Bikes Not Bombs is awesome, help them out with their tool fund!

——————-

Bikes Not Bombs Tool Fundraiser and Potluck!

Friday, March 26th

BNB Hub – 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
6:00pm-8:00pm:
6pm-7pm – Potluck
7pm-7:30 – Youth Presentation
7:30-8pm – International Presentation
www.bikesnotbombs.org/tools

Bikes Not Bombs is having an evening of potluck and presentations to benefit the tool supply for the youth program space and international programs, and needs your help! Since BNB works on thousands of bicycles every year through our educational programming and preparing bicycles for international delivery, the tools get a lot of use! BNB is conducting a fundraiser to help buy more bicycle repair tools for youth and international programs. Please join us as we hear updates from the youth instructors and our international programs director, back from touring several of BNB’s projects. It will be a night to remember and fun for all!

Tickets will be available at the door, but purchasing in advance is strongly recommended. Tickets are $10-25 on a sliding scale and can be found through the website (www.bikesnotbombs.org/tools). When purchasing, please indicate what dish you intend to share. Even if you can’t attend, please consider a donation!

Got this in the email, looks like a really fun time you should check it out!

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Ability Bikes Cooperative in Ghana
A Multi-Media Presentation by David Branigan, Bikes Not Bombs International Programs Director
Friday, Nov 13 2009 – Potluck at 6:30, presentation at 7:00
at the Bikes Not Bombs Hub, 284 Amory Street in Jamaica Plain
http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/locations

Join us for an exciting report back from Koforidua, Ghana by David Branigan, BNB’s new International Programs Director. David will present a slideshow, video footage, and discussion of his 15 months working in partnership with the Emmanuel Yeboah Education Foundation and Sports Academy (EEFSA) to train 6 physically-challenged people to be bike mechanics and administrators.

They’ve now registered Ability Bikes as Ghana’s first cooperatively-owned and run bike shop. They are running a successful business, paying their own salaries, increasing respect for physically-challenged people and breaking stereotypes, while also greatly improving the bicycle infrastructure and thus affordable mobility in this city of 87,000 people.

This is also a great time to get to know David Branigan, who has taken over the job of International Programs Director from Carl Kurz. Carl founded Bikes Not Bombs and is now on a 2-year sabbatical after 25 years with Bikes Not Bombs.

For full details on the event, visit http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/node/615

You can see more photos from Ability Bikes at http://www.flickr.com/photos/bnbghana/

Let us know if you can bring some food to share (not required, of course) or have any questions by emailing arik@bikesnotbombs.org or calling 617-522-022

Bikes not bombs is looking for a book keeper, if you got the chops you should check them out, as they are awesome!

——

(This job listing is also online at http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/node/627)

Bikes Not Bombs (BNB) seeks to hire a Bookkeeper/Human Resources Coordinator on a part-time, contract basis. BNB is a 25-year-old community organization that takes in more than 6,000 donated bikes each year and re-uses them in innovative youth programs, international development projects, and its vocational training/retail shop. More than 2,000 young people have participated in BNB’s youth leadership and cycling programs, all of which teach mechanics, safe urban riding, and environmental and social justice. Through its international program, BNB has sent more than 38,000 bikes to countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa to establish micro-enterprises in bicycle sales and appropriate technology. Finally, Bikes Not Bombs operates a full-service bike shop. This position has the potential, dependent on funding and demonstrated capacities/interest of the individual, to expand over the next two to three years with increased responsibility.

Pay Rate and Hours:
This is a part-time contract position requiring an estimated 16-24 hours/week. Compensation is $20 per hour.

Responsibilities:
* Process weekly Accounts Payable
* Act as main point of contact for vendors, BNB staff, and volunteers regarding invoices
* Prepare and enter bank deposits
* Calculate and pay monthly sales tax for the BNB Bike Shop
* Process and submit biweekly payroll through ADP
* Conduct monthly reconciliation of bank accounts
* Prepare and enter month’s end closing journal entries
* Provide regular financial reports for Executive Director, program staff, and board
* Assist Executive Director with preparation of annual budget and monthly budget reports
* Coordinate audit preparation
* Ensure that previous postings in QuickBooks were applied properly, make adjustments where necessary
* Serve as liaison with health insurance provider and other insurance brokers
* Provide administrative support as needed

Qualifications:
* Commitment to the mission of Bikes Not Bombs
* Strong QuickBooks and Excel skills required
* Experience with ADP or other payroll system preferred
* Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
* Knowledge of budgeting and experience working with grassroots nonprofit organizations and with entrepreneurial businesses preferred
* Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
* Interest in and ability to improve systems; commitment to excellence a must

Please send cover letter and resume to hiring@bikesnotbombs.org. For questions, please contact Samantha Wechsler at this email address or by phone at (617) 522-0222, x105.

Bikes Not Bombs encourages applicants of diverse age, ethnicity, gender, nationality, physical ability, religion, and sexual orientation.

–
Jasmine Laietmark
Director of Grassroots Fundraising and Events

www.bikesnotbombs.org
617-522-0222 x106

This came in the email today, looks like a lot of fun, I was going to try and make this last year but didn’t make it. Going to try twice as hard this year.

Oct 22 2009 – 7:30pm

Bikes Not Bombs is hosting a lantern-making party in collaboration with Spontaneous Celebrations, to prepare for the 26th Annual Lantern Parade at Jamaica Pond. The lantern-making party will happen at the Bikes Not Bombs Hub at 284 Amory Street, Thursday October 22nd, 7:30-9:00pm.

* Please bring a $5 donation for Spontaneous Celebrations to help cover materials (provided) for a lantern that you’ll be keeping. (No donation needed for lanterns which you make for Spontaneous Celebrations to sell at the event.)

* Space is limited so please RSVP to jeremy@bikesnotbombs.org.

Youth and adults of all ages will create beautiful hand made lanterns from recycled soda bottles decorated with colorful tissue paper, and a candle inside. Each year approximately 4,000 people arrive at Jamaica Pond at sunset with their lanterns; many children arrive in full Halloween costume as well. The parade proceeds around the pond, bringing a trail of bouncing lights into the darkness that can be seen from all directions. This beautiful autumn evening ceremony has become an annual tradition in our community.

See more details on the Lantern Parade (happening Sunday October 25th at 6pm … rain date November 1st) here.

Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade

The ritual of the Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade began in 1984 when people gathered to make a journey with their candle-lit lanterns around Jamaica Pond. In preparation for the Lantern Parade, Spontaneous Celebrations and community members host lantern making workshops in which youth and adults of all ages create beautiful hand made lanterns from recycled soda bottles decorated with colorful tissue paper. The festival also involves local businesses who sell hand made lanterns in their shops. By the night of the festival, several thousand people have made lanterns (and anyone who hasn’t can purchase one the night of the parade). Each year approximately 4,000 people arrive at Jamaica Pond at sunset with their lanterns; many children arriving in full Halloween costume as well. The parade proceeds around the pond, bringing a trail of bouncing lights into the darkness that can be seen from all directions. This beautiful autumn evening ceremony has become an annual tradition in our community on the last Sunday in October. The Lantern Parade has it’s cultural roots in Japanese lantern making and Dutch tradition. It reflects our dedication to building community by exploring old and creating new cultural traditions.

Got this in the email, the Roubaix race (“The Hell Of The North”) is a seriously brutal race over cobble stones, up hills, usually involving blood, mud, tears, and many of the entrants don’t even finish. All of which make for a great movie! Go watch it free!

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Outdoor movie night: A Sunday In Hell
enjoy the 1976 paris-roubaix bicycle race under the stars
Host:
Bikes Not Bombs Retail Bicycle Shop
Date:
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Time:
8:00pm – 11:00pm
Location:
Bikes Not Bombs Retail Bike Shop backyard
18 Bartlett sq.
Jamaica Plain, MA
Phone:
617-522-0226
Description:
(Rescheduled from Oct. 15)
You’re invited to bundle up and sit outside with us to watch this 1977 documentary of the ‘76 Paris-Roubaix bicycle race. This 111-minute film shows the gritty cobblestone-ridden race in great detail, focusing on greats such as Eddy Merckx, Francesco Moser, and other heroes. We’ll be screening this in the backyard of the bike shop at 18 Bartlett Square in Jamaica Plain. Bring your own blanket, a chair or something you’ll be comfortable sitting on for a couple hours in the cool fall air, and a mug for hot cider.

Got this in the email today, I love BNB, and you should to. Get that old bike out of the basement and if you are not going to ride it anymore give it to BNB!

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Bikes Not Bombs is in need of donated bikes very soon to fill out an upcoming shipment to Tanzania. If you or people you know have adult bikes of any type to donate, please donate them by next Saturday, September 26th!

*THE PROJECT IN TANZANIA*
This shipment will be going to the Global Alliance for Africa’s Vijana Center in Arusha, Tanzania. The Vijana Center is a vocational training school for 200 students who were orphaned by the AIDS epidemic. The bike shop uses these donated bikes to fund 90% of the budget for the entire school, in addition to employing mechanics and providing affordable transportation to the surrounding community.

*WHAT TO DONATE*
For this shipment we are especially in need of more adult bikes which have fatter tires – basically mountain bikes or hybrids or similar. But we will take all of the following, some of which would wait for future shipments:
- any bikes with wheel size of 16″ diameter or larger. (16″ wheels are a small BMX or a medium sized kid’s bike.)
- any bike tools or bike parts: wheels, frames, small parts etc
- any bike accessories: helmets, racks, bags, trailers, etc
We don’t want bikes that have been left outside in the weather for multiple years and are covered in rust. Some rust is fine, of course.

*WHERE & WHEN TO DONATE*
a) on a weekday, bring bikes to the Bikes Not Bombs Hub, 284 Amory Street, 02130. Call 617-522-0222 before coming over.

b) or on a weekend, bring bikes to the Bikes Not Bombs Bike Shop at 18 Bartlett Sq (aka Brookside Ave Extension, across from the Green St T station) 02130. Call 617-522-0226 before coming over.

c) If you have 10 or more bikes in one place, we will try to arrange a pickup. Contact us at 617-522-0222.

