Expectations for volunteers

Here is a rough outline of what we expect flat from volunteers at the flat:


read the mandate and volunteer manual so that you have an idea about whow we operate

show up to your shifts at least 5 minutes early. If you are unable to make a shift, consult the emergency volunteer list and call someone to replace you. It’s your responsibility to find a replacement.

support others in learning how to fix their own bikes, but try to maintain a hands-off policy and let them do the work themselves

don’t be afraid to ask questions

keep learning about bikes by talking to other volunteers, reading, and practicing (work on your bike at Volunteer Fridays!)

get to know the other volunteers

help keep the shop organized

take the initiative, see what needs work in the shop and address it

you are part of the shop! help make it awesome!


As stated in our mandate, at the Flat we are committed to confronting discriminatory words and actions. As part of this commitment, we urge all volunteers to learn about anti-oppression. A commitment to creating an anti-discriminatory space requires that we recognize that oppressions (for example, those based on race gender, class, sexual orientation, age, or ability) are embedded in social interactions and come into play in the bike collective space. If you hear offensive language or see discriminatory behaviour, either from a volunteer or a shop user, it would be great if you confronted it. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, talk to another volunteer about doing so.