- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

AmeriCorps Job Opening: Volunteer Coordinator, The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign (IL)
by Joel Gillespie 11 Jun '10

11 Jun '10

Job Description: Bike Project Volunteer Coordinator Through the Serve Illinois State AmeriCorps Program About The Bike Project (www.thebikeproject.org): The Bike Project is not a bike shop in the traditional sense. The Bike Project was conceived to serve those that are looking for inexpensive, low maintenance, and environmentally friendly transportation - and don't mind getting their hands dirty in the process. The Bike Project provides a cooperatively shared space and resources for working on bicycles, learning from skilled volunteer mechanics, and sharing knowledge about bicycle commuting and bicycle safety. The Bike Project takes in used bicycles as donations from the University of Illinois, the cities of Urbana and Champaign, local landlords, and individual donors. Some of the bicycles are fixed up by volunteers and sold as ready to go bikes. Some of the bicycles are parted out and provide used parts to fix other bikes. A sizable group of used bikes is available to members and can be purchased as Build-a-Bikes. A Build-a-Bike is when a member fixes up a bike using the tools at the co-op and available used parts. The cost of a Build-a-Bike is approximately half that of what a "ready to go" bike is sold for, which is the least expensive way to obtain a usable bicycle in Urbana-Champaign. The Bike Project currently has more than 300 members and hundreds of visitors per year. Job Summary: The Bike Project seeks an AmeriCorps member to serve as a Volunteer Coordinator who will complete tasks and organize activities that allow the Bike Project to serve more community members and generate more interest in volunteering with the Bike Project. This includes working with current volunteer staffers, assisting new Bike Project members in getting acquainted with the shop, cultivate new volunteer staffer involvement, teach and training new volunteer staffers, as well as arrange and take part in events related to bicycle maintenance and safety. Duties and Responsibilities: - Develop and maintain membership database to manage past and current Bike Project memberships. - Develop a volunteer management system and regularly update the wiki page to coordinate and publish volunteer scheduled hours. - Creating and sending out monthly newsletters and reminders for various events - Solicit and coordinate volunteers for special events. This involves email and direct communication with volunteers to encourage and keep up with volunteer involvement. - Teach and help organize training sessions to transition interested volunteers into volunteer staffers. Acquaint them with the shop, rules, and familiarize them with other staffers. - Teaching all new and existing staff to use the Bike Project’s wiki page (an interactive website), the membership database, and multiple Bike Project email groups. - Improve the shop’s overall organization system and point of sale process for bikes, tools, and parts. - Participate in community outreach events related to bike advocacy and safety as determined by the Bike Project Steering Committee and the AmeriCorps member’s Mentor. - Maintain documents, such as the membership flyer, membership form, wiki page, and membership database so that new members stay up-to-date with basic safety information and co-op rules and etiquette. - Staff hours at the co-op designated for Open hours and Members-only DIY hours (seasonal). - Represent the Bike Project at periodic events and monthly meetings, such as IMC Steering, Quad Day, etc. - Complete AmeriCorps duties required by the program, such as staffing the IMC desk (the building in which the Bike Project is located), completing various service projects with other AmeriCorps members, and attending regular meetings concerning the group. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed: - Minimum of GED or High School degree required - Ability to work well with other volunteers and the public, including children. - Ability to promote the mission of the Bike Project with large and small groups, through oral presentations and print materials. - Creative problem solving skills. - Willingness to learn new skills – mechanical, social, and professional. - Ability to establish reasonable priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives without supervision. - Basic bicycle maintenance skills and familiarity with bicycle terminology is a plus, but is not necessarily required. Special Requirements: -Willing to work on a flexible schedule, with evening hours and weekends. -Loves bikes. To Apply: Submit a resume and cover letter to thebikeproject(a)gmail.com (email) by Monday, July 5th 2010 AND complete an application online through http://www.americorps.gov/ AmeriCorps Service Terms: As an AmeriCorps member, this position requires a one-year contract from August 2nd of 2010 to July 31st of 2011. The program offers a stipend of $11,400 living allowance in addition to health benefits and an education award. For more information, visit: http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/benefits/index.asp _________________________________________________________________ The New Busy is not the too busy. Combine all your e-mail accounts with Hotmail. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?tile=multiaccount&ocid=PID28…

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volunteer hours
by Sarah Green 07 Jun '10

