I think an orientation is crucial to both creating the volunteer culture you are hoping to create and setting volunteers for success- both re: social aspect + building skills. Here is the outline we use at Bikes Together- please feel free to use and share! Lots of hands on and interactive parts throughout the orientation.
While I can't say this has led to more volunteers (still many folks don't come back), all of our consistent volunteers were oriented in some way when they first started.
On Sat, Sep 20, 2025 at 6:35 AM tom harrison via TheThinkTank < thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org> wrote:
My volunteering has fallen recently due to traveling and age, but Gordon’s comments caused me to reflect. When I first went to Third Hand Bike Co-Op 15 years ago, I wanted to learn more about bikes. But it was an unexpected warm personal interaction that caused me to come back. Don’t let new volunteers get out the door without getting to know them a bit and giving them a smile.
Tom Harrison Hoping to volunteer again at Third Hand Bike Co-Op, Columbus
Sent from my iPad
On Sep 20, 2025, at 01:38, cyclista--- via TheThinkTank <
thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org> wrote:
I'd like to contribute that it isn't always about bicycles!
Our type of community organization exists at the intersection of a lot
of endeavors; ecological, social, educational, political, educational - not just transportation and recreation.
So identifying how your prospective volunteers have been inspired, and
how you can frame some of your functions as directly connected to their passions, can help with adhesion. It's a relatively narrow window of people who simply love bicycles and cycling. Tapping into broader commitments can help.
If they have a real, personal mission, drill down for them to how they
can serve it effectively with you. If, of course, you have functions relevant to them. We're all different! Not all orgs will be right for all volunteers.
~ cyclista Nicholas_______________________________________________ TheThinkTank mailing list -- thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe send an email to
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