Shop volunteers
Bike Program volunteers are the heart of the program. Volunteers vary from occasional help to a steady presence throughout the term or year. Each volunteer is valued for their contribution to the Bike Program.
If a student or member expresses interest in volunteering, have them sign the Volunteer Sign Up sheet. It connects interest to the Bike Coordinator, who can meet individually or have a volunteer interest meeting to follow up interest. If the on staff Mechanic is able:
- Give a tour of the shop
- Introduce them to staff
- Tell them of any projects that could use help
- Ask what their skills are and try to relate it to the Bike Program
It is important to let the students know their help is valued. Once volunteers have had an introduction to the Barn facility and shop, the Bike Coordinator can add them to the Volunteer list, and they can sign in and log hours. It is the job of the Bike Coordinator to try to work with schedules to make best use of volunteer time, try to fill any gaps in scheduling and match volunteers with staff.
Depending on skill level, volunteers can do basic or advanced mechanic work. It is important that they respect the boundaries of the shop. Use of specialty tools still needs approval of staff. Volunteers can also greet individuals, give shop tours, enter contact information to the computer, or work with staff on special projects. It is important to match skill and personality with compatible tasks.
Regular volunteers who have made a dependable presence are highly valued. It is to the discretion of the Bike Coordinator and Facility Manager to allow volunteers to order wholesale items, as staff do. It is not guaranteed that volunteers get this opportunity, and it must not be abused when opportunity is given.
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