- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

What CRM are you using?
by Rich Points 07 Dec '12

07 Dec '12

Hey All, We're looking at changing our database and exploring various CRMs. We've been using Volgistics for a while but it's expensive and doesn't meet all of our needs. We're managing volunteers, clients and donors in our database. What are you guys using? Ride On! -- -- Rich Points http://communitycycles.org Executive Director (c)303-589-0597 (w)720-565-6019 Community Cycles is Boulder's only bike shop dedicated to bike commuting. Find us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/CommunityCycles

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Re: [TheThinkTank] What CRM are you using?
by Sean Madsen 07 Dec '12

07 Dec '12

At Bikes Not Bombs <https://bikesnotbombs.org/>, we use *CiviCRM <http://civicrm.org/>* and are very happy with it. Overall I'd say it's a terrific solution for an organization with a little bit of tech resources, but probably not so well suited for smaller groups and collectives that don't have easy access to IT skill/infrastructure. Here are some more detailed thoughts: * Good o Free and open source o Integrates with Drupal, Joomla!, and WordPress (we're using Drupal) o Tons of great features! We use it to track all of our individual donors, grant applications, volunteers, special events, program participants, newsletter subscribers, and memberships. It's great at interfacing /directly/ without supporters though our website, allowing them to make donations, RSVP or buy tickets to events, set up their own personal fundraising pages, and sign up for our mailings -- all saving us a lot of data entry work! o Vibrant community of other users and developers o Upgrades released often with many new features always emerging * Challenging o You have to install it on a web server and keep it up to date which requires someone with a bit of advanced computer skills. You'll also need to create a good system for backing up your database. o The web server you use will have to have some substantial resources. We use a Linode VPS with the 1024 plan for $40 per month. You can run it on a shared hosting plan for way cheaper, but I wouldn't recommend it because it will be too slow. o Sending bulk email from CiviCRM requires that you either maintain your own mail server (not recommended unless you really know what you're doing), or pay additional costs for an external email service like CiviSMTP, SendGrid, or Constant Contact. -- Sean Madsen Bikes Not Bombs Information Technology Manager sean(a)bikesnotbombs.org 617-522-0222 x111 284 Amory Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

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How do you report "progress" to donors?
by Palmer Emily 06 Dec '12

06 Dec '12

I am curious how people report some of the more qualitative gains (soft skills like critical thinking, decision making, delayed gratification, etc.) in students of earn a bike programs to donors in a way that indicates that their money is well spent. I am especially interested in ways that this is communicated to donors through means other than anecdotes. Whether it is right or not to find ways to quantify a qualitative gain, I am still interested in hearing strategies and success stories.

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Is there a collective in New Orleans?
by Jonathan Morrison 06 Dec '12

06 Dec '12

Email me if you know of one. -- Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Project Coordinator 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

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Is your shop OSHA Compliant?
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 05 Dec '12

05 Dec '12

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Is your shop OSHA Compliant?
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 05 Dec '12

05 Dec '12

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Is your shop OSHA Compliant?
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 04 Dec '12

04 Dec '12

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Ride Somewhere Far
by Claire Bangser 04 Dec '12

04 Dec '12

Hi Think Tankers - I have recently co-written and published a book called *Ride Somewhere Far: The Adventurer's Guide to Mindful Bike Touring<http://www.lulu.com/shop/claire-bangser-and-brandon-hill/ride-somewhere-far…> *. It's a guidebook for new cyclists interested in using their bicycle as a vehicle for discovering, learning from, and creating the world they wish to live in. It combines personal narrative with practical touring advice and relevant resources for the aspiring two-wheeled traveler. Our project (called The Wise Routes Project<http://wiseroutes.wordpress.com>) leading into publishing this book has been super DIY. As recent college grads, we raised funds through a Kickstarter campaign<http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beehill/the-wise-routes-project>(and outside donations) last year that funded book planning/research during our 3 month bike tour down the Pacific coast. All of the time that has gone into creating the book has been completely volunteer, including the writing, illustrations, 12 young cyclist "journal" contributions, and the help of 4 excellent volunteer editors from the cycling and alternative education spheres. We've self-published the book on Lulu's online marketplace<http://www.lulu.com/shop/claire-bangser-and-brandon-hill/ride-somewhere-far…>and now we'd love your help spreading the word to anyone you think might be interested in checking it out. It is specifically written for a young audience, first time tourers with no assumed cycling experience who may want to use a tour to create cool projects or deepen their studies. If you'd like to pick up a copy (only $12!), you can find it online here<http://www.lulu.com/shop/claire-bangser-and-brandon-hill/ride-somewhere-far…> and if you'd like to buy a bulk order (for your bike shop!), send me an email and we can arrange a discount. Thanks in advance for helping us get our book into the right hands and for being the source of so much cool information during this research and writing process. Happy tailwinds, Claire PS- Sorry if this is a repeat message. I'm not sure if the first one went through! -- *Claire Bangser* cjbangser(a)gmail.com clairebangser.com wiseroutes.wordpress.com LIKE The Wise Routes Project on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheWiseRoutesProject

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Studies on adult personal & economic self-sufficiency
by jonny b 03 Dec '12

03 Dec '12

Does any have any leads on community bike shop impact studies on adult personal & economic self-sufficiency. Thanks! -- John Barrett The Good Life Community Bicycle Shop / Two Wheel View / The Organic Saskatoon & Iron Orchard jonny(a)goodlifebikes.ca 403.619.2648

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rewarding volunteers & members/discounts on bike parts
by carlvoss＠mac.com 30 Nov '12

30 Nov '12

At the Des Moines Bicycle Collective, we're reviewing our volunteer and member guidelines for special orders of parts and bike tools. Currently, we offer cost plus 30% on orders, which we believe matches what most cyclists could find on Internet sites. Typically, it's replacement bottom brackets, upgrades to fenders, handlebars or derailleurs. We get some Park tools ordered after completing maintenance classes. Our members ($40 annual membership) can quality for up to cost plus 10%. There is no threshold of volunteer hours for this discount, which is probably worth a second look. I see that at Community Cycles in Boulder, volunteers need to book 100 hours before earning an increased wholesale benefit (no hint of percent not noted on website). What's working for your nonprofit while maintaining good relationships with your local bike shops? Thanks. Carl Des Moines Bicycle Collective carlvoss(a)mac.com Mobile: 515-210-0237

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