*TAX DEDUCTIONS*
We are a 501-c3 nonprofit and donations are tax deductible. We give receipts.

(We hope to schedule the actual loading of this shipment for September 27th. We’ll confirm soon!)

Thanks for donating and/or spreading the word!

–
Jasmine Laietmark
Director of Grassroots Fundraising and Events

www.bikesnotbombs.org
617-522-0222 x106

Bikes not Bombs has announced an openings in its popular youth program, Earn-A-Bike. Youth ages 12 – 18 may register to build a bike of their own, learn mechanics skills, bike safety, leadership development. The cost is $25-$50 and youth may pay on a sliding scale. Please contact Elijah at 617.522.0222 or check it out at www.bikesnotbombs.org…Come on kids…a bike for just $25??? Mechanics skills? Cool company and awesome mentors…what else is there to do after school?

Very interesting and awesome set of classes at BNB take a look!

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ADULT BIKE MECHANIC CLASSES AND CLINICS
www.bikesnotbombs.org/bikeshop-classes

Basic Mechanics Class – starting July 14th

Queer-only Basic Mechanics class – starting July 16th

And new for 2009! Free, single-evening clinics on topics relevant to the urban bicycle rider.
Registration isn’t necessary, but call the shop at 617-522-0226 or check our website to
confirm the dates:
Thursday July 9 – Fixing a Flat
Thursday August 6 – Pre-ride Safety Check
Thursday September 17 – Bicycle Touring
Thursday October 22 – Bike Fit
Thursday November 5 – Winter Commuting

There comes a point in every boxer shorts life when it simply gives up. You know what I am talking about, what starts as a little hole after a while becomes a giant ass exposing embarrassment. The same thing happens to your old t-shirts, and your old dish cloths, and well most old fabric. No longer will you have to suffer this indignity, because you can give your old rags to Bikes Not Bombs! That’s right, BNB needs some old rags to help with their kids education programs. If you have old rags, cloth that can be made into rags, old t-shirts, boxer shorts, whatever

Contact: Youth Program Coordinator Elijah Evans
elijah@bikesnotbombs.org
or
617-522-0222 x101

Rag donors can also drop them off at the Hub by arranging it with Elijah (OR drop them off at the BNB Bike Shop during their open hours.

http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/locations#
http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/bikeshop

Hey you, yes you, remember how you were saying you wanted to go on a long ride this weekend? Well Bikes Not Bombs needs your help. See below. Give Jasmine a call if you can help, she is super awesome and would very much appreciate it!

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We are in a bad situation w/ no marshalls for the saturday bike-a-thon training ride — it’s 55 miles… interested or know someone who is? these are great rides!!!…. sweep, lead, fast, slow, anyone who’s reasonable and can do it!

THANKS!!

–
Jasmine Laietmark
Director of Grassroots Fundraising and Events

www.bikesnotbombs.org
617-522-0222 x106

RIDE THE BIKE-A-THON!
… register now! …
… form a team! …

YOU can join hundreds of riders for a meaningful and beautiful event on SUNDAY JUNE 7th, 2009!

See it all online at http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/bat09

Every rider furthers BNB’s mission, while enjoying a beautiful ride and the other awesome folks riding! Choose from 15, 25, or 62 mile rides. This is our biggest event of the year, and our one most important fundraiser to support Bikes Not Bombs’ work in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and right here with Boston’s youth.

Register now at http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/bat09 to get started on your fundraising! April 16th will be a special party here for registered riders.

The GRAND PRIZE for the top fundraiser has been chosen! It will be a woods&trails&mountainbiking&wood-firedhottubs weekend for you and 5 friends with Back Country Excursions in Maine!!!

FORM A TEAM!
It’s more fun to ride as a team. Find some friends or coworkers to ride with you and pick a team name. You can form/join a team when you register or afterwards by letting us know. We’ll put your team info up on the website and give out some special prizes to the top fundraising team.

GIRLS IN ACTION! bike program
May 18th – June 22nd
Monday through Friday, 3:30 – 6:30pm each day

Girls ages 12-18 have the opportunity to engage in an interactive bicycle mechanics, bicycle riding safety, and gender equity social justice curriculum. This course is an excellent way for girls to gain skills and make friends in the rich community of female cyclists and mechanics at Bikes Not Bombs. Program graduates ride away on their very own refurbished bicycles! Just like Earn-A-Bike, graduates of this class may eventually qualify for a part-time teaching and leadership job in our youth programs. For girls only. Classes run Mon-Thurs, 3:30 – 6:30. Program cost is $25-$50 sliding scale for the whole session (scholarships available).

To download flyers and applications, see http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/node/472

Contact Elijah Evans at 617-522-0222 or elijah@bikesnotbombs.org.

VOLUNTEER FOR THE BIKE-A-THON
Meeting April 15th

Bikes not bombs Bike-a-thon is coming up, if you aren’t riding but want to help out with some logistics planning, come to the Rider Support and Route Committee meeting Wednesday night April 15th, 7pm at the Bikes Not Bombs Hub.

Basic logistical areas to cover will be:
• Route Marking and Maps
• Rest Stops
• Following vehicles
• Ride support communications
• Mechanic support
• Medical / First Aid support for riders
• Food serving and Post ride, rider-support-area set up
• Bike Parking
• Rider send-off logistics support for each ride

Please contact Carl if you are interested in attending on April 15th or want to volunteer in the future for some of these tasks: carl@bikesnotbombs.org. These are roles for volunteers who will help plan logistics in advance. Closer to the date BNB will have many more roles for people who just want to sign up to have a role on the day of the Bike-A-Thon and Festival.

ADULT MECHANICS COURSE
4/13/09 – 5/11/09
5 Mondays, 6-8pm

Learn to repair your own bike! This is a “basic” mechanics courses that gives you the skills to do a full tune-up, plus more advanced work overhauling rotational systems. Classes cover bike fit, flats, brakes, gears, and adjustments and overhauls of hubs. The final session will allow you to pick more topics to cover (wheel truing, etc) depending on the needs of your bike.

Call the BNB Bike Shop at 617-522-0226
Full info at http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/bikeshop-classes

JOB OPENING at Bikes Not Bombs: YOUTH PROGRAMMING DIRECTOR

Please submit a cover letter and résumé to hiring@bikesnotbombs.org before March 23rd. Target start date is May 4th.

www.bikesnotbombs.org

MISSION
Lasting peace and social justice require equitable and sustainable use of resources. BNB provides community-based education and assists development projects with recycled bicycles, related technologies and technical assistance, as concrete alternatives to the militarism, over-consumption & inequality that breed war and environmental destruction. Our organization is part of a worldwide movement for peace and responsible stewardship of the earth.

HISTORY
BNB began in 1984 as an environmentally conscious campaign in support of social change in favor of the poor in Nicaragua. In 1990, BNB began to pursue its mission in Boston’s most impover ished neigh bor hoods. Today, we operate a thriving Bicycle Recycling and Youth Train ing Center where we offer six unique, high-quality programs that empower and orga nize youth and their families to work towards long-term change. Our programs create real com mun ity, with long-term, positive relationships built across lines of age, race, and class.


POSITION
Bikes Not Bombs (BNB) seeks to hire a Youth Programming Director to oversee our youth programs. This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits. Salary range is $30,000 – 32,000. The Youth Programming Director reports to the Executive Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES
* Manage ongoing development of youth program curricula to ensure programs are best fulfilling and strengthening the organization’s mission of youth development, environmental stewardship, and social justice.
* In collaboration with Youth Program Team, develop annual goals and objectives for youth programs, and develop and implement tools for effective program evaluation.
* Supervise, evaluate, and support the professional development and growth of adult youth program staff (currently one full-time staff member).
* Identify volunteer and intern staffing needs for youth programs. Manage volunteers and interns.
* Oversee Youth Instructor Program: recruit, hire, supervise, evaluate and support the professional development and growth of youth staff (6-10 during the school year, 12-20 during the summer).
* Design, implement, and evaluate Youth Instructor training and leadership opportunities: implement three weeklong training sessions per year.
* Oversee recruitment of youth for Vocational Education program; support retention of youth in the program.
* Connect teen leaders and program participants to service, opportunity, and support resources inside and outside of BNB.
* Oversee use and maintenance of BNB equipment, space, tools, and parts for program activities.
* Plan and facilitate regular team meetings.
* Build collaborations with fellow youth workers and community organizations in order to maximize programming resources and impact.
* Build BNB’s collaborations with Boston area schools and community centers, connecting cycling and mechanics to students’ academic success, physical and emotional fitness, and sense of civic engagement.
* Work with fellow community organizations to host events that further youth empowerment and overall BNB mission.
* Plan and coordinate periodic Youth Programs events to further youth development and build the BNB youth community.
* Facilitate exchange and interaction between Youth Programs and other BNB departments.
* Develop annual budget for youth programs and monitor expenses.
* With the Executive Director and other development staff, identify, draft, and report on grants. Help to develop strategies for new revenue streams (e.g., fee for service activities).
* Represent Bikes Not Bombs to funders, allied organizations, parents, and the general public in collaboration with development and youth program staff.
* Report regularly to Executive Director on program results and needs.

