The goals of RTM/Lvl are to promote biking as an accessible and environmental transportation alternative by providing a space in which to repair, create and learn about bicycles.
We:
RTM/Lvl is a working group of the Quebec Public Interest Research Group at Concordia University (QPIRG). RTM/Lvl endeavors to provide equal access to power for all members (no hierarchy or director) and decisions are made collectively by the process of consensus. Committees may be formed for ongoing concerns or special tasks in order to more effectively share RTM/Lvl responsibilities, and these committees will have coordinators. Coordinators do not carry any more authority than anyone else, but accept responsibility to disseminate information within and between groups.
Meetings are held at least monthly to monitor progress, raise questions, discuss issues, make proposals, etc. Committee meetings are arranged as needed by each committee. Any RTM/Lvl member may attend these meetings and voice their concerns and opinions (see section on membership). In order for a decision to be made, a quorum of not less than 5 members is required at a monthly meeting. This quorum will be reviewed quarterly to reflect the changing membership of RTM/Lvl. There is no specific requirement for certain committees to be represented, but it is assumed that decisions requiring the input of a committee will not be made without its involvement (esp. matters of finances). It is the responsibility of the committees to meet outside of regular meetings and then present their ideas to the regular meetings.
Meetings should at least involve an agenda to which all members have had equal access to input, and members serving as facilitator and minute-taker (which positions will rotate among volunteers). The minute-taker should ensure that a copy of the minutes is filed and copies are made available to the other members. (photocopy at qpirg, and post on the board in RTM/Lvl shop). E-mail lists, RTM/Lvl's website, and other information means shall be used as much as possible to convey information about meetings.
A mechanic is a person who understands the policy and practices at RTM/Lvl, who can provide reliable mechanical advice and help and who is present in the shop when RTM/Lvl is open for bike fixing. During her or his shift, a mechanic is responsible for:
helping shop users fix bikes;
A mechanic does not have to be a member of the shop committee.
Anyone who takes part in any way at RTM/Lvl is a member and is entitled to use the shop and take part in making decisions at meetings. A membership fee of $20 is asked of members, especially those who will use the shop regularly. This donation is a gesture of solidarity and support for RTM/Lvl since we are subsidized by members only and do not have a large budget.
Any member has the opportunity to take part in committees and responsibilities at RTM/Lvl. This system of membership expressly encourages new members to become involved in RTM/Lvl by removing barriers of money and bike knowledge. It must be acknowledged, however, that those who have taken part in RTM/Lvl for longer and who have been involved in different aspects of its operation will have more experience and knowledge, and therefore will have more power (this power might not be exercised in direct or obvious ways) within RTM/Lvl. There are other power differences to be recognized between members at RTM/Lvl such as those differences between women and men; mechanics and non-mechanics; francophones and anglophones; first nations and colonial nations; visible minorities and whites; young and old; and between rich and poor. RTM/Lvl will proactively try and work to even out hurtful power differences through decision-making by consensus, through special workshops for women and others, and by insisting on inclusion and respect in our activities. RTM/Lvl also, however, recognizes the work done and responsibilities taken by long-time members and realizes that their experience often means that they have more information about RTM/Lvl.