07 Jun '10

this goes out to any organization who does work trade... ie, people can buy things in the shop in exchange for volunteering. -how do you delegate jobs to volunteers who don't know how to work on bikes? -what jobs do you have for that kind of volunteer (drop-in) to do? -is there a space separate from functioning Open Shop space where they work? We have thought about this idea as both a good way to compensate volunteers and also a good incentive to recruit volunteer hours, but we have found that the delegation of tasks, the increased volume in the shop, and the lack of bicycle related knowledge in volunteers has made this more work for us than it is worth. Any ideas or suggestions would be welcomed! Sarah Urban Bike Project

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I'd be interested in getting in on the discussion
by Steven Mattson 06 Jun '10

06 Jun '10

Hi, I'm Steve Mattson, the GM of Bikerowave in Los Angeles. I'd like to participate in some of your discussions regarding running a bike repair cooperative/collective/non-profit. Thanks, SM Steven Mattson, General Manager steven.mattson(a)bikerowave.org www.bikerowave.org

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TE moneys
by Sarah Green 03 Jun '10

03 Jun '10

Has anyone received Transportation Enhancement money for educational programs... in this scenario obviously regarding bicycles? I am proposing a program here in Delaware and the guys at DelDOT want to hear from another organization who's received a TE grant for something similar. If you have gotten a TE grant or know an organization who has, please let me know! Thanks, Sarah Urban Bike Project

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Seattle Job Opportunity - Bike Works' Development & Office Coordinator
by Lexi Keeler 03 Jun '10

03 Jun '10

Development & Office Coordinator Role Overview The Bike Works Development & Office Coordinator assists Bike Works in its development of sustainable fundraising efforts through donor research and relationship building, data analysis and information management, donor communications, strategy development, and creating supporting materials to achieve the agency's annual and long-range development and fundraising goals. The Bike Works Development & Office Coordinator also supports office operations. This position reports directly to the Development Manager. This is an excellent opportunity for a strong multi-tasker with substantive administrative and writing skills, excellent attention to detail, computer skills (some database experience preferred), and enthusiasm for working as part of a team. Essential Job Functions * Manage donor and email databases to ensure accurate donor records. * Provide logistical support for the Bike Works Annual Auction and other fundraising events. * Process incoming donations, including preparing acknowledgement letters, donor listings, and other donor recognition activities. * Manage Bike Works' web presence, including web site, Twitter, Facebook and the Bike Works Blog. * Coordinate our donor email newsletter, mailing appeals, and other donor communication and cultivation. * Maintain accurate and organized development files and electronic records. * Participate with Development Manager and other staff in developing strategies for effective fundraising. * Manage administrative volunteers. * Coordinate all aspects of the administrative systems and facilities operations within the office, including maintaining an organized work environment, purchasing office equipment and supplies, and responding to general requests for information. * Maintain phone and voicemail systems, including answering phones when available. * Oversee information systems, including website, computer networks, and other major office communications systems. * Support accounting activities, including receiving and copying checks, making weekly deposits, and mailing payments to vendors. * Work in partnership with Development Manager, Executive Director, Board of Directors, other staff, and Key Stakeholders to contribute to the organization's vision, participate in organization-wide programs, and help create a sustainable organizational culture. Qualifications & Experience Required: * Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. * 2 years professional work experience; nonprofit experience desirable. * Excellent verbal communication skills and strong writing and editing capabilities. * Ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities and deadlines. * Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills. * Advanced skills with Microsoft Office and the Windows environment; proficiency in relational databases. * Ability to work well independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team; work well with diverse styles and personalities. * Willingness to work outside of office hours on occasion to support events. * Strong commitment to promoting bicycling, supporting youth and to advancing social change. Preferred: * Prior development experience. * Experience with event logistics, planning, and management. * Some experience with volunteer management and public relations a plus. * Familiarity with fundraising strategies. Compensation $25,000-28,000 (starting salary depends on experience), plus benefits, including medical, vacation, sick leave, and flexible work schedule/environment. How to Apply Please visit our website at www.bikeworks.org for more information about Bike Works. Email your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to development(a)bikeworks.org. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Position open until filled; applications received by June 23rd will receive priority consideration. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Bike Works is an Equal Opportunity and queer-friendly employer. Lexi Keeler Development Manager Bike Works 3709 S. Ferdinand St. Seattle, WA 98118 206-725-9408 ext. 1 <http://www.bikeworks.org> http://www.bikeworks.org Follow us on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bike-Works/139782759674?ref=ts> and Twitter <http://twitter.com/bikeworks206> "Building sustainable communities by educating youth and promoting bicycling."