The ideal candidate will have the following characteristics and experience:
* Ability to be both a creative, strategic visionary and a practical thinker
* Self-motivated, highly organized, systems oriented
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Excellent interpersonal skills (one-on-one and in a group format), cultural competency, strong listening skills
* Experience in program management and staff/volunteer supervision, with the ability to mentor, motivate, prioritize, and set clear expectations
* Experience with and interest in developing youth organizing component of programming.
* 2+ years experience working directly with 10-18 year olds
* Deep knowledge of Boston neighborhoods, schools, and resources, including the dynamics of the neighborhoods surrounding BNB
* Understanding of and commitment to positive youth development
* Strong bike mechanics skills and knowledge of safe urban riding
* Demonstrated commitment to inspiring environmental stewardship and social justice
* Ability to be a compelling advocate for youth both within and outside BNB
* Facility with Macintosh computers, and experience using MS Word and Excel
* Experience developing and managing budgets
* Strong collaborator, able to work with a team and adapt quickly to changing situations
* Skills in program evaluation and curriculum development
* Must be willing and able to work after-school program schedule and some Saturdays
* Multilingual/Bilingual (Spanish, English, Haitian Creole and/or Cape Verdean Creole) candidates highly preferred
* Must love bikes!

Please submit a cover letter and résumé to hiring@bikesnotbombs.org before March 23rd. Target start date is May 4th.

Bikes Not Bombs encourages applicants of diverse age, ethnicity, gender, nationality, physical ability, religion, and sexuality. Women and people of color highly encouraged to apply.

Here is a whole bunch of things you can do to help out BNB!

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PC LAPTOP NEEDED!

Right now Bikes Not Bombs is urgently in need of a PC laptop. Ideally a Pentium IV or equivalent (like the Centrino processor). But a Pentium III can work if it has enough speed and memory. Let us know what you have to offer! Donations are tax deductible. Contact arik@bikesnotbombs.org

INTERNS WANTED!

BIKE-A-THON EVENT PLANNING – INTERN
There are so many aspects of this event, from outreach to info organizing to ride support and mapping, etc etc. Get in touch and we can talk about how you could join the team! Contact arik@bikesnotbombs.org

GIRLS IN ACTION – INTERN
Helps us prepare for and run our next session of Girls In Action. Most importantly you’d have youth work experience, w/ young women in their early teens. Emphasis on female empowerment and bike riding. Mechanics knowledge is helpful but not required as advanced mechanics will be supporting the session and can help you learn too along the way. The Spring Girls In Action session will run 5 days a week, weekdays 3:30-6:30pm and we’d need you here for at least one of these sessions, ideally more. Contact matt@bikesnotbombs.org.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – INTERN
Help with software, network upgrades, support our database team, server upgrade, etc etc! Contact arik@bikesnotbombs.org

HOST A FUNDRAISING PARTY!

We encourage you to host a FUNdraising event for BNB. It could be a simple brunch, cocktail party, or other sweet gathering for your friends, family, neighbors, and/or coworkers, and we will bring a short and entertaining presentation of BNB’s work. Food, friends, and Bikes Not Bombs.

This is fun! Not only does the money go a long way, but you help spread the word about BNB’s work – perhaps your cousin would like to join you on the Bike-A-Thon ride this year or perhaps your neighbor would like to come help load a container of bikes to Ghana.

Bike-A-Thon riders Bruce Lederer and Sandy Machson had quite a fabulous (and lucrative) brunch in January, raising over $1,000 and having a great time doing it! Several of their friends are now on board with the Bike-A-Thon, and all of their guests learned more about BNB. One of them is even hosting a party next month! AND it was fun! We in the office would love to help you with party logistics. Email Jasmine@bikesnotbombs.org if you’re getting excited about the idea.

HELP WITH A BIKE COLLECTION IN YOUR TOWN

1) Does your town do a spring “Recycle Day”? (or “Drop off day” or “Clean out your attic day”, etc?) Bikes Not Bombs collects hundreds of bikes in conjunction with Recycle Days in Andover, Chatham, Concord, Mansfield, Natick, and Tewksbury, but we are looking to expand our collection efforts into other towns. If your town does an event like this, and is not on the list above, let us know about it (no need to research specific information).

2) How does Bikes Not Bombs collect and process 6,000 bikes per year? More than half of them are donated at suburban bike drives on Saturdays during the spring and fall. Volunteer a Saturday or three and help our bike donations team meet enthusiastic suburbanites and bring back the bikes. The day is long, and can be physically demanding, but you will always get to meet lots of fun people. Email Steve Bosco, bike donations coordinator at buddyster@rcn.com if you want to be plugged in.

SAVE THE MBTA: BAKE SALE ACTIONS
Monday March 9th, 3:30pm
Wednesday April 1st, 3:30pm

As a member of the On-The-Move Coalition (OTM), Bikes Not Bombs is involved in pushing forward legislation that OTM has written around public transit. OTM is a coalition of community based organizations in greater Boston that came together in 2000 with the goal of an environmentally sustainable and socially just transportation system that is integral to the preservation and creation of livable communities.

BNB and OTM believe that public transit users should not be held responsible, through service cuts, an unaddressed maintenance backlog and a seemingly endless cycle of fare increases, for improvements that do not benefit them or increase the environmental health of those living in greater Boston. To this end, OTM and the the bill’s sponsors, are trying to address the massive debt of the MBTA, $1.8 billion of which was unfairly placed on the T as a result of the Big Dig, by instituting a gas tax and designating the proceeds to address public transit needs.

OTM and the T Riders Union are planning two actions to urge the adoption of this bill, and we’re hoping to enlist members of the BNB community in coming out and supporting them. On both Monday, March 9th and Wednesday April 1st at 3:30 p.m., we will be hosting two ‘Save the T’ bake sales to draw attention to the need for action at the statehouse on this issue. The first will be in front of the statehouse and the second will be in front of the Citizens Bank in Dudley Square. If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact Jeremy at jeremy@bikesnotbombs.org for more information.

VIDEOGRAPHY NEEDED!

BNB teens are producing a Bike Safety Video to teach other teens how to ride safely. We need a videographer who can help film it! Or, if you’re comfortable, loan your camera. Contact matt@bikesnotbombs.org.

Another awesome Bikes Not Bombs event:

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HELP SEND BIKES TO NEVIS ISLAND
Saturday April 4th

On Saturday April 4th Bikes Not Bombs volunteers will load a 40′ shipping container full of bicycle aid for the Bikes Not Bombs Earn-A-Bike program on Nevis Island in the Caribbean. We start at 10:30 am and work until we finish, which we expect to be 3:30 or 4:00pm. We’ll take a break around 1pm for a pizza lunch (provided) and a short talk about the project. Volunteers can come for any part of this time that works for you. Experience not required. We’ll be moving, sorting, and loading bikes, wheels, and spare parts. You may wish to bring work gloves.

Bikes Not Bombs established this youth program in Nevis in 2007, using the shipping container of the bikes to create a building to house the workshop. Youth groups from 6 different towns have been using the workshop, and these groups are hoping for expansion so they can have their own hometown program. Two of the youth trainers at the program are currently applying for visas so they can visit Bikes Not Bombs in Boston for 3 weeks, learning and sharing in our youth programs here, and taking this knowledge back to expand their programs.

SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday April 1st! (pending visas)
Presentation from visiting Nevis Earn-A-Bike trainers, about the Bikes Not Bombs youth program there. Also a talk by Carl Kurz on his visit to the BNB partner project in Tanzania.

DIRECTIONS:
This event does NOT happen at Bikes Not Bombs, but is just around the corner. We will be loading from a big parking lot at 179 Boylston St., Jamaica Plain, 2 blocks from the StonyBrook T stop on the Orange Line. Coming from the BNB HUB at 284 Amory Street, turn right on Amory (which puts you travelling away from the Green St T stop, towards the StoneyBrook T stop). Turn right on Boylston Street (where the StonyBrook T stop is on your left) and then turn right into a large parking lot which is part of the Brewery Complex. You’ll see our 40 ft. shipping container parked in this lot, just off the street.

Want a bike? Got no cash? You a teenager? Then this is for you. This is a great way to learn about bike stuff, and get a free bike in the process.

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SPRING EARN-A-BIKE FOR TEENS
March 30th – May 7th

This course meets each week Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:30-6:30 pm.

Earn yourself a bicycle (to keep) while learning how to fix it! This class is for girls and boys ages 12-18.

We go for fun bike rides, learn a lot of bike mechanics and bike safety, and explore some environmental issues. You don’t need any experience with mechanics. Our instructors will work with you every step of the way to make this fun and easy to learn. Our bike rides spend most of their time on bike paths in the parks near us, and once everyone has learned their skills we’ll deal with riding on the street.

You pick out a bike (choose from mountain, road, or BMX bikes), we teach you to rebuild it, and then you keep it!

Contact Elijah Evans at 617-522-0222 or elijah@bikesnotbombs.org.

A little problem with some plumbing got this canceled but its back! Come support Bikes Not Bombs and have a great night dancing!

——

DANCE PARTY FUNDRAISER AT THE MILKY WAY
Sunday March 15th
starting at 8pm at the Milky Way Lounge and Lanes
http://www.milkywayjp.com for directions

DANCING! DJs! RAFFLE! POOL & CANDLEPIN!

Come dance the night away! Have fun raising money to support an awesome organization (and your great local bike shop!) Buy some raffle tickets and win some fabulous prizes! This is the final last Sunday that the Milky Way will be open in it’s current location. (This even was originally planned for February 15th but was rescheduled to March 15th.)

DJs PATRICK & STELLA of Gross Anatomy, pop & electronic dance music

DJ GENEROSO of Bovine Ska & Rocksteady on WMBR 88.1FM, 50’s & 60’s Jamaican old school dance

DJs YES&NO electro-dance and Hip Hop

The raffle will include great prizes by local businesses, as well as Baileyworks, Swerv Cycling Apparel, the BNB retail shop, and more! Thanks to sponsors Ula Cafe, the Other Side Cafe, and City Feed and Supply.

$5 to $20+ sliding scale, up to you what you can contribute. Cover charge goes entirely to BNB. All Milky Way events are 21+.

