- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

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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weaving with tubes - rivets
by aNdReW! 25 Oct '10

25 Oct '10

has anyone worked with tubes and some kind of rivets or grommets and have suggestions as to what to use to attach a tube to itself (around a bar)... imagine if you were creating a weave for a trailer bed, or "re-apolstering' a lawn chair. thanks! andrew troy bike rescue --

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We got a new website
by reno bikes 25 Oct '10

25 Oct '10

www.renobikeproject.com Check it out, Noah -- www.renobikeproject.com Wed-Sat 11-5 (winter hours) 541 E. 4th Street. Reno, NV 89512 775.323.4488 donate via paypal: http://blog.renobikeproject.com/donate/ Follow us on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/renobikeproject/ Please let us know if you would like to unsubscribe to our email list.

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TBR Screenprint designs from Bike!Bike! Toronto
by ryan jenkins 21 Oct '10

21 Oct '10

Was some great interest in our shirts we printed at B!B!Toronto, and I worry that we didn't get them to all the people that wanted them. So, here are my designs in large .tiff format if anybody would like to print them and screen them as well. If you are going to print 300 of them and charge 20 bucks or something, we might have to talk about that... otherwise go buck wild. Loved meeting you all! TBR- Tall bik'n to Toronto Skele http://jenkins.mathisneato.com/TBR-Skele.tif TBR - Build, Learn, Organize, Subvert http://jenkins.mathisneato.com/blocBEST.tif Bike Love!!! sincerely, ryan 'poppawheelie' jenkins and the TBR gang of roughneck loose cogs

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Insurance and Liability Waivers
by Sam Haraldson 21 Oct '10

21 Oct '10

Yesterday I had the chance to meet with a lawyer to go over our insurance policy and to discuss liability waivers. The Bozeman Bike Kitchen currently has a basic business coverage insurance which will cover the organization in the event of a lawsuit but does not cover us from injuries incurred on-site, does not cover the property itself, nor does it cover the board of directors. I am looking for recommendations regarding types of insurance tailored for an organization like ours. Particularly renters insurance (for our property) and Errors and Omissions insurance (for our board of directors). Secondly, our lawyer strongly recommended a series of liability waivers be added to our check-in and check-out process for both volunteers coming to work as well as for individuals receiving a bicycle. We have begun work on a volunteer waiver but have nothing for a bicycle release waiver. I am requesting to receive templates of these documents from other organizations. Please contact me off-list with recommendations and attachments. Please reply on-list with general statements that will benefit the entire group. Sincerely, Sam Haraldson -- Director of Operations Bozeman Bike Kitchen

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 50, Issue 26
by fallen.arrows 20 Oct '10