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Federal Funding - Sibley Bike Depot Bike Library
by Jason Tanzman 02 Jun '10

02 Jun '10

Sibley Bike Depot in St. Paul, MN (www.sibleybikedepot.org) recently received a $193,000 federal grant as part of the Non-motorized Transportation Pilot Program, which provided roughly $25 million each to 4 communities (Minneapolis, MN; Sheboygan, WI; Columbia, MO; Davis, CA) to promote biking and walking. The funding - allocated as part or the 2005 federal transportation bill - mostly went to large infrastructure projects like bike lanes, racks, and government programs, but in their last round of funding they gave out a few "small" grants for education/programming. The funding we got was to implement a Bike Library program - we're building a fleet of 220 bikes, equipped for transportation purposes with rack, fenders, lights, lock, helmet, and bike map to lend out to low-income communities for 6-month loan periods. In addition to bikes, we provide classes in safe cycling, bike maintenance, group rides, and really whatever programming the participants want. We are specifically focusing on making reliable bikes available to communities traditionally marginalized in the bike and transportation world, including women, immigrants, and people of color. We're lending all bikes out through partner agencies - organizations such as affordable housing agencies, job placement centers, community organizations, and more. To see a bit of press coverage we've received for the program, check out http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/89886292.html . The current federal Transportation Bill is expired (it keeps getting short extensions until they pass a new bill) - hopefully Obama and Ray LaHood will pass something that creates more opportunities to support grassroots educational programs as well as infrastructure to promote biking, walking, and transit. Maybe something will happen after the midterm elections...but I definitely see possibility in seeking federal dollars for community education programs. The only caveat - getting a federal contract is a bit of a nightmare. All federal awards are done on a reimbursement basis - i.e. you spend $20,000 then they write you a check 3 months later - which can be hard for small non-profits (we had to get a $25,000 line of credit from a local non-profit bank). There are a number of other hoops that can make it a challenge - but I think there are a lot of potential benefits. The jury is still out as to whether this program was good for Sibley to get involved with... Jason Tanzman -- Sibley Bike Depot Volunteer Coordinator 612-232-2737 (cell) 651-222-2080 (shop) www.sibleybikedepot.org Sibley Bike Depot's mission is to be an open, accessible space to educate and empower people to use bicycles as transportation, helping to build a sustainable environment and community. Volunteer with us to help build a bicycling movement in the Twin Cities!

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TE money
by Sarah Green 02 Jun '10

02 Jun '10

Has anyone received Transportation Enhancement money for educational programs... in this scenario obviously regarding bicycles? I am proposing a program here in Delaware and the guys at DelDOT want to hear from another organization who's received a TE grant for something similar. If you have gotten a TE grant or know an organization who has, please let me know! Thanks, Sarah Urban Bike Project

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volunteer hours
by Sarah Green 02 Jun '10

02 Jun '10

sorry if this is a double post but- this goes out to any organization who does work trade... ie, people can buy things in the shop in exchange for volunteering. -how do you delegate jobs to volunteers who don't know how to work on bikes? -what jobs do you have for that kind of volunteer (drop-in) to do? -is there a space separate from functioning Open Shop space where they work? We have thought about this idea as both a good way to compensate volunteers and also a good incentive to recruit volunteer hours, but we have found that the delegation of tasks, the increased volume in the shop, and the lack of bicycle related knowledge in volunteers has made this more work for us than it is worth. Any ideas or suggestions would be welcomed! Sarah Urban Bike Project

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subscribe
by Sarah Green 02 Jun '10

02 Jun '10

subscribe

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Working on expensive bikes in your shop.
by Brian 28 May '10

28 May '10

Hi again. Thanks for the replies to the previous thread, hopefully people found the responses useful. Selling expensive bikes wasn't my question though, perhaps I left my question too open ended. Retry: If a customer walks into your shop with a $5k carbon fiber road bike and wants help doing xxx. Do you have any shop guidelines on what is "too risky" in terms of possible damage to the bike? Perhaps it depends if there is a professional mechanic in the shop at the time, etc... Perhaps you don't care what people do and it's all covered under "we are not responsible"? We've debated it among ourselves at SLO Bike Kitchen. Part of our thought is that it's their bike, we are just there to help. The opposite argument is that they expect us to know everything, and it's sometimes/usually hard to keep track of every step someone does, which may result in them doing something unfortunate while unsupervised. In our case, we are 100% DYI w/us to help and we have no professional service side to the shop. We are also 100% volunteer. Thanks! Brian SLO Bike Kitchen www.slobikekitchen.org

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