The document provides guidance for outreach volunteers of several bicycle advocacy organizations in the East Bay and Oakland areas. It outlines simple steps for effective outreach including setting up an information table, engaging with community members, securing membership sign-ups, registering new members, and tips for dealing with challenges. The goal is to promote the organizations, their projects and priorities, and grow membership to strengthen the voice of bicyclists in the region.
It’s the Bicycle Coalition’s Backbone: -Our advocacy strength comes from our members – the more members, the more clout we have -The majority of our organizational funding comes from our membership dues – we couldn’t do the work we do without members -We’ve got a small staff, our members really make the Coalition Tick… Volunteers Like YOU! Why is outreach good for you? It’s a great way to learn about what we’re doing at EBBC You’ll meet lots of other committed members You’ll be contributing to EBBC in a hugely helpful way You’ll have fun, and it’s immensely satisfying to bring cyclists into the bike culture of the East Bay.
Name, City, Why you joined. IN 2 sentences. We all have great stories of how we got started bicycling etc – right now, you’ve to 2 sentences to answer these questions.
Here’s what we’ll talk about tonight This is the crux of EBBC outreach
Make sure you have – (It’s in the box) Clipboards Pens Neat stuff to catch attention: Laminated Maps, Stickers, Bike Safety Quizzes Snazzy Table: Make it neat Keep your food and drinks off it Make sure stuff is rubberbanded down for wind Table Clothes and Banner Boom Box – Fun Feeling Wear Your bike love A t-shirt A bike pin
Start off with some background, so you’re armed with some basics to get the conversation going. You don’t need to memorize this ALL this stuff… So much history and good stuff in the Bike Coalition. Recall what stands out to you. Refer to the Back Pocket guide. Here’s like, our elevator speech
You’ve already had this conversation You already have something in common Use your own language and enthusiasm 4 questions How what are some ways you could start the conversation – 4 questions Carrie Model First iNTERACTION 30 second convos (leave your shit behind) BREVITY ELEVATOR (It’s a brief conversation!)
How what are some ways you could start the conversation – This is really a 3 sentence conversation Ask, wait for a response, let them know how EBBC is involved Keep it Brief – it could go on forever! That’s not the point. 3 questions Carrie Model First iNTERACTION 30 second convos (leave your shit behind)
YOU GOTTA ASK – it’s okay to be direct
These membership levels are on the brochure… don’t feel like you need to memorize them right away It’s not scary to ask for money… People will contribute to something they believe in… You did! In fact, you can ask for even more money… try the household sale. Or, well our entry membership is $20, but for $50, your membership will really help us do our work to make bicycling better. A great personal challenge… or a friendly competition with your volunteer buddies What if they want to pay less… it’s okay.
Demo some examples of how to talk to potential members about how EBBC will make their commute better. For a new rider – did you know that the EBBC provides mentors and bike buddies to help you get the resources you need to feel safe and confident biking to work and for your errands?
They don’t have to give their email address Pass out brochure and form
Mention that it takes 5 points of contact on average for someone to decide to join.
Critical Mass This is more of an SF thing, but it could come up. We don’t organize Critical Mass. Plain and simple We don’t encourage rude bicycling – In fact, we offer free bike Safety Classes We don’t exclude drivers! Drivers benefit from EBBC’s work – making safer bicyclists, and the roads safer for Everyone. I live in SF… (but you’re here in the East Bay with your Bike). I’m a member of both “ If there’s just one gripe about cyclists…” (we offer something for everyone…) Admit when you don’t know the answer… you can refer them to someone else at the table, or have them call the office. Or write it down on the envelope and we’ll get back to them Know when to give up. It’s ok.
We’re aiming to double our membership this year – events are the single biggest way we get new members. The more outreach vols we have, the more our coalition grows. Coming up this summer, streetside stations.. Passing around vol sheets While I do, any questions?
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