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The Bike Project

of Urbana-Champaign



Volunteer Coordinator (State AmeriCorps)

Position Available: Bike Project Volunteer Coordinator (State AmeriCorps)

(Urbana, Il)


Date: 2009-Aug-06, 12:59AM CDT
Reply to: thebikeproject@gmail.com

About The Bike Project (www.thebikeproject.org):
The Bike Project of Urbana-Champaign provides a cooperatively shared space and resources for working on bicycles, learning from skilled volunteer mechanics, and sharing knowledge about bicycle commuting and bicycle safety. The Bike Project is not a bike shop in the traditional sense. The Bike Project was conceived to serve those that are looking for inexpensive, low maintenance, and environmentally friendly transportation - and don't mind getting their hands dirty in the process.

The Bike Project takes in used bicycles as donations from the University of Illinois, the cities of Urbana and Champaign, local landlords, and individual donors. Some of the bicycles are fixed up by volunteers and sold as ready to go bikes. Some of the bicycles are parted out and provide used parts to fix other bikes. A sizable group of used bikes is available to members and can be purchased as Build-a-Bikes. A Build-a-Bike is when a member fixes up a bike using the tools at the co-op and available used parts. The cost of a Build-a-Bike is approximately half that of what a "ready to go" bike is sold for, which is the least expensive way to obtain a usable bicycle in Urbana-Champaign. The Bike Project currently has more than 150 members and hundreds of visitors per year.

Job Summary:
The Bike Project seeks an AmeriCorps member to serve as a Volunteer Coordinator who will:
- Create Staff Training sessions to transition volunteers into volunteer staffers.
- Teach all new and existing staff to use basic computers tools: a wiki page (an interactive website), a member database, and multiple email discussion groups.
- Participate in community outreach events related to bike safety and bicycle advocacy as determined by the steering committee.
- Create a one sheet Membership Flyer so that new members get basic safety information and co-op rules and etiquette.
- The Volunteer Coordinator will open the shop for a set number of hours each week to support access to the shop for members looking to do DIY repairs on their bicycle.
- Improve the organization system for bikes, tools, and equipment in the workshop space.
- Improve the current system for the sale of bike helmets, locks, and reflectors.
These activities will allow the Bike Project to serve more community members and generate more interest in volunteering with the project.


Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop a volunteer management system and train volunteer staffers.
- Coordinate and publish volunteer scheduled hours. Solicit and coordinate volunteers for special events.
- Improve point of sale process and organization system for bikes / tools.
- Participate in community outreach events related to bike advocacy and safety.
- Develop a Membership flyer.
- Staff hours at the co-op designated for Member DIY Projects.
- Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed:
- Minimum of GED or High School degree required
- Ability to work well with other volunteers and the public — including children.
- Ability to promote the mission of the Bike Project with large and small groups, through oral presentations and print materials.
- Creative problem solving skills.
- Willingness to learn new skills — mechanical, social, and professional.
- Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives without supervision.
- Basic bicycle maintenance skills and familiarity with bicycle terminology is a plus, but is not necessarily required.

Special Requirements:
-Willing to work on a flexible schedule, with some hours evenings and weekends.
- Loves bikes.

To Apply:
Submit a resume and cover letter to thebikeproject@gmail.com (email) by August 25, 2009.
-AND-
Apply online through http://www.americorps.gov/
Details on Americorp application process available via the UCIMC AmeriCorp Job description.


AmeriCorps Service Terms:
As an AmeriCorps member, this position requires a one-year contract from September of 2009 to August of 2010. The program offers a stipend of $11,400 living allowance in addition to health benefits and an education award. For more information, visit: http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/benefits/index.asp



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This page last modified Thursday, 20-Aug-2009 22:31:36 CDT by barryi. About/contact us.