ReVAMPED

Yes it's been months since our last post. However, many things have been happening in the past couple months. Along with the usual survival and school, Aaron and I have been busy networking and getting many many awesome contacts and helpful ideas for Re-Cycles Norfolk.

CYCLING GEEKS:
Con- I learned that the cycling community/ bike shop groupies aren't as pumped about helping others as they are buying the newest parts for their bikes.
Pro- There have been some awesome people who have donated bikes, without them we would be nothing. Many good friends have given spare parts which Aaron has ingeniously used to fix/create functioning bikes.

COLLEGE STUDENT MENTALITY:
Con- I have flip-flopped from idea to idea as my own priorities begin to shift. What was going to be a huge organization has now turned into a "project" because of all the other "projects" I have piled on my plate.
Pro- I actually have a large network of people who are willing to help me. Within the college community, there are professors and students who are willing to jump on board.

GRASSROOTS:
Con- it's hard to start from way down here at the bottom!
Pro- I'm actually reading a book called Grassroots by Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards. They're the same ones who wrote Manifesta. It's helping ALOT. One of the main things I have taken from it so far is that every little bit counts. The stories of activism in it have made me feel better about not being as successful as I had first hoped. Everyone has downfalls and obstacles. The important thing is that I'm trying. There's a lot of great advice in this book... please read it!

PHEM MAGAZINE:
Con- not everyone knows about this! please go and readdddd
Pro- Through this great project by Brook, I have been able to contribute to a feminist circle of writers in a way that positively discusses issues involving women's activism. Being a contributer of this magazine has kept my activism vein pumping!

TIDEWATER NOW (National Organization for Women):
Con- more people.. come on out! first sunday of every month. 4pm at Fairgrounds Coffeehouse on Colley Ave. in Norfolk
Pro- some of the most awesome people i've met in a long time. I feel like Re-Cycles Norfolk can really thrive here and Kristin, the president, is willing to help me.. something else I learned from Grassroots.. team up with already existing organizations.

OUR NEXT CHAPTER:
I got a great idea from Teri in Tidewater NOW about decorating canes and walkers for the elderly in nursing homes.. I got to thinking about it and why not do that with our bikes?! I can't tell you how excited I was about riding my bike after I got yellow handlebar tape. lol! Giving rusty clunkers for necessity can be boring and unexciting. Why not give women a bike that they can enjoy riding? I'm in the process of making this a Tidewater NOW project, we'll see.

SCAVENGER HUNT BIKE RIDE:
April 19th, Sunday, Newport News Park. Feminist Scavenger Hunt Bike Ride for girl scouts aged 12-17. Any suggestions on checkpoints or activities??? PLEASE EMAIL ME! and I need volunteers!