People-Focused, People-Driven
Much like the bikes that roll through our shop's doors every day, the Street Collective is powered by human effort.
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Thanks to dedicated volunteers like you, in 2023 we gave away over 500 free bikes (our best year yet!) and installed over 200 pairs of lights on bikes in community spaces all over the DSM metro.
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Volunteers like you helped us park thousands of bikes at major community events in 2023, such as the Downtown Farmer's Market, 80/35 Music Festival, and Ingersoll Live, through our free Bike Valet program.
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Regardless of the interests, abilities, or resources you bring with you, your support helps our entire community move forward collectively.
(First time volunteering with us? Need to complete court-ordered community service hours? Please register in advance using the calendars below)
Volunteer at our Community Bike Shop
Volunteer Benefits - Earn a Bike!
Returning volunteers are eligible for several benefits:
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10 hours: t-shirt and discounts on most used/donated items
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20 hours: order new parts at wholesale prices
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25 hours: Option of a free as-is bike to rebuild with guidance from shop staff, OR credit toward purchase of a completed refurbished bike on our salesfloor. Renews annually.
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Please note that hours served to meet external requirements, such as court-ordered community service, do not count toward volunteer benefits, however we welcome you to continue volunteering after meeting the requirements of your program.
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For more information, please email info@dsmstreetcollective.org or visit the shop during open hours to learn more.
Whether you've never held a wrench or are a professional mechanic, we want you to be able to grow and take pride in how you spend your time with us.
We ask all new shop volunteers to register in advance for an orientation, shop tour, and training on how to disassemble a bike, which will give you a hands-on understanding of how a bike's components interact with each other. Our staff will provide continued training as you get more experience under your belt.
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Returning shop volunteers are welcome on a walk-in basis on Tuesdays through Fridays from 12pm-6pm, however to ensure we can provide a structured and rewarding experience for you, we require that any volunteering on Saturdays be discussed in advance with a shop employee due to high foot-traffic.
Community Initiatives
Grease and gears not quite your cup of tea? We'd love to have your help with any of the following ongoing and planned programs:
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Bike Valet
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Bike Giveaway events (great for large groups!)
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Distribute bike lights at pop-up events or on your regular rides
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Organize a neighborhood or employer bike drive
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Pick up small donations of bikes or parts to bring to our shop with a personal vehicle
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Leading group rides or teaching people to ride
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Supporting the BCycle bike share program
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Have an idea for something we're not already doing? Contact info@dsmstreetcollective.org with your interest or ideas.