Across the nonprofit sector, the definition of "membership" is starting to shift and stretch. While operating dollars from members dues can be critical, social change organizations are recognizing the priceless value of engagement — and the power of being an official "member" of the community.
That conversation hasn't bypassed the bike/walk movement. In our recent State of the Movement report, we found that the majority (56%) of Alliance organizations have some "alternative" membership model.
To take a closer look at a real-world example, