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Why volunteer at The Recyclery?

Volunteers at The Recyclery Collective in Rogers Park, Chicago
Recyclery volunteers have the satisfaction of rescuing bicycles from the trash and transforming them into sustainable transportation for neighbors in need through our Freecyclery program. We work with youth and adults to share bike mechanic skills and learn together during Volunteer Hours and Open Shop. Together we make a real difference in Rogers Park and in the lives of the people we serve.

What do volunteers do?

Volunteer bike mechanics at The Recyclery in Rogers Park
Volunteers fix bikes to donate, teach mechanics, and contribute to our mission. There are lots of ways you can help out:
Program Volunteer Opportunities:
  • Freecyclery Mechanics: Volunteers fix donated bikes that we re-donate to refugees, people experiencing homelessness, and low-income families through our Freecyclery Program. We fix these bikes during Volunteer Hours. Working on Freecyclery bikes is a great way to learn and practice bike mechanics.
  • Open Shop Greeters: Greeters introduce people to the space and keep the shop running smoothly. They meet people at the door, explain the rules, get people signed into a bench, and help them learn how to put their bike in a stand. Greeters do not need much mechanic experience to start helping at Open Shop.
  • In-Person Bike Sale Assistants: Get trained to help people choose the right bike, assist with fittings, and sell accessories at our In-Person Bike Sale sessions. We sell refurbished bicycles in Rogers Park to fund our other programs.
  • Host Open Shop: Skilled volunteer mechanics guide community members who fix up their bikes at Open Shop sessions hosted by experienced volunteers.
  • Bike Collectors: Help us by organizing a bike drive, picking up donated bikes in the Chicago area, or reaching out to property owners or local bike shops.
  • Youth Instructors: Youth Instructors teach kids bike mechanics and safe riding skills for our youth programs in Rogers Park. Lead teaching positions are paid.
  • Tune Up and Overhaul Class Instructors: Experienced bike mechanics can sign up to teach one of our adult bike repair classes. Lead instructors are paid.
Other Volunteer Opportunities:
  • Photographers and Videographers to help us capture and communicate our mission and community impact for our website, social media, and outreach materials.
  • Writers to create newsletter and website content and compile volunteer and community impact stories. We especially need experienced Grant Writers to apply for funding for future programs.
  • Graphic Designers to help create brochures, flyers, posters, infographics, instructional materials, web content, and merchandise.
  • Shop Designers and Woodworkers to maximize every square foot of our Rogers Park shop. Volunteers build shelves, organize storage, and make minor repairs to optimize the space.
Don't see your skill set on this list? No worries - tell us what talent you want to share to help advance our mission in Rogers Park.

Apply to Volunteer

How to start volunteering at The Recyclery:

Volunteer orientation at The Recyclery in Rogers Park, Chicago
Come to Volunteer Orientation held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month, 6pm - 7pm. Please RSVP to volunteer@therecyclery.org. You can also use the button above to fill out a Volunteer Application online.

Illustrations: Jay Ryan / The Bird Machine

! Volunteers should be vaccinated to protect the health and well-being of everyone in our community.