We always need your help at Toledo City Bike Co-op!
One new policy is that in 2011 we intend for all people using the tools to be taking some level of mechanic training.
The main ongoing task for us is overhauling the donated bikes, which range in condition from excellent to heavily used, and getting them ready for sale. Experience is helpful, but all of our volunteers have been through our mechanic training classes. One of our on-duty Head Mechanics will help guide you through the process, and you may also be paired with a more experienced volunteer. We have shop aprons to wear if you need to keep your clothes clean, and also some very effective hand cleaner for washing up when you are done.
And we have a special deal for all of our volunteers! Every hour you donate to us can be exchanged for a free hour at the shop to work on your own bike.
There is a wonderful sense of satisfaction when we take an old or neglected bike, breathe new life into it, and save it from a possible landfill fate. And that satisfaction is complete when someone buys one of our bikes and gets it back on the street!
How to Volunteer
The best way to get started with us is to simply show up at our shop and tell the on-duty Head Mechanic or Shop Assistant that you wish to help out. No commitment or reservations are needed; we are happy that you can join us when you have time available, and you can do so on your own schedule. If you want to volunteer prior to taking any of our classes, we have tasks that you can work on. But if you want to volunteer to repair bicycles, you'll need to enroll in our basic mechanic's class.
We can always use some help with administrative work, and we also need people to give seminars and staff info booths.
Volunteering with Toledo City Bike Co-op has many benefits:
Head Mechanic
Toledo City Bike Co-op is especially keen to have more experienced bike mechanics join our team of Head Mechanics. We're searching for friendly people with experience in bike mechanics and an interest in running at least one four-hour shop session every month. As Head Mechanic, you would have the opportunity to make good use of your bicycle mechanics knowledge:
The main ongoing task for us is overhauling the donated bikes, which range in condition from excellent to heavily used, and getting them ready for sale. Experience is helpful, but all of our volunteers have been through our mechanic training classes. One of our on-duty Head Mechanics will help guide you through the process, and you may also be paired with a more experienced volunteer. We have shop aprons to wear if you need to keep your clothes clean, and also some very effective hand cleaner for washing up when you are done.
And we have a special deal for all of our volunteers! Every hour you donate to us can be exchanged for a free hour at the shop to work on your own bike.
There is a wonderful sense of satisfaction when we take an old or neglected bike, breathe new life into it, and save it from a possible landfill fate. And that satisfaction is complete when someone buys one of our bikes and gets it back on the street!
How to Volunteer
The best way to get started with us is to simply show up at our shop and tell the on-duty Head Mechanic or Shop Assistant that you wish to help out. No commitment or reservations are needed; we are happy that you can join us when you have time available, and you can do so on your own schedule. If you want to volunteer prior to taking any of our classes, we have tasks that you can work on. But if you want to volunteer to repair bicycles, you'll need to enroll in our basic mechanic's class.
We can always use some help with administrative work, and we also need people to give seminars and staff info booths.
Volunteering with Toledo City Bike Co-op has many benefits:
- You can fine-tune you bicycle repair skills.
- You can meet like-minded community members.
- You can carry out your required volunteer work with us.
- Your volunteer experience with us can make a useful addition to a resume.
- Skills learned at our co-op can help you find jobs with local bicycle shops.
Head Mechanic
Toledo City Bike Co-op is especially keen to have more experienced bike mechanics join our team of Head Mechanics. We're searching for friendly people with experience in bike mechanics and an interest in running at least one four-hour shop session every month. As Head Mechanic, you would have the opportunity to make good use of your bicycle mechanics knowledge:
- guiding and helping volunteers working on Toledo City Bike Co-op' bikes.
- providing instruction and advice to "do-it-yourselfers" working on their own bikes.
- assisting customers wishing to purchase a Toledo City Bike Co-op bicycle.
- generally managing the shop during for the duration of the shift.