See the event listing at www.bikesnotbombs.org/node/445
And music links to get you ready:
www.myspace.com/thegrossanatomy
www.myspace.com/bovineska
http://drinkmusik.blogspot.com/

Got this mega update in the mail today, Bikes Not Bombs knows how to party! Check out all the sweet events below, or on the event calendar over on the right.

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ENRIQUE PEÑALOSA SPEAKS ON ECONOMIC JUSTICE AND URBAN TRANSPORTATION
Saturday February 7th
3:30 – 5:00
At the BNB Hub, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain, MA
Full info here.

Did you ever wonder how the urban space could be redesigned to be equitable and accessible for all people, whether walking, biking, using public transportation, or driving? Come see an inspiring presentation by Enrique Peñalosa, an internationally reknowned speaker who transformed Bogotá, Colombia into a model of transportation justice during his term as mayor.

Livable Streets and the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) are bringing Peñalosa (an avid biker!) to Boston for four days of activities. Bikes Not Bombs is proud to host his presentation on transforming cities into more equitable and happier places to live. You are invited to come hear the talk and ask questions afterwards! This event is free and open to the public. RSVP is encouraged but not required. (To RSVP, drop a line to mail_at_bikesnotbombs.org). Make sure you see Peñalosa, either here or at other venues!

Also see PEÑALOSA at the BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY, COPLEY
Thursday February 5th, 6:30pm
Full info here.

Enrique Peñalosa completed his three-year term as Mayor of Bogotá, Colombia on December 31, 2000. While mayor, he promoted a city model giving priority to children and public spaces and restricting private car use, building hundreds of kilometers of sidewalks, bicycle paths, pedestrian streets, greenways, and parks. After organizing a Car-Free Day in 2000, he was awarded the Stockholm Challenge Award and rewarded by a referendum vote endorsing an annual car-free day. Peñalosa also led efforts to improve Bogotá’s marginal neighborhoods through citizen involvement; planted more than 100,000 trees; created a new, highly successful bus-based transit system; and turned a deteriorated downtown avenue into a dynamic pedestrian public space. He helped transform the city’s attitude from one of negative hopelessness to one of pride and hope, developing a model for urban improvement based on the equal rights of all people to transportation, education, and public spaces.

Watch StreetFilms of Enrique Peñalosa and Bogotá here.

PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER WANTED
Let us know if you can help document this event!

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BNB DANCE PARTY FUNDRAISER at the MILKY WAY
Sunday Feb 15th
starting at 8pm at the Milky Way Lounge and Lanes
http://www.milkywayjp.com for directions

DANCING! DJs! RAFFLE! POOL & CANDLEPIN! BOLDSPRINTS!

Come dance the night away! Have fun raising money to support an awesome organization (and your great local bike shop!) Buy some raffle tickets and win some fabulous prizes!

DJs Patrick & Stella of Gross Anatomy
DJ D’Hana of The Neighborhood
DJ Lonewolf of Todo Mundo

The raffle will include great prizes by local businesses, as well as Baileyworks, Swerv Cycling Apparel, the BNB retail shop, and more!
Boldsprints means head-to-head bike racing on rollers, making that solitary winter training into a social event.

$5-20+ sliding scale – cover charges raised go entirely to BNB. All Milky Way events are 21+.

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SPECIAL DISCOUNTS ON BIKE REPAIRS

The Bike Shop is offering BNB members a 20% discount and non-members a 15% discount on parts involved in a Major Tune-up or Complete Overhaul repair package.

A Major Tune-Up includes the installation of cables, chain, brake pads and other external parts you might need. A lot of people need this service at least once a year, but put it off longer than they should! A Complete Overhaul is a major tune-up that includes labor for overhauling all rotational systems on the bike. This is a good idea to think about every two years, depending on what conditions your bike endures.

Whether you’ve been riding all winter or you’re waiting for spring, consider getting that much-needed repair done now at a discount. Call the bike shop at 617-522-0226 or bring your bike in for a free estimate. This offer is good until February 28.

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ADULT MECHANICS COURSE

Learn to repair your own bike! This is a “basic” mechanics courses that gives you the skills to do a full tune-up, plus more advanced work overhauling rotational systems. Classes cover bike fit, flats, brakes, gears, and adjustments and overhauls of hubs. The final session will allow you to pick more topics to cover (wheel truing, etc) depending on the needs of your bike.

The course meets at the Bikes Not Bombs Bike Shop once a week for 5 weeks, and you bring your own bike to work on and improve. The cost for a full course is $120. For this tuition, you get the knowledge AND your bike gets work that would cost nearly $100 in most shops.

There are only six spots per class, so you must enroll in advance. Call the bike shop at 617-522-0226 to pay by credit card over the phone, or stop by the shop. You can send a check, but note that we’ll reserve a space for you only AFTER we receive payment, and classes fill quickly.

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WHEEL BUILDING COURSE
February 17th – March 17th
each Tuesday 8-10 pm (5 sessions)

The first session is a consultation where we’ll help you pick out and purchase hubs, rims, and spokes for your new wheelset ($60-80 for rims, $64 for spokes and $50-100 for hubs; all students receive a 10% discount on all parts bought for the class, including any tools you want for home). We’ll also cover some wheelbuilding theory and time permitting do spoke length calculations. The second session will focus on lacing both wheels. The third and fourth sessions will focus on tensioning the spokes, and lacing the second wheel. The final session will give students time to focus on finishing their wheels and to discuss other aspects of wheelbuilding.

Building a bicycle wheel is like tuning a piano – it takes care and patience and a little art to balance the tensions, and when it is in tune it is a beautiful thing! For a wheel to be perfectly round, the tension on each spoke must be adjusted and balanced, each slightly different to account for the flex response of the rim. These days most wheels are built by machines, which do a fine job, but don’t have nearly the sophistication of a human set of hands and eyes. A hand-built wheel is substantially more durable and will last longer, ride smoother, and need truing less often, but they get expensive when you pay a mechanic for the labor time involved. When you can build your own wheels, you can choose the quality and type of each component (hub, spokes, and rim) and you get high-quality technology for cheap because you don’t have to pay for labor! Learning to build wheels will also give you the skills to understand problems in used wheels and to true them by adjusting spoke tensions.

The cost for the full course is $120, and you must enroll in advance. Call the bike shop at 617-522-0226 to pay by credit card over the phone, or stop by the shop. You can send a check, but note that we’ll reserve a space for you only AFTER we receive payment, and classes fill quickly. Questions? Contact charlie@bikesnotbombs.org or talk to Charlie Schubert, our Bike Shop Service Manager.

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NEWS FROM GHANA, TANZANIA, and NEVIS KOFORIDUA

GHANA: ABILITY BIKES

The Ability Bike shop is up and running! This project sponsored by Bikes Not Bombs and Emmanuel’s Educational Foundation and Sports Academy (EEFSA) was begun in early 2008 and has faced many financial challenges throughout the year. The success story has been documented by David Branigan, the BNB trainer in his blog http://bikesnotbombs-eefsa.blogspot.com/ – the story of 6 physically challenged individuals becoming Ghana’s first cooperatively owned and operated bike enterprise. David, the Ability Bikes staff, and EEFSA were all intensively engaged in clearing the customs and raising the needed funds to pay fees and trucking on the second donated 40’ container of bicycle aid from Bikes Not Bombs and a solidarity committee based in Brattelboro VT. The clearing process, finalized on Jan 23rd was made much more difficult by the recent change in government and changing administrative posts. With this second container, Ability Bikes is now assured financial security for the first half of 2009 as they proceed to becoming an officially registered cooperative enterprise in April 2009.

ARUSHA, TANZANIA: GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR AFRICA’S VIJANA CENTER

After a long and arduous process the Vijana Vocational Training Center’s administrative director Boniface Kimboka was able to clear the customs on our container that was shipped back in October! This was the second container BNB shipped to this project. After BNB International Programs Director, Carl Kurz, made his visit in late Sept, he and Boniface have been in constant email contact and are looking forward to shipping two containers of bicycle aid in 2009. Vijana is going through an expansion of its vocational services; expanding the welding skills program and adding courses in computer repair and the bike progam. These additions will also provide sellable items for the school to generate more income – items like door and window frames, craft items and furniture made from bike parts, and more repair services for bikes and computers. This is great news for the more than 200 orphans that attend the school.

NEVIS, ST. KITTS: NEVIS BIKES NOT BOMBS

Two individuals from the expanding Nevis Bikes Not Bombs Earn-A-Bike program will be coming to Boston in March to participate in a skills development workshop. To make this program even more effective a BNB trainer will be traveling to Nevis to witness first-hand the conditions on the ground for Earn-A-Bike programs and view the proposed sites and engage in discussions around expansion of this successful program to more communities on the island.

BNB will commit to a bike aid shipment in April of 2009 and will be working closely with Nevis BNB to procure tools and items needed for their expansion. Program manager Kristina Stoney reports, “Don and Bass have worked hard and beautifully on the Earn-A-Bike program here, liaising with Ms. Maynard for regular meetings, creating more support in communities and running classes for New Castle and Gingerland areas.“

This travel exchange is being funded by John Rowse, one of the founders of the Boston Building Materials Cooperative (BBMC), as a memorial to Don Malloy, a long term employee of the BBMC who was also an avid cyclist and BNB supporter. Don was killed in and auto accident while volunteering in an effort to rebuild houses destroyed by hurricane Katrina in Mobile, Alabama. Being able to carry out this project in honor of Don adds deeper meaning to this important act of international solidarity.

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CARLOS SASTRE DONATES YELLOW JERSEY TO BNB

Carlos Sastre, winner of the 2008 Tour de France, is donating one of his yellow jerseys to Bikes Not Bombs!!! The Maillot Jaune (yellow jersey) is the most coveted prize in all of professional bicycle racing. At each stage of the 2,300 mile long Tour de France, the racer who is in the overall lead on time classification wears a yellow jersey while racing. Carlos was contacted by his brother and BNB supporter Eduardo Sastre, and was inspired to make the generous donation to Bikes Not Bombs to sell as a fundraiser. We will be honoring the Maillot Jaune at the BNB shop for a few months before selling it in conjunction with our BNB 25th anniversary, so be sure to come by and see this amazing piece of cycling history! Thanks Carlos and good luck for your bid in 2009.

****

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION PARTY
Wed March 4th
7-10 pm

This will be a special party to appreciate the volunteers who together put in thousands of hours of crucial work at Bikes Not Bombs. All who have volunteered for BNB are invited to this party. More details coming soon, but save the date!

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WANT LIST: LAPTOPS & more

- laptops!
- a regular supply of rags
- digital video camera
- and more

Full info at http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/donate#stuff

Contact Arik at arik@bikesnotbombs.org or 617-522-0222 if you have things to donate. Please check in before donating, thanks!

Got this in the email today, loving it because they refer to me as a community leader! Yea! Also I love Bikes Not Bombs, so anything they do is pretty amazing just because they are doing it. But this seems like they are really going above and beyond. You should all check this out.

Dear Community Leader,

This winter, Bikes Not Bombs will be offering its annual Vocational Education course for adults and youth age 15 and older at our Hub in Jamaica Plain. This is a unique job training opportunity for both youth and adults who are motivated to learn bicycle repair and mechanics and seek employment in a mechanical field. During the class, skilled trainers will take students through all of the systems of a bicycle and provide detailed explanations coupled with hands-on learning. Students who thrive in an experiential learning environment will benefit from the interactive structure of the Vocational Education program as they build, troubleshoot, and test ride bicycles that will actually go on to be sold in our retail shop.

After the course, Bikes Not Bombs will assist program graduates with job placement in local area bike shops, including our own shop located at 18 Bartlett Square. Since we first began offering this course over ten years ago, we have placed dozens of graduates in shops around the city, some of whom have even gone on to start their own community bike shops.

The course will begin January 19th and will run through March 21st. Class days are Monday and Wednesday, 3:30-6:30 p.m. and Saturday, 2:00-5:00 p.m. Candidates do not need an extensive background in bicycle repair to be eligible. Fees for the class are minimal and vary based on individual need. Fee waivers are available.

Those interested should come by either of our locations—284 Amory St in the Brewery Complex or 18 Bartlett Square near the intersection of Amory and Green St.—to fill out an application. Applications are also available online at www.bikesnotbombs.org/youth. Questions can be directed to Matt Picard, Youth Programming Director at 617-522-0222 ext. 104 or matt@bikesnotbombs.org.

I hope that you will share this opportunity with anyone who you think might benefit from hands on mechanics training in a professional yet supportive setting. Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or for further information.

Sincerely,

Matt Picard Youth Programming Director

Matt Picard
Youth Programming Director
Bikes Not Bombs ~ 284 Amory Street Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
617-522-0222 x 104
617-522-0922 (fax)

Got this in the mail today, Bikes Not Bombs continually impresses me with just how much they get done! If you have not been you need to go.

—-

WINTER WARMUP PARTY at the BIKE SHOP

Support Bikes Not Bombs’ youth and international programs by buying your holiday gifts at the BNB Bike Shop!!

at Bikes Not Bombs’ Bike Shop, 18 Bartlett Square (see map here)

Bikes Not Bombs’ Bike Shop invites you to celebrate the winter riding season at an afternoon party with free hot drinks (including local hot cider and hot chocolate from direct trade, locally processed cacao from Taza Chocolate and fresh local milk, plus homemade cookies and cakes baked with love by BNB mechanics.

Bike Shop staff will be on hand to teach you how to patch a tube and fix a flat tire. If you’ve never learned this valuable skill, now is your chance to learn for free, while enjoying sweet treats!

The bike shop is filled with items that make great gifts, from bells to gloves, repair manuals to gift certificates, cozy woolen baselayers and caps by Ibex, and locally made Taza Chocolate bars, which will be appreciated by even the non-cyclists on your list! Remember, every purchase you make at the BNB Bike Shop helps support our programs for young people here in Boston and our projects overseas. We need your support now more than ever.

WINTER WARM-UP PARTY Schedule:

Saturday, December 13, 3-7 PM Enjoy home-baked cookies and treats, local apple cider and flat-fixing demos every half-hour, plus get a coupon for discounts on winter bike maintenance.

Sunday, December 14, 1-5 PM Taza Chocolate will be here to let you sample their distinctive stone-ground chocolate and answer questions, and we’ll make their delicious hot chocolate! Plus, BNB mechanics will give free flat-fixing demos every half-hour, and we’ll give out vouchers for discounts on winter bike maintenance.

See you there!

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GIVE A HOLIDAY GIFT to a LOVED ONE by DONATING TO BNB

Looking for a meaningful gift for a friend, family member, or loved one? Instead of buying another mug or sweater this year, you can give a donation to Bikes Not Bombs in that person’s name. We’ll send a gift card for the holidays that lets that person know that their holiday gift this year is helping to empower more young people in Boston with leadership and job training, and helping bring more bicycles and jobs to people in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

In these tough times, a gift like this is more meaningful than ever!

Make your donation with a credit card online at http://active.com/donate/bnbgift

* Once you’re online you’ll tell us where to send the Holiday Card acknowledging this gift (we can send it to you or to your gift recipient).
* If you’re making a last-minute gift, we can send an email to your gift recipient on a date of your choosing, and the card will come in the mail later.
* If you choose, your gift can also make your loved one a Member of Bikes Not Bombs with all the membership benefits.
* You will receive the tax deductible receipt for this gift.

Another way to make this gift is to call us at 617-522-0222, and ask for Arik, Jasmine, or Jeremy!

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SETUP YOUR OWN GIFT PAGE!

Help Bikes Not Bombs by setting up your own page where others can donate to BNB as a holiday gift to you. Just go to http://active.com/donate/bnbgift and then click “Become a Fundraiser” at the top of the page. (Many of you have done this before when fundraising to ride the Bike-A-Thon.)

If you want, you can add photos and write something on your page about why BNB is meaningful to you. Then email out the address of the page to those who might want to make a donation as a gift to you. People are motivated to give because they know YOU and they’ll care because YOU do. You’ll see your efforts turn into powerful support for BNB, and you’ll have a few less Far Side mugs to find a place for this holiday season. (Not that Far Side mugs aren’t funny and useful for making tea, but you’ve already got 3 of these, right?)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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GOODSHOP ONLINE PURCHASES SUPPORT BNB
http://www.goodsearch.com/goodshop.aspx

Thinking of shopping online at Amazon.com, Ebay, the Apple Store, BestBuy, L.L.Bean, Barnes&Noble, PetSmart, NewEgg, Target, or many other online sites? A percentage of your purchase dollars can be donated by these stores to Bikes Not Bombs if you just know how to do it!

Start at http://www.goodsearch.com/goodshop.aspx, choose Bikes Not Bombs as the recipient, and then choose the site (Amazon.com etc) that you want to shop from. Then make your purchases as you normally would and they’ll tell you how much money is going to BNB. That’s all!

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GOODSEARCH
http://www.goodsearch.com

Do your online searches through Goodsearch instead of Google, and every time you search they will donate a few cents to BNB. This has already raised well over $100 for Bikes Not Bombs. Make Goodsearch your default search engine and you’ll be sending a little money to BNB every week without even thinking about it!

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MEMBERS, WORK ON YOUR OWN BIKE
Thursday December 4th

See the full info here
You must sign up in advance, by contacting Matt Coe at 617-522-0226 or mattcoe@bikesnotbombs.org

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HELP SEND BIKES TO GHANA
Sunday, December 7th

Join us to help load a 40′ shipping container full of bicycle aid for the Village Bicycle Project in Ghana! We start at 10:30 am and work until we finish, which we expect to be 3:30 or 4:00pm. We’ll take a break around 1pm for a pizza lunch (provided) and a short talk about the project. Volunteers can come for any part of this time that works for you. Experience not required. We’ll be moving, sorting, and loading bikes, wheels, and spare parts. You may wish to bring work gloves. This event happens rain or shine!

NOTE: this event does not happen at Bikes Not Bombs, but around the corner at 179 Boylston Street. For more information about this event (including directions and a map) and info on the Village Bicycle Project, see here

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LADIES WINTER RIDING WORKSHOP
Monday December 8th
6:00 -8:00 pm

An evening of information and skill sharing to prepare for winter cycling!

At the Bikes Not Bombs Hub, 284 Amory Street, Jamaica Plain. There is no charge for the workshop.

Contact Christina for more info at christina@bikesnotbombs.org or 617-522-0222
See the flyer here

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Phone-A-Thon Volunteers Wanted

The annual grassroots fundraising favorite is happening now. You can be a crucial volunteer by helping raise money and talking to some other cool supporters of BNB!
***Note we’ve added some new sessions since the last time you saw this!***

About 30 volunteers (you included) will join us to call people who love BNB, have already given to us, and need a little friendly reminder/contact to get them to give again/give more and get re-inspired about BNB’s awesome work.

Here’s why you should come spend two or more sessions with a BNB Phone-A-Thon crew:
1. It’s an easy way for BNB to raise $30,000 – 40,000.
2. It’s great training for any other fundraising you may want to do in your life. (Training and coaching provided at each session.)
3. You get to talk to lots of people who love BNB’s work. (Our favorite part.)
4. You get free snacks (or dinner, if it’s time).
5. You earn volunteer hours for your valuable time at each session!
6. You’ll meet some new BNBers, and that is always fun.
7. You’ll get to meet BNB Board members, all of whom do at least two of these phone calling shifts!

Please email jasmine@bikesnotbombs.org or call 617-522-0222 if you are interested and/or have any questions call/email to sign up for two or more sessions. We also need volunteers to provide food! Locations TBA.

