 W.Ranger Ave #C-2 Alameda, Ca 94501 (510) 995-1478 www.changinggearsbikes.org

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re-Cycles new(ish) shop
by Mark Rehder 27 Oct '10

27 Oct '10

The post from Reno Bikes made me realize I've not shared photos of our new shop: http://www.flickr.com/photos/drumbent/sets/72157624812986302/ Mark Rehder - Coordinator re-Cycles Community Bike Shop http://re-cycles.ca

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