Volunteer!
The Yellow Bike Project (YBP) happens entirely through volunteer labor and community support. We expect all those who use the shop to volunteer time to YBP equal to what they use for their own personal projects. You don't have to know anything about bikes to volunteer! (although YBP can always use help from skilled bike mechanics.) In fact, most our volunteers know very little about bike mechanics when they arrive; we teach you what you need to know as you repair bikes for the community.
Volunteer tasks include building Yellow and Kids' bikes for our free community programs, sorting parts, organizing and cleaning the shop, constructing storage places, fixing tools, and on and on. These are all good ways to learn about bikes, bike parts, and how to use all those specialty tools you see all around the shop.
We also need help publicizing events, writing grants, and generally building the project into a better one. If you are interested in volunteering to learn, earn a bike, or generally contribute, simply show up during open hours and talk to a shop coordinator to find out how you can help. No need to commit to a set schedule, just come in whenever you can and we'll put you to work. Check the "Schedule" page for up-to-date hours. Also note that although you're welcome to volunteer anytime we're open, you'll get the most help volunteering on our less busy "volunteer only" nights.
Start Apprenticing - Become a Coordinator
Volunteer coordinators are the lifeblood of the YBP; the more coordinators
we have, the more hours the shop can be open, and the more classes we can offer.
Coordinators commit on a monthly basis to open the shop at a specified time
each week and help anyone who comes through the doors with their biking needs.
The fist step towards accepting this most important role at Yellow Bike is to become an Apprentice Coordinator. As an apprentice you will act as a shop coordinator and help shop users with their questions on bike repair. You do not need to know everything about bicycles to become an apprentice coordinator. Answering the dozens of questions asked during the shop is the fastest way to become an expert bike mechanic. Plus, experienced coordinators will be on hand to assist you with any questions that you are unsure of.
We are looking for people that have a passion for teaching others the mysteries of the bicycle and can commit to one weekly shop shift for a month. To become an apprentice show up at our monthly collective meeting on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm at our 51st street shop. Just introduce yourself and announce your intention to become an apprentice and we'll put you on the schedule for the month.
After you and the coordinators you're working with feel you're
ready to take on your own shop, you ask the collective to make you an official
coordinator. Coordinators are given shop keys and have access to the shop 24/7.
Plus, you can feel good knowing that you're keeping the shop open for all to
use.
Become a Collective Member
YBP is an all-volunteer collective organization, and everyone is welcome to
join. Just contribute 24 hours of volunteer time during any 3 month rolling time period! Collective members are able to vote at our monthly collective meeting,
and gain other perks such as reduced prices on new parts for their own personal
use, and access to all parts and tools.
There are no directors or designated leaders of the project; it is a boss-free
zone. Representatives and coordinators must seek approval from the collective
prior to taking action on major decisions. All decisions are made through consensus of the collective. The entire group
must agree on a decision before it is carried out. Concerns are addressed until
a compromise is reached.
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