Not specific bike collective advice--this is based on my experience in "a bunch" of small nonprofit organizations that relied almost exclusively on volunteers.  Unless you have a great volunteer who is in charge of (and loves doing) volunteer coordination, you may want to make that a significant part of the job.  This would include scheduling volunteers, making sure volunteers show up, making sure volunteers feel appreciated, recruiting more volunteers, having that "difficult" conversation with the "problem" volunteer.  The typical term for the position is "volunteer coordinator" but I like the term "community coordinator" much better.  

sheldon

..............
Sheldon Mains
SPOKES Bike Walk Connect
Minneapolis, MN 612/618-7149
Three ways to donate to SPOKES:
1. Volunteer.  2. Donate repairable used bikes. 3. Financial donations always welcome. Check www.SpokesConnect.org for details.

On Wed, Dec 3, 2014 at 9:34 AM, <samuelchristianjensen@gmail.com> wrote:

As the former temporary sole staff member at a bike coop, I think it's really important that you have clear and reasonable job expectations. Also, I would say it's really important that the person you hire has one specific supervisor. It can be extremely difficult to work for a group of volunteers. Hope that helps.

Feel free to email me with any specific questions.

Sam

Den 03/12/2014 09.28 skrev "Sam Haraldson" <sam@bozemanbikekitchen.org>:
I am soliciting the advice of fellow cooperatives who currently employ paid staffers.  Our organization has grown enough in it's 10 year history that we are prepared to bring on a part time paid staffer for the summer and fall months of next year.  If there is anyone who would feel comfortable chatting with me either via a series of emailed questions or over the phone I would greatly appreciate it.  

Our goals with a paid staffer are primarily to alleviate the task of some of the less enticing jobs from our volunteers, to set the stage for being open more hours, and to dedicate a resource to further develop fund-generating streams like eBay and Craigslist.  

Feel free to reply with general commentary to the list or contact me privately to speak directly.  I am open to any and all advice or criticism as our organization explores this next big step.  

Thanks,
Sam
Bozeman Bike Kitchen (Montana, USA)


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