Difference between revisions of "Marc Caswell Statement"

Revision as of 09:27, 18 June 2010

After over a year of being a mechanic at the Bike Kitchen, I have watched the continued growth and success of the organization and am excited to help shape the long-term future of the collective. I believe that the organization can be improved by continuing to focus on the long-term aspects of our collective decisions, and can maintain the DIY-ethic and react to immediate problems with an eye towards long-term health and growth.

The Bike Kitchen has continued to serve the community, and our membership has continued to grow in size and scope; however, we haven't seen an increase in the number of dedicated mechanics to handle our much larger workspace on Florida Street and much larger daily attendance. I would like to work to improve commitment to the shop, and help find ways for individuals to become part of the collective in a meaningful way. I believe that the Bike Kitchen provides an essential and amazing role for promoting new bike commuters and novice riders in the San Francisco, and we must maintain this community resource for the future of the SF biking community.

I believe I would be an asset to the board due to my familiarity with worker-owned cooperatives from both my work at the Bike Kitchen and my training at the CCSF Anarchist Library course on Worker-Owner Cooperatives. As a staff member of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, and board member of the Bay Area Bike Coalition and the SF Transit Riders Union, I have strong connections with the bike community and transit advocates. The Bike Kitchen's continued success is deeply tied into the continually increasing numbers of people considering, just starting to bike; while also providing skills for those already riding, to fix, maintain, and improve the best personal transportation choice in the city.