I’ve been sweating it for days, trying to draft even just a placeholder “about us” that could possibly convey what we’re up to with this sprawling Yay Bikes! project. I’ve been thinking and researching and experimenting on the subject of what bicycle advocacy is and what an effective bike advocacy organization might look like for several years now, so I’ve got a few ideas, of course. But to put them into a simple, concise statement…hrmmph…well, it was tougher than I expected. Then I remembered that the single thing I will insist upon as a leader of YB! is that everyone is a leader of YB! — so I’m opening up the process for all of us to determine who we are. The form this usually takes in the nonprofit world is an articulation of our strategic mission, vision & values; these will provide useful anchors for us when things get messy (as they will, given the wide net we intend to cast). Below are each defined, with an example of each and my initial thoughts. Let the conversation begin!
MISSION: Describes what we do and who we serve.
[e.g., The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer.]
- I’d like to prioritize mode shift — getting people out of cars and onto bikes — and creating community around this effort.
- I’d prefer to focus our activities within the City of Columbus, at least in the short term.
- I want to create activities for people to enjoy and learn from…but more than that, I want to give people the tools that allow them to teach and create themselves.
- I want to really talk to folks – particularly those who have never been thought of as cyclists — about their experiences of mobility, to learn from them and not speak on behalf of them.
- I hope to advance the base of research & general knowledge regarding bicycles as transportation.
VISION: Showcases our view of the future, either “What would a perfect world look like?” or “What would organizational success look like?”
[e.g., Creating a world where no Canadian fears cancer.]
- Creating a world where bike trips outnumber car trips.
- Being recognized internationally as a groundbreaking bicycle advocacy organization.
VALUES: Articulate the core priorities in our culture, including what drives our priorities & how we truly act.
[e.g., Quality - our focus is on the people we serve (cancer patients, their families, donors, and the public) and we will strive for excellence through evaluation and continuous improvement. Caring - we are committed to serving with empathy and compassion.]
We honor and celebrate the role of bicycling in helping us achieve:
- Excellence — the ability to offer world-class contributions to the advancement of bicycling as transportation
- Diversity — the willingness to engage perspectives different from own our
- Contribution — the power that each individual has to make a profound difference in the world
- Wellness — the ability to be both happy & healthy
- Community — the enhanced sense of “oneness” with the earth and our neighbors from being outside
As noted, these are just starting points and you are invited to chime in. We will create who we are over time, together.
In the meantime, be well, and thank you for joining us.
~Meredith