Sessions:
- Saturday, 12/6, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
- Sunday, 12/7, Noon-3:30 PM
- Tuesday, 12/9, 5:30-9 PM
- Saturday 12/13, 10 AM- 2 PM

********************************
Office Volunteers
Needed for data entry. Come get to know the BNB staff in our dynamic office while helping out!
We especially need your help in January and February. Contact Jeremy at jeremy@bikesnotbombs.org or 617-522-0222.

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Volunteer with a Truck or Van
We could use a volunteer with a vehicle that can carry about 10 bikes or more to stop in on a weekly basis to do local transportation within Jamaica Plain, moving bikes, recycling, and trash. Contact mattcoe@bikesnotbombs.org or call Matt at 617-522-0226.

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HELP TEACH YOUTH IN EARN-A-BIKE

We’ll give you a full course in bike mechanics, and then you will help teach young people to rebuild and earn a bike to be their own! Go on fun rides and teach safe riding and environmental issues. Female and male volunteers needed. Spanish language skills or youth-work experience are helpful, but no experience required.

INSTRUCTOR TRAINING:
Every Saturday from January 17th through March 21st. 11:00 am – 2:00 pm each Saturday.
This is a free course in which you learn a complete overview of bike mechanics, theory and methods for teaching young people, and safe riding skills and guidelines for leading youth rides. No experience is necessary, just commitment! You also get credit for volunteer time, which can count towards earning a bike or parts for yourself.

THE TEACHING:
Once you have the skills, choose 1 day a week to teach in Earn-A-Bike (for the duration of at least one session) For youth, the training also gives you the potential to work as a paid instructor during the summer. Teachers who want to run this class in your own schools are also welcome to apply!

For the full info and to download an application, see here and scroll down.

Contact Elijah at 617-522-0222 or elijah@bikesnotbombs.org

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MECHANICS JOB TRAINING COURSE
January 19th – March 21st

Interested in the bicycle industry but don’t know where to develop your skills? Bikes Not Bombs is offering an 80 hour bike mechanics apprenticeship course designed to graduate participants into jobs at local area bike shops upon completion. BNB offers 9 class placements, for teens (15 and up) and adults that are serious about becoming professional bike mechanics, but don’t have formal training. In past years graduates have taken jobs at Bikes Not Bombs, Broadway Bicycle School, Ferris Wheels, Community Bike Shop, Cambridge Bike and other bike related businesses. The cost varies based on need, and fee waivers are available.

The course meets three days a week: Mondays 3:30-6:30, Wednesdays 3:30-6:30, and Saturdays 2:00-5:00

See full info and download an application here (scroll down)
Applications must be received by January 9th to be considered.

Contact Matt Picard at matt@bikesnotbombs.org or 617-522-0222

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WANT LIST

- laptops!
- a regular supply of rags
- digital video camera
- and more!

Full info at http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/donate#stuff

Contact Arik at arik@bikesnotbombs.org or 617-522-0222 if you have things to donate. Please check in before donating, thanks!

Youth Programs Media Intern

More info here.

Bikes Not Bombs is seeking a media intern to produce an updated version of our safety video. The intern will work in collaboration with the Bike Safety coordinator and a group of youth instructor staff to produce, film, and edit an updated safety video. The position will run from January through February of 2009 with possibility of extending the position further based on program needs. The ideal candidate will have strong video editing and production skills, experience working with youth, and interest in the issues described by the Bikes Not Bombs mission statement.

* To apply, please send a letter of interest that outlines experience and qualifications to matt@bikesnotbombs.org .
* For more information about youth programs and services, visit the youth programs page at http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/youth or contact Matt Picard, Youth Programming Director.

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Youth Programs Summer 2009 Interns

Contact matt@bikesnotbombs.org. More info at http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/node/437

Got this in the email today, looks like a good time. Any ladies should check it out.

Hello Ladies,

I’d like to invite you all to a free workshop at the Bikes Not Bombs HUB (284 Amory St in JP (not the BNB Bike Shop)) on Monday Dec 8 from 6-8pm. The purpose of this gathering is to prepare cyclists of different skill levels for biking in the winter. Whether you’re new to biking in Boston or you’ve been doing it year round for a while, there should be something for everyone as we gather together to discuss winter cycling safety tips, staying healthy (warm and dry!), and a few bike maintenance techniques to keep your bike in top condition.

Hope you can make it and bring a friend! And tell her to bring a friend who will bring a friend and her other friend… More women on bikes- yehaw!

thanks, and give me a shout out if you plan on coming or have any questions – - or would like to hang flyers for the event.

-Christina

Christina Illarmo
Girls’ Programming & Bike Safety Coordinator
Bikes Not Bombs
284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
(617) 522-0222 x102

http://www.bikesnotbombs.org

Got this in the email today, I love Bikes Not Bombs, and so should you! They do great things and need your help!

email below

—–

Hi Folks!
Hope you’re enjoying Falltime in the city! Please check this out, and let me know… it’s a great way to help BNB’s work.

Bikes Not Bombs Phone-A-Thon volunteers needed
The annual grassroots fundraising favorite is rolling up in November and December: help raise money and talk to some other cool supporters of BNB!

About 30 volunteers (you included) will join us to call people who love BNB, have already given to us, and need a little friendly reminder/contact to get them to give again/give more and get re-inspired about BNB’s awesome work.

Here’s why you should come spend two or more sessions with a BNB Phone-A-Thon crew:
1. It’s an easy way for BNB to raise $30,000 – 40,000.
2. It’s great training for any other fundraising you may want to do in your life. (Training and coaching provided at each session.)
3. You get to talk to lots of people who love BNB’s work. (Our favorite part.)
4. You get free snacks (or dinner, if it’s time).
5. You earn volunteer hours for your valuable time at each session!
6. You’ll meet some new BNBers, and that is always fun.
7. You’ll get to meet BNB Board members, all of whom do at least two of these phone calling shifts!
Please email jasmine@bikesnotbombs.org or call 617-522-0222 if you are interested and/or have any questions call/email to sign up for two or more sessions. We also need volunteers to provide food! Locations TBA.

Sessions:
1. Thursday, 11/20, 5:30-9:00 PM
2. Saturday, 11/22, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
3. Saturday, 11/22, 2:00-5:00 PM
4. Sunday, 11/23, Noon-3:30 PM
5. Sunday, 11/23, 3:30-7 PM (PROBABLY CANCELLED)
6. Thursday, 12/4, 5:30-9:00 PM
7. Saturday, 12/6, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
8. Sunday, 12/7, Noon-3:30 PM

–
Jasmine Laietmark
Director of Grassroots Fundraising and Events

www.bikesnotbombs.org
617-522-0222 x106

We were in the Boston Phoenix last week!

Got this in the email today, looks like a cool movie. Plus BNB rocks my freaking socks off, so you should support them.

—-

GHANA FILM: EMMANUEL’S GIFT, with BIKES NOT BOMBS Thursday November 6 6:30-8:30

Screening at the City Year Headquarters
287 Columbus Ave
Boston, MA 02116

Full info and a map at http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/node/419

With donated bicycles from Boston and the support of hundreds of local volunteers and donors, Bikes Not Bombs is co-sponsoring the development of a retail shop to be collectively managed by physically challenged people in Koforidua, Ghana. Join us for an inspiring film and discussion about this endeavor.

BNB is undertaking this project in partnership with a foundation in Ghana created by an extraordinary man, Emmanuel Yeboah. The First Look Pictures documentary, Emmanuel’s Gift (trailer and photos here:
www.emmanuelsgift.com) by Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern, is narrated by Oprah Winfrey. Following Emmanuel’s struggles and achievements, it gives a background for this new project.

For insightful updates and beautiful photos, please check out the blog of David Branigan, BNB staff in Ghana: http://bikesnotbombs-eefsa.blogspot.com/ and his photos page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/bnbghana

A five minute documentary on BNB, One Peace at a Time by Allegra Anderson, will open the evening, and a discussion with Carl Kurz, BNB’s founder and International Programs Director, will follow the screening of Emmanuel’s Gift.

Special thanks to City Year for generously allowing BNB to take advantage of their hi-tech, new, green media space.

Please spread the word. Please contact arik@bikesnotbombs.org or
617-522-0222 x100 if you are available to help distribute flyers!

Tickets are $7-$15, sliding scale and available for purchase online at http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/node/419, or by phone: 617-522-0222, or at the door.

MORE INFO:
Bikes Not Bombs is working with Emmanuel’s Education Foundation and Sports Academy for the Physically Challenged (EEFSA) to establish a bicycle workshop that will employ physically-challenged people in the city of Koforidua. Our trainer/mechanic David Branigan has been in Koforidua since May 2008 getting the shop setup and training the new mechanics. The micro-enterprise model plans for the eventual cooperative ownership of the business by the mechanics. We sent our first container of aid on April 26th 2008 with the tools, parts and bikes necessary for the establishment of the workshop. Included were workbenches custom-built by volunteer Paul Martin to be accessible from wheelchair height.

The film Emmanuel’s Gift tell the story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, a physically challenged athlete who rode a bicycle across Ghana with one leg in his campaign advocating for the rights and abilities of the physically disabled in Ghana. Emmanuel’s campaign influenced the Government of Ghana to pass a Disability Rights Law that protects the rights of the physically disabled. Emmanuel went on to establish the Emmanuel Education Foundation and Sports Academy for the Physically Challenged with the financial support he received from the international community. He has been the winner of numerous awards including the Arthur Ashe Courage Award and the prestigious Casey Martin Award offered each year by Nike corporation. His leadership in bringing dignity and inspiration to the growing international movement for the rights of the disabled has led his people on to a new paradigm in Africa, one that challenges the stigma of poverty and self-deprecation that has pushed disabled individuals into the destitution of begging and marginalization on the fringes of society.

Hey BNB youth!

