- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Tires
by Andrew L 01 Aug '12

01 Aug '12

hey all! i know this has been a thread some time ago, but i would like some sounding off on what folks are doing to dispose of OR upcycle spent tires. we have a build up!! thanks for the help in advance! Andrew Troy Bike Rescue Troy, NY -- ------__o ----_`\<,_ ---(_)/ (_) andrew lynn 518-573-7947

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northeast - who wants/needs surplus bikes?
by Andrew L 30 Jul '12

30 Jul '12

hi Think tank, we at Troy Bike Rescue are reaching out to see if any other collectives in the northeast need bikes. we are currently taking in way more bikes than we can put out, and are bursting at the seams. our pile has been pretty well culled so there is little to no 'junk', just very usable bikes in need of repairs. we would be looking for someone to come with a trailer or moving truck and take anywhere from 10-100 bikes, depending on your need. please help by spreading the word, and be in touch by emailing me or calling the collective number at 518-FAT4TBR -- ps. dont forget! Bike!Bike! Northeast :: Troy, NY :: September 29 & 30 Andrew TBR Troy, NY -- ------__o ----_`\<,_ ---(_)/ (_) andrew lynn 518-573-7947

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Kids Programming
by MoBo Bicycle Co-op 25 Jul '12

25 Jul '12

Dear Collective Genius: MoBo runs a Kids Day program in the summer and we wanted to know how a few other co-ops ran similiar programs. Our program works like this: We are an all volunteer run program but we have a paid coordinator who runs Kids Day. It's one day a week and kids must have a parent sign a waiver form. We will work with kids to fix up their own bikes and we have an earn-a-bike program for kids who need a bike. Kids are asked to work with our gardens program to work in the gardens, including weeding, turning compost, picking fruit, planting, learning how to build an oven using solar energy--things like that. However, we have a couple questions that we are wondering if the Collective Genius could help us with. They are: 1) Our program has exploded in this, our fifth year. We normally have 15 kids a day at kids day. This year,we 've been having over 40 or 50 on site. And because we are volunteer run, we do not have enough volunteers to watch all the kids or get bikes out to every kid who wants one. Has anyone ran a program with this many kids before? The amount of kids has also lead to lots of fighting and arguing with mechanics and, sadly, bike theft. How has, or would, your organization handle this situation? We do have activities for kids to do while they wait. For example, this year two science teachers come down and do experiements with the kids and we try to get some of them to go to the Patch a Tube station to learn how to patch their own tires. 2) How do you keep your kids activties going year around? We would like to keep this going as clearly there is a huge demand that has built up over the years and through our marketing program. Most of our kids are from our neighborhood so having something like this year around gives them options for safe and fun places to be. 3) How do you encourage bike safety? Helmets are uncool with our set and although we distribute them, we find them discarded later. Because we are located in a high traffic area where many accidents do occur, we would love to encourage kids to wear helmets. Whew that's a lot! Thank you for listening and for any advice or input! Ellie Nava-Jones and Judi LoPresti Getting Kids on Bikes Enthusiasts -- MoBo Bicycle Cooperative a project of The Village Green Foundation 1415 Knowlton St. Cincinnati, OH www.mobobicyclecoop.org

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Please help if you can.
by Plan B 24 Jul '12

24 Jul '12

Okay y'all, here's the deal. http://outdoors.maker.good.is/projects/bikeproject We're in the running for a $5,000 vote based grant. If we get it, we're giving away 100 re-cycled bikes along with lights, patch kits, and a basic maintenance class. We're teaming up with our local advocacy group ( www.bikeasy.org )for the selection process to make sure it goes to the needy and underserved of New Orleans. We have been fluctuating between #1 and #4 out of 115 entries. The grant is supposed to be for "Social justice in the outdoors". Not to shit talk, but currently in first place is "The Epitome Project", which is noble, BUT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE OUTDOORS. I really don't mind if the garden project or the rock climbing project win, but the fact that project to fund musicians on the other side of the planet is in a dead heat with projects that do work with much larger local impact (and actually fit the grant competition category) is a little bothersome. Could you vote for us (or whoever you think will do the most good with the money?) The easiest way is with facebook. Doing it with email is fine too, but you have to confirm your vote afterwards. Here's the link again. http://outdoors.maker.good.is/projects/bikeproject Their website can be a little sluggish at times. Please be patient. Also, if you could spread the word, I'd really, really love y'all for it! Just cut and paste on your Facebook platform! See you at BikeBikeX in New Orleans 2013!!!!!!!! Thanks so much for reading this!!!! <http://outdoors.maker.good.is/projects/bikeproject> -- Victor Pizarro Project Organizer Plan B, The New Orleans Community Bike Project

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Bike Valet/Bike Parking services hourly rates?
by Ryan Kragerud 18 Jul '12

18 Jul '12

Bicycle Longmont jumped into the Bike Valet service field in 2010. Last year it really took off and this year is no exception. We are currently being asked to provide this service (previously for free) at many special events. We currently offer this service for free at Longmont's Farmers' Market where we park upwards to 175 bikes every saturday between 7am & 1pm. We don't have the volunteer capacity to handle all the events that are requesting our highly successful service. Also since providing the service it appears bike parking is becoming a "communitywide value". At any rate, like you, we're a cash strapped 501c3 and wondered who of the ThinkTank are charging for this service and what are your rates? Afterall it takes time and money to do good in the neighborhood! BTW we'd continue providing the Farmers' Market for free but would require anyone wanting to work a special event to have prior experience volunteering with our Farmers' Market, first. Thanks, Ryan Kragerud - President Bicycle Longmont

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Re: [TheThinkTank] Shop software
by christopher＠holisticcycles.com 16 Jul '12

16 Jul '12

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The true test of society is how well it treats its prisoners and old people.
by Jonathan Morrison 13 Jul '12

13 Jul '12

"By pedaling the prison's stationary bikes, the inmates charge a battery that's used to power 10 street lamps along the town's riverside promenade. For every three eight-hour days they spend on the bikes, [they] get one day shaved off their sentences." http://news.yahoo.com/inmates-brazilian-jail-cycle-freedom-165006870.html Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison c: 801-688-0183

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Two Job Openings @ Sopo Bike Coop!
by tito ＠ sopo bike co-op 05 Jul '12

05 Jul '12

Contact: Tito Sands 678.907.3892 tito(a)sopobikes.org July 5, 2012 – Sopo is looking to hire a Part time Volunteer Coordinator and 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 July 27th for the Volunteer Coordinator position and 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 nights from 7 pm until 10 pm and Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2 pm until 5 pm. Visit www.sopobikes.org for more information. Title: Status: Salary: The Program Coordinator of Sopo Bicycle Cooperative reports to the Board of Directors, and is responsible for the organization's consistent functioning of its shop and various educational, outreach, and bicycle repair activities conducted throughout the year. The volunteer coordinator’s responsibilities are as follows: Develops and implements methods for coordination and retention of volunteers; Ensures all programs are fully staffed with volunteers: Open Shop Hours, Volunteer Coordinator Part-Time [(average 20-25 hours/week)] $14,000 Summer Youth program, Bike There!, Charity Bikes, Bike 101 classes; Schedules and advertises Bike 101 classes and other classes; Recruits and screens volunteers for appropriate role placement; Identifies key volunteer roles and places volunteers in these roles; Identifies strong volunteers for shop manager role and other roles; Organizes and facilitates monthly new volunteer orientations; Creates and maintains relative volunteer signage and documents; Provides leadership in volunteer opportunity development; Bikes 201; Volunteer Orientation 2.0; Publicizes volunteer needs for special events; Organizes and supervises volunteers for special events (i.e., Artbikes, BHBP); Ensures that expenditures are within budget guidelines (created by board) and reflect sound financial practices; Manages and resolves conflicts as needed; Removes problem visitors as appropriate and consistent with Sopo policies and principles; Maintains regular and timely communication with volunteers, Board and the Executive Director; Maintains volunteer sign-in book, volunteer newsletter, volunteer information data base (contact, skills, commitment, etc.); Develops and hosts volunteer appreciation activities; Maintains 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 ED); and Sees that an effective shop management team, with appropriate provision for succession, is in place (shared with ED). Required skills and experience: Bicycle maintenance skills, 2 years of significant volunteer experience at Sopo, excellent communication skills, experience in conflict resolution, experience in personnel management, and a deep commitment to Sopo's values. Bilingual Spanish/English is a plus. Title: Status: Salary: 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 Executive Director Full-Time $28,000 (+ stipend for benefits) 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. END tito @ 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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Re: [TheThinkTank] Shop software
by Godwin ! 05 Jul '12

05 Jul '12

I’ve also had reservations about going with a web-based system but in the end I think it’s the most adaptable solution. I’m not worrying about hardware integration for now, I’m pretty sure anything is possible but I think that would be far down the list of requirements for most shops that need free software. It will be open source and modular, so there won’t be a single point person for the entire system, I’ll do my best to set up a good environment for users to interact with the developers and for developers to provide documentation. This is a bit of an experiment but I have far more faith in open and crowd sourcing technologies than I do having a long term individual or group in charge (including myself). Thanks! .g From: Jonathan Morrison Sent: Monday, July 02, 2012 3:49:13 PM To: The Think Tank Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Shop software Godwin, Will it be able to swipe credit card? Interface with a cash drawer? Or scan a UPC? My concern with any web-based system is that you don't have access to the necessary lower level hardware of a useful POS system. Also, how much will you be charging for tech support, or what level of on-going support can users expect? Or will use be at your own risk with no implied support? Name Suggestion: PIF - Pedaling/Paying It Forward Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison c: 801-688-0183 On Mon, Jul 2, 2012 at 2:33 PM, Ryan Sharpe <sharpe(a)sacbikekitchen.org> wrote: At the risk of being too family-unfriendly, gratuitously offensive to Godwin's herculean task, and over-aware of the cobbled-together nature of some of our various operations, I'd be tickled if it were named "That POS". --Ryan S. On Mon, Jul 2, 2012 at 1:13 PM, summitcyclingcenter(a)yahoo.com <summitcyclingcenter(a)yahoo.com> wrote: I Appreciate what you are doing. Name-I suggest Velocomp POS. Sent from my HTC EVO Design™ 4G from Boost Mobile ----- Reply message ----- From: "Godwin !" <goodgodwin(a)hotmail.com> To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> Subject: [TheThinkTank] Shop software Date: Sun, Jul 1, 2012 6:50 pm Trying to squeeze in the extra time this week to open up to developers soon but first: Non-technical Nominate a name! Right now the code name I'm using is 'Samara' after the fruit that a maple tree produces but I'd like to hear better ideas if anyone has them (and maybe get some sort of consensus) Will my shop / organization be able to use it? Yes. The intention is to make everything completely customizable so that it can work with the way your organization does, although I'm not going to promote it over any of the other options It will be web-based and (if required) compatible with Wordpress, Joomla, and Drupal and eventually hopefully IPad and Android. Setting it up to work offline will also be possible. What will it do? The focus at the beginning is to create a point of sale system, after that I'd like to implement other features from news feeds to keep everyone informed to budget planning and audit modules (everything will be optional) Whatever else you can dream of and find someone to help build Why are you doing this? To create a common tool that will work for everyone's needs, so that we can combine our efforts where we can and diverge when we need to Because I like software development and especially interesting projects Not to overshadow other people's efforts such as freehub When will it be ready? No clue. I've made a number of promises in the past but I realized that I really need to stop making them, we all know what volunteering is like Don't wait for it if you need something now, there's lots of other tools out there and if you eventually want to switch we may be able to work together to get that done. Check out: http://erply.com/, http://www.merchantos.com/, and of course https://github.com/asalant/freehub/wiki/ How to get involved GIVE IT A NAME! - It's likely that your shop name will be more prominent (if this name is even visible at all) but it would be nice to have something to call it when downloading or when talking amongst ourselves Design a logo - You might want to wait for the name Otherwise wait for my next email (but don't hold your breath), I'll be setting up a development environment so that people can jump on as they can. We'll be more in need of experienced PHP developers in the beginning stages to round out the framework, less experienced developers can hop on in the later stages to build modules and themes. Feel free to send questions or feedback (critical or otherwise) directly to me if you'd like, .godwin _______________________________________________ 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.… -- Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen http://sacbikekitchen.org/ 1915 I Street, Midtown Sacramento Open Tu 6-9p, We 6-9p, Th 6-9p, Fr 10a-2p (kids 6-8p), Sa 12-4p _______________________________________________ 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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Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 71, Issue 3
by Jenna Johns-Yu 03 Jul '12

03 Jul '12

Recycle-A-Bike, Providence, uses a system to track volunteer contact info, time volunteering in the shop, points, cash flow and program info. We designed it from file maker. We would be happy to make a copy of the file for anyone who is interested in using it in their community shop. You would need to purchase filemaker. It is backed up with carbonite so if our computer crashes we can resave it into the system. It isn't connected with any credit card machine.

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