20 Oct '10

i do know of people having a hard time signing up as well as unsubscribing. the system is clearly not working perfectly so hopefully we can all exercise patience and get everyone what they need. sorry to all who have been inconvenienced. tito @ Fallen.Arrows Direct to Garment Printing Services 858 Dekalb Ave Suite C Atlanta, Ga 30307 cell. 678.907.3892 work. 404.635.6367 www.fallenarrows.com www.fallenarrows.biz www. <http://goog_1539269921>google.com/profiles/fallen.arrows <http://google.com/profiles/fallen.arrows> Fallen Arrows Print and Design is a custom order no-minimum-necessary print shop in Atlanta, Georgia that is dedicated to building a creative community. On Wed, Oct 20, 2010 at 4:08 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: If you don't fix the unsubscribe you'll eventually get > flagged as spam (Godwin !) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Wed, 20 Oct 2010 12:52:40 -0600 > From: Godwin ! <goodgodwin(a)hotmail.com> > To: <thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] If you don't fix the unsubscribe you'll > eventually get flagged as spam > Message-ID: <BLU151-w350A964B0BDB23B9A232E0D05C0(a)phx.gbl> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > > There's a link at the bottom of every thread (this one: > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…). > You can go there and unsubscribe (you have to scroll down a little). I do > wish mailman would make it easier to understand that what the link is > (amound other things), we have the same issue with our mailing lists. > > .godwin > > > > > > > Date: Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:45:33 -0500 > From: anthony(a)riseup.net > To: thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] If you don't fix the unsubscribe you'll > eventually get flagged as spam > > I've tried to unsubscribe for years to no avail. I just direct all this to > my spam box. > > It's like the Hotel California--you can check out any time you like, but > you can't never leave! > > > > > On Wed, Oct 20, 2010 at 12:56 PM, <meaghan(a)momentumplanet.com> wrote: > > http://rethink.unspace.ca/2010/9/5/not-a-spammer > > PLEASE read the link, it's not much about bikes, but it's all about email > lists and systems like this. > > I don't remember signing up for this list, I've asked to unsusbscribe and > have been confirmed that i have 3 times, and yet my work email is still > innundated by these emails. > > I am THIS close to saying you're spam just so I don't get a plethora of > emails i don't need to read in my inbox. E-junk is just as bad as real > junk. Think of all those server farms out there, sucking up energy and > using up resources! > > If I am not the only one, this means that you'll get flagged by phishing > systems as spam, your email accounts will be flagged, and firewalls and > spam systems won't let your emails through, and you won't be able to reach > as many people who DO want to hear your information. > > I was a part of a list serve a few years ago that switched over to this: > > http://www.cbsm.com/public/world.lasso > > It's called "Fostering Sustainable Behaviour" and it's out of Vancouver. > Look them up, they have been doing stuff like this for years and they are > all about offering help. > > > > Meaghan > > > > > > > Anthony, > > > > You can unsubscribe by sending a blank email to > > TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org . > > > > Angel York > > > > On Tue, Oct 19, 2010 at 2:37 PM, Anthony Siracusa > > <anthony(a)riseup.net>wrote: > > > >> Please! > >> > >> -- > >> Anthony Siracusa > >> www.anthonysiracusa.blogspot.com > >> +61 (0) 458142357 > >> Thomas J. Watson Fellow, 2009-2010 > >> People Using Pedal Power: Global Bicycling Communities > >> www.watsonfellowship.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.… > > > -- > Anthony Siracusa > www.anthonysiracusa.blogspot.com > +61 (0) 458142357 > Thomas J. Watson Fellow, 2009-2010 > People Using Pedal Power: Global Bicycling Communities > www.watsonfellowship.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.… >

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Unsubscribe!
by Anthony Siracusa 20 Oct '10

20 Oct '10

Please! -- Anthony Siracusa www.anthonysiracusa.blogspot.com +61 (0) 458142357 Thomas J. Watson Fellow, 2009-2010 People Using Pedal Power: Global Bicycling Communities www.watsonfellowship.org

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Guide to Buying a Used Bike
by Chris DiGiamo 20 Oct '10

20 Oct '10

Has anyone created one of these before? I wanted to create a somewhat small primer on "what to look for" to hand out at the next bike swap. Cheers, -Chris D. The Bike House Washington, DC

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Communication Tactics
by Godwin ! 19 Oct '10

19 Oct '10

Hey folks, since the recent breakdown at our shop the issue of how to communicate with volunteers and members has come up as major issue. I'm just wondering if any of you have found what you consider to be an efficient means of notifying members and sarting discussions with volunteers. In the past we used three email list serves, one for all members, one for volunteers, and another just for organizing members. We have found these lists difficult to keep up to date as we seem to have a constant flow of volunteers and members. We have also found that many people get annoyed when discussions happen over email and often stop reading what could be important notices. Recently some volunteers started more lists for sub-committees (such as mechanics only) and then started using facebook and the online forum on our website and this has resulted in a complete breakdown of communication, sometimes many people are not included, often many of us get several emails about the same thing. Using methods like forums and facebook are great becuase anyone can read and join in and people don't get annoyed with emails, but at the same time people are likely to stop checking and reading if they don't get reminders. One possible solution brought to the floor was to combine the use of email and forum discussions, such that notices are sent over email and if a discussion should happen, a notice is given over email and a link to the forum discussion. Do any of you have any more ideas that we might be able to use to get us back on track? Thanks!! .godwin

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Volunteer *training* manual request
by Jonathan Morrison 19 Oct '10

19 Oct '10

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.