Think you’re hot stuff on a bicycle? Prove it and hunt down ghouls and ghosts around Boston in teams of 3-4. Wear a costume, dress up your bike, and earn points for biking to checkpoints, decoding clues, and completing tasks! Don’t forget to dress up because…

BEST COSTUME WINS A BMX FRAME!!

Pick up the registration form at the BNB shop or Hub or contact Christina Illarmo, Girls’ Programming and Bike Safety Coordinator, for more information: 617 522 0222 or Christina@bikesnotbombs.org

http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/node/418

Below is a MASSSSSSSSIVE update on all things Bikes Not Bombs, enjoy. There is a lot of goodness in here so be sure to take a look through it all.

BOOKKEEPER JOB AT BNB

Bikes Not Bombs is looking for a bookkeeper to work 10-16 hours per week. Experience with QuickBooks required. Must have excellent attention to detail. This is a temporary position, with the potential to grow into an expanded, full-time position encompassing financial management and human resources in 2009. Please send your resume to hiring@bikesnotbombs.org or call Sam Wechsler at 617-522-0222, x105 for more information. Position to be filled as soon as possible.

**************************************************************************************
SEE BNB MOVIES ONLINE

Some volunteer filmmakers have recently completed 2 very short documentaries about BNB’s work. These are both amazing films that really bring out the vibrant community of young people and volunteers here, giving a real glimpse into BNB’s work. Don’t watch just one – see them both, at http://www.bikesnotbombs.org! (scroll down to find the films)

A big thanks to Allegra Anderson for her 6 minute documentary, viewable on the BNB website homepage and also at http://vimeo.com/1706577

Assembly Required: One Peace at a Time from Bikes Not Bombs on Vimeo.

And a big thanks to Rahil Calcuttawala and Sheryl Lanzel for their short documentary, viewable on the BNB website homepage and also at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRzSvVXVYrM

If you want to see Rakim and Sheryl’s other work, check out: rakimagery.com and sheryllanzel.com

much much more below.

(more…)

Got this fantastic email from BNB today.

—

TONIGHT, Tues Oct 7
6:30-8:30

At the Bikes Not Bombs HUB
in the Brewery Complex – 284 Amory St. – Jamaica Plain

MEET N GREET
Welcome Samantha Wechsler, new Executive Director-
Snack it up-
Mingle with BNB supporters old and new, young and old, bike lovers all-

Want to know more about BNB?
It will also be a great intro as well to our local and international programs-

We’ll show two short, new videos about BNB PLUS

there will be brief talks by BNB Founder Carl Kurz, Youth Instructor Ashley Leary, and Sam Wechsler, Executive Director.

CAN’T MAKE IT?
Tomorrow, as always is volunteer night- 7-10 pm. Come by any Wednesday to get your hands down and dirty with social justice via bicycle.

PLUS Save the date: THURS NOV 6 – Screening of Emmanuel’s Gift – A documentary (narrated by Oprah Winfrey) about our partner in Ghana EMMANUEL YEBOAH -

Bikes Not Bombs and Emmanuel Education Foundation and Sports Academy for the Physically Challenged are partnering on this new and exciting project in Koforidua, Ghana that provides bicycle mechanics training to people with physical disabilities, helps them establish their own cooperative bicycle business, and provides high quality bicycle sales and service to the surrounding population, while demonstrating the value, worth and ability of physically disabled people.

Details on the event coming soon-!

–
Jasmine Laietmark
Director of Grassroots Fundraising and Events

www.bikesnotbombs.org
617-522-0222 x106

On Saturday September 27th Bikes Not Bombs volunteers will load a 40′ shipping container full of bicycle aid for the Maya Pedal organization in Guatemala. Start at 10:30 am and work until finish, which is expected to be 3:30 or 4:00pm. Thanks to City Feed and Supply for donating coffee. We’ll take a break around 1pm for a pizza lunch (provided) and a short talk about the project. Volunteers can come for any part of this time that works for you. Experience not required. We’ll be moving, sorting, and loading bikes, wheels, and spare parts. You may wish to bring work gloves.

This shipment is a joint effort with Working Bikes in Chicago (see http://workingbikes.org/), who will be financing the shipping costs, while we provide the bikes. In addition to full bikes, we will be including many bicycle frames for Maya Pedal’s production of bicimaquinas (pedal-powered machines). These bicycle-based machines are used mostly for agriculture and food production: the grain grinder, blender, and water pump remain popular models. Their newest machines are a peanut and nut sheller, and a masa mill (which turns soaked corn into tortilla dough). Some of you were lucky enough to meet Carlos Marroquin, the lead designer and engineer at Maya Pedal, when he visited BNB at the end of July along with other engineers attending the MIT International Development Design Summit.

See http://mayapedal.org. For more information on appropriate technology designs and projects, see http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/app_tech

Bikes Not Bombs has shipped 6 containers totaling 2,670 bikes so far this year. This shipment to Guatemala is one of 4 more shipments planned for 2008 with a projected total of over 4,250 bikes. The bikes sent so far were received and distributed by 5 different organizations working in 4 different countries: Guatemala, Ghana, Tanzania, and South Africa.

DIRECTIONS:
This event does NOT happen at Bikes Not Bombs, but is just around the corner. We will be loading from a big parking lot at 179 Boylston St., Jamaica Plain, 2 blocks from the StonyBrook T stop on the Orange Line. Exiting the StonyBrook stop, turn left, you are on Boylston, cross Amory, and you’ll see our 40 foot container parked on the righthand side.

BIKES NOT BOMBS seeks ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER
to work with the Development Team.
Responsibilities include:

• Processing donations;
• Assuring that all donors are properly thanked and documented;
• Coordinating and supervising volunteers;
• Assisting in outreach: media contact, flyers, info tabling, phone calls, and email;
• Managing membership;
• Maintaining website;
• Assuring proper maintenance, upkeep, and function of office machinery and IT systems;
• Assisting in coordinating development campaigns throughout the year;
• Upholding BNB policies that foster diversity and continuing to make BNB a workplace that is welcoming to people from a wide variety of race and class backgrounds

Qualifications:
• Demonstrated commitment to social and environmental justice;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Expertise with Microsoft Office on Macintosh;
• Strong track record demonstrating ability to meet deadlines;
• Attention to detail;
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.

Preferred Skills:
• Adobe Creative Suite and layout ability;
• Tech skills including network and database;
• Love of Bicycles!

Bikes Not Bombs encourages applicants of diverse age, ethnicity, gender, nationality, physical ability, religion, and sexuality.

Hours and Salary: Full-time, $14.00/ hr.

Please email a resume and cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity, both in Word format, to Jasmine Laietmark at hiring@bikesnotbombs.org.

DEADLINE: July 6, 2008. Interviews will take place on a rolling basis.

OK, this is the last of my BNB post-a-thon for the day, if you thought all the Bikes Not Bombs stuff you have read about was awesome and want to be a part of that lovely organization they are hiring!

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT NEEDED AT BNB

Bikes Not Bombs will be hiring a full-time administrative assistant. Contact jasmine@bikesnotbombs.org for a full job description.

MYRIDE: A Youth-Led Bike Tour
Sunday, June 22nd
(this was rescheduled from june 15th due to rain)

MYRIDE, Multicultural Youth Riding in Diverse Environments, is a youth-led bike tour of Boston’s South End, Roxbury, and Jamaica Plain neighborhoods, followed by a celebratory barbecue. Join us for a leisurely bike ride through the landscapes of Boston as we explore the history of people who have created the parks that we all enjoy in the Boston area. MYTOWN and Bikes Not Bombs youth leaders will lead the ride and the tour stops. Bring your friends and family and stick around for the BBQ post ride

More info and you can pre-register (not required) at http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/myride

Ages: Open to all (Riders under 13 must have an adult chaperon)
Distance: 8 miles, 6 tour stops
Cost: $15 per person for the ride and food, or $25 gets you ride, food, plus an awesome T-shirt
Starting Location: Bikes not Bombs Hub at 284 Amory Street
Registration: 9:30 – 10:00 am
Starting Time: 10:00 am
After the Ride: Barbeque!
Contact: matt@bikesnotbombs.org or kcarter@mytowninc.org
Phone: 617-536-8696 x13

GIRLS BIKE SKILLS CLASS

Friday June 20 & Friday June 27
4-6:30 pm
@ the BNB HUB, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain

Join our FREE two-day bicycle riding and safety workshop! Girls (10-18 years old) who complete the two days of this workshop will graduate with the basic safety skills and knowledge necessary for group and urban riding. Once you’ve done it, you’ll be invited to join in on any of our Saturday morning rides this summer!

To Pre-Register contact Christina: (617) 522-0222 or christina@bikesnotbombs.org

Nice work BNB, your bike-a-thon was AWESOME. To all the riders that braved the near 100 degree heat and suffocating humidity to ride your little fannies off for a good cause here is a message from the good folks at Bikes Not Bombs for you. With your help they raised over 100,000 dollars!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU BIKE-A-THON RIDERS AND VOLUNTEERS! Over three hundred of you riders braved the sweltering heat on Sunday June 8th and made heroic rides. What a day! At 8:30 in the morning people were already sweating and looking for shade from the punishing sun as the line to check in for the 62 miler stretched across the field (we had about double the riders this year than last). Heat and humidity made the hard pedaling on the rides all the more challenging for all you 15, 25, and 62 riders, but reports are pouring in from riders who had a great day, who kept cool with fun and camaraderie.

You all accomplished an amazing thing for Bikes Not Bombs with your fundraising – $95,000 has come in so far and when the remaining pledges come in we’re looking at $105,000! Our most successful Bike-A-Thon before this raised $42,000, so we’ve more than doubled that record. This is an unbelievable success for Bikes Not Bombs! With your help, BNB is keeping up with its expansions in youth leadership and international work.

