It is very easy to become a volunteer with the Elyria Bicycle Education Center. What we prefer is that you first come in and we will give you an orientation as to what we do and how that is done. This can take from ten minutes to half an hour, depending on how familiar you may be prior to coming in.
What will a volunteer be asked to do? Well, that all depends on how much time you can give and how involved you want to be with the various aspects of the center. We have small tasks that can be accomplished within a half hour, like sweeping the floor or cleaning a space or two. We have other important tasks of helping us to sort through the collection of items we accumulate during the week or to assist with an easy mechanical task on a bench. Some people really like to do computer data entry and we can usually find that work to do also.
Persons interested in gaining skill in the mechanics of bikes will be trained by one or more of our leaders in specific tools, skills and bike components. This training can be on a fairly continuous basis as we are all continuously learning more about our bikes daily – every bike presents a unique challenge, which is part of the fun of our center.
We ask volunteers to give us at least two hours at a time. More time is great too but we do not want to wear out anyone and lose them as a volunteer.
This is a teaching center so it is common to find different age groups present at any time, with people doing quite a variety of jobs. Volunteers are never asked to do anything they are uncomfortable doing or using a tool they have not learned to use. Not everyone is comfortable working with young people and not all like to work alone either. We will find a place for anyone to work comfortably in the center.
Volunteers can come in to work with us anytime the Center is open. Often our leaders come in on non-public hours to catch up on work to prepare bikes for sale. Volunteers can come in then also, but must pre-arrange with a leader who plans to be there at a certain time and day.
The more volunteers we have – especially regular, reliable volunteers who come in frequently, the more hours we can be open to the public and serve our neighbors.
If you wish to volunteer at the center, give us a call and we will find out what works best for you and your interests.