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Insurance and Liability Waivers
by Sam Haraldson 18 Oct '10

18 Oct '10

Yesterday I had the chance to meet with a lawyer to go over our insurance policy and to discuss liability waivers. The Bozeman Bike Kitchen currently has a basic business coverage insurance which will cover the organization in the event of a lawsuit but does not cover us from injuries incurred on-site, does not cover the property itself, nor does it cover the board of directors. I am looking for recommendations regarding types of insurance tailored for an organization like ours. Particularly renters insurance (for our property) and Errors and Omissions insurance (for our board of directors). Secondly, our lawyer strongly recommended a series of liability waivers be added to our check-in and check-out process for both volunteers coming to work as well as for individuals receiving a bicycle. We have begun work on a volunteer waiver but have nothing for a bicycle release waiver. I am requesting to receive templates of these documents from other organizations. Please contact me off-list with recommendations and attachments. Please reply on-list with general statements that will benefit the entire group. Sincerely, Sam Haraldson -- Director of Operations Bozeman Bike Kitchen

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Native / First Nations community bicycle shops?
by Daniel S 17 Oct '10

17 Oct '10

Hello. I am in Canada, and am helping First Nations ('Native') communities to become aware of the benefits of community bicycle shops, especially regarding skills development among kids. Does anyone on this list have experience with such communities? I'd like to share ideas and experience. Cheers. Daniel.

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Question
by Tara 10 Oct '10

10 Oct '10

Hi, I work at a National Governing Body, USA Triathlon, and I am working on youth programming. As of right now the program is an awareness program. The thought is to bring a coach into schools to introduce triathlon to the kids. A next step, down the road, would be to bring a multisport curriculum into the Physical Education programs. One major hurdle to this would be equipment. Now my question to the listserv- would bike co-ops be interested in being involved in such a program by way of donating bicycles and hosting a cycling safety educational component? I'd appreciate any thoughts on the subject. Thanks! Tara McCarthy

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 50, Issue 6
by Corey Grazul 08 Oct '10

08 Oct '10

I see this fitting well with 'earn-a-bike' or 'build-a-bike' programs that many community shops are already doing. Speaking for our shop (Armory Bike Union in Jackson, MI), we incorporate a safety component to our course, along with education about bike functionality and maintenance. We would be super interested in working with schools and phys. ed. programs in any capacity (leading programs, supplying equipment, etc.) Corey On Fri, Oct 8, 2010 at 11:30 AM, <thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org>wrote: > Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to > thethinktank(a)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)bikecollectives.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > thethinktank-owner(a)bikecollectives.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Thethinktank digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Question (Tara) > 2. Re: Question (Jonathan Morrison) > 3. Re: Question (Austin Amos) > 4. Re: Question (Tara) > 5. Re: Question (Jamie Cowen) > 6. Re: Question (veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2010 19:47:20 -0600 > From: Tara <windshifts(a)gmail.com> > To: thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > Subject: [TheThinkTank] Question > Message-ID: > <AANLkTi=xCOVq7Eq1OaNNH9e2eK5mar3QfNh6y0btf_61(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Hi, > > I work at a National Governing Body, USA Triathlon, and I am working on > youth programming. As of right now the program is an awareness program. > The thought is to bring a coach into schools to introduce triathlon to the > kids. > > A next step, down the road, would be to bring a multisport curriculum into > the Physical Education programs. One major hurdle to this would be > equipment. > > Now my question to the listserv- would bike co-ops be interested in being > involved in such a program by way of donating bicycles and hosting a > cycling > safety educational component? > > I'd appreciate any thoughts on the subject. > > Thanks! > > Tara McCarthy >

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save all bikes please!- some pictures
by Bob Giordano 07 Oct '10

07 Oct '10

we just posted some pictures of the 2 seat 3 wheel bike made from kid's frames, some tubing, etc. Also is the bike powered haywagon that is the seed for the pedal bus we are working on. and a nifty recycle can made from old bike rims. http://strans.org/ptech2010.html > From: Bob Giordano <mist(a)strans.org> > Subject: [TheThinkTank] save all bikes please! > To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> > Date: Thursday, September 30, 2010, 9:59 AM > > > we have new designs for 3-wheel 2-seaters using kids' huffys. several styles of trailers, long johns, and also a pedal bus- greatly utilizing old bike frames. Free Cycles is keeping our 2,000 ft community shop, and > expanding with a 6,000 sq ft fabrication warehouse 3 doors down. > > please do not recycle any frames. we will take them. broken or bent. just not rust. or you keep them, save them, and re-use! > > if you cannot re-use, we can figure a way to get them here- hot air balloon, steam ship, e-train, somehow. > > -bob g, free cycles missoula

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