* Top fundraising riders were: JON McCURDY, JIM CAMPEN, VINCA JARRETT, JOHN-PAUL FERGUSON, and ESTHER CERVANTES
* A special thanks to BNB supporter STAN CHEN, who matched all BNB youth fundraising!
* Top fundraising team: ARON BOROS, ESTHER CERVANTES, JOHN-PAUL FERGUSON, RICHARD GRIJALVA, WILLIAM HUTCHINSON, PAULIE PENA IV, RACHEL TABAK, & SCOTT THOMSON as BIKES OVER BAGHDAD.

A great big thanks also to the VOLUNTEERS who made June 8th possible: and there were a lot of you, every one so vital to pulling off such a large event!

We still want to hear from more of you on your experience – what went well and what we need to improve, and thanks to you who had to deal with the problem spots. Email Jasmine, Carl, and/or Arik. OR just fill out an online survey for Bike-A-Thon riders here.

The Green Roots Festival afterparty was fabulous, Elijah Evans, David McDonald, Nzhinga Webster, and Darren Fenty of BNB’s youth programs were amazing with the 30+ piece Branches Pan Groove Steel Orchestra (Dave and Elijah even rode the Bike-A-Thon before they played), and the keynote speakers: Bill McKibben, Khalida Smalls, City Councilor Chuck Turner, and BNB Director Kim Foltz made inspiring speeches – tying together the workshops’ themes. The Green Roots Festival was a great sharing place for folks of all different walks of urban life to explore ways to deepen their environmental knowledge and action, and it made some true connections for BNB to work with other environmental organizations more closely in the future.

Thanks to all of you who helped lead an environmental workshop, and to groups who came out to spread the word from info tables.
(see a list of workshops and organizations involved at http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/greenroots)

Have a look at some of the some of the first photos to hit the web! These were taken by the photographer Silke Hase (of creativemomentz.com). Let us know if you have more to share.

An edited overview of Bill McKibben’s speech at Green Roots can be seen here:

Laurie Dougherty, Bike-A-Thon rider, posted a video and information about the Green Roots Festival on Dot Earth, a blog at the New York Times online run by NY Times science reporter Andrew Revkin. Dot Earth is about sustainability, energy, population, and environmental impacts of human behavior. Laurie’s great video covers some of the history of the SW corridor park (where the festival was held) which was saved from plans to put the interstate through Roxbury and Jamaica Plain, and instead became the park with bike paths, walking paths, green space, and submerged public transit and regional rail. Here’s the link to her blog post.

Got this in the mail today, looks like it could be a very fun ride.

You are invited to ride with us on Sunday June 15th! Bring your dad for Father’s day!

MYRIDE is…a youth led history tour by bike! Come see our youth instructors and youth tour guides from MYTOWN show off their skills followed by a BBQ party to kick off the summer.
… the 3rd annual collaboration between MYTOWN and BNB youth leaders
… 8 miles, 6 tour stops
… $15/person, or $25 with T-shirt (Ride and BBQ included in both prices)
… beginning @ 9:30am for bike check-overs an registration, and 10 am roll out to our first tour stop!
… gonna be rad… totally rad. period.

MYRIDE flyers/registration are attached and you can also register online @ www.bikesnotbombs.org/myride registration is limited to 40 participants.

MYRIDE will be a great follow-up to the Bike-a-thon!

Want a sweet summer job, love ridding your bike? Check this out.

Contact Name:
Matt Soycher,Youth Programming Director
Contact Phone:
617-522-0222 x 101
Description:

Organization: Bikes Not Bombs
Click here for more information on the YWA web site.
Summer Jobs, Bike Riding… getting paid to ride… if this is or someone you knows dream job, give them the following application and job description, have them fill it out, and schedule an interview with me. They will be on their way to a summer full of riding here at Bikes Not Bombs!
Hours: Summer: 20-40 hrs/week, School Year: 3.5-18 hrs/week
$ 8.00/hr
Attachments: BNB Mission and Job Description (HTML Preview)
Contact Matt Soycher,Youth Programming Director with questions or to set up an interview.
284 Amory Street Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
617-522-0222 x 101

Bikes Not Bombs invites you to the 1st Annual Green Roots Festival on June 8, 2008! This open air environmentally-themed event will focus on urban sustainable living and grassroots activism. Author Bill McKibben is a keynote speaker, with more speakers to be announced. Live music, food, and children’s activities will add fun and celebration to the information tables and educational presentations that will tackle the hard issues and highlight work in progress and ways for festival-goers to deepen their environmental stewardship. See http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/bat08. We invite you to bring an information table, and to propose a workshop (from large presentations to small hands-on activities) which you could lead or be part of!

The Green Roots Festival combines with their 21st Annual Bike-A-Thon, which brings together hundreds of cyclists who will end their ride at this festival. The festival is advertised to the general public through 7,000 postcards, thousands of flyers, our email news and website, and 16,000 full color pullouts in the Jamaica Plain Gazette. We expect attendance to number in the thousands.

Bikes Not Bombs has spent the last 24 years directly addressing inequality and environmental degradation with bicycle programs in the developing world and here in Boston, and they’ve created a very broad community of youth and adult participants, volunteers, and donors.

The festival runs from Noon to 5pm in the park in front of the Stoney Brook T stop in Jamaica Plain. This linear strip, the Southwest Corridor, was originally cleared out to bring Highway 95 through the middle of the inner city. Community activism in the 1970’s blocked these plans and instead brought us a park with bike and walking paths over submerged public transit as subway, commuter rail, and regional Amtrak. It is fitting to celebrate in this public land which represents perhaps the greatest achievement of the environmental movement in Boston in the last 40 years.

EMMANUEL’S GIFT – film showing
Thursday April 10th
7pm

Bikes Not Bombs’ newest international project gets underway in April, to setting up an entire bicycle workshop within wheelchair reach, to employ a full staff of disabled mechanics in Ghana. The project is a partnership between Bikes Not Bombs and a foundation in Ghana created by an extraordinary man, Emmanuel Yeboah. The documentary Emmanuel’s Gift is narrated by Oprah Winfrey and by following Emmanuel’s struggles and achievements, it gives a background for this new project. In late April Bikes Not Bombs will send a shipment of nearly 500 donated bicycles to get the project started. The 40 foot shipping container will be put on the ground, with doors and windows cut in the metal sides so that it becomes part of the structure of the new workshop.

Both introducing and following the film, we’ll have a discussion with David Branigan and Carl Kurz. David is a BNB shop mechanic who has 3 years previous experience in Ghana in the Peace Corps, and he’ll spend the first five months as technical trainer for this project. Carl is BNB’s founder and International Programs Director.

Emmanuel Yeboah was born with a severely deformed leg. The stigma of disability is strong in Ghana, and his father abandoned the family. Emmanuel’s mother enrolled him in school and taught him that he deserved the same opportunities as everyone else, but when she fell ill he left school and took up shining shoes on the street to support the family. After his mother’s death left Emmanuel an orphan he began a personal campaign to spread the empowering philosophy he learned from her. From foreign aid workers he heard of a foundation to help disabled athletes and he wrote a letter requesting a bicycle, with a dream of cycling across Ghana to raise awareness and respect for the disabled. Emmanuel received the bike and made the cross-country trip, which led to more opportunities: a trip to the US to compete in paralympics, a prosthetic leg, a second cross-Ghana bicycle trip, recognition from government officials, a new law in Ghana mandating improved access for disabled people, and lastly the EEFSA foundation to create employment and sports opportunities for disabled Ghanaians. It is this foundation which has partnered with Bikes Not Bombs. We’re excited to show this film on the big screen here at BNB, and discuss the upcoming project launch!

This showed up in my email a couple days ago from Robert Fine of Bikes Not Bombs

Hey , check out my new ten minute documentary on the incredible bicycle Collection Drives of Bikes not Bombs in Boston, MA. Last year, they collected over 5,000 bicycles from the Greater Boston area alone and that’s about 100 truck loads (the significance of that is explained in the film). The movie is called, appropriately, “Livin’ Large with Bikes not Bombs”.

Bikes Not Bombs Major Gifts and Grants Officer

The Major Gifts and Grants Officer works as part of the Development Team, together with BNB’s Executive Director and Director of Grassroots Fundraising and Events. This individual is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and follow-up of large gifts in support of annual operations and capital project goals of Bikes Not Bombs (BNB.) Working with staff, this individual will head solicitation and cultivation of current and prospective individual major donors and foundation funders. Responsibilities include:

• Researching and prioritizing foundations for all BNB program areas, and creating an annual schedule of grants to be sought;
• Interfacing with program staff to ensure BNB’s work is effectively represented to funders;
• Writing funding proposals. Assembling proposals and all the necessary attachments;
• Coordinating and tracking all BNB contact with foundations and assuring that all funders receive timely follow up reports and communication;
• Cultivating relationships with current and prospective funders;
• Working with the Development Team to create and carry out a plan to increase the number of individual donors to BNB, and to otherwise expand our funding base;
• Conducting in-person visits with current and prospective major donors;
• Coordinating, motivating, and supporting a small group of Board and staff to hold in-person visits with current and prospective major donors;
• Together with the Director of Grassroots Fundraising, coordinating the annual Phone-A-Thon;
• Together with the Development Team, analyzing the quarterly financial reports on fundraising income and expenses to aid cash flow projections;
• With the Development Team, preparing an annual fundraising budget and workplan;
• Upholding BNB policies that foster diversity and continue to make BNB a workplace that is welcoming to people from a wide variety of race and class backgrounds;
• To have fun!

Qualifications:
o Demonstrated commitment to social and environmental justice;
o Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
o Strong track record demonstrating ability to meet deadlines;
o Two+ years development experience;
o Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.

Hours and Salary: Full-time, mid to upper thirties.

Bikes Not Bombs encourages applicants of diverse age, ethnicity, gender, nationality, physical ability, religion, and sexuality.

Please email a resume and cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity, both in Word format, to Jasmine Laietmark at hiring@bikesnotbombs.org.

DEADLINE: March 14, 2008. Interviews beginning week of March 3