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_______________________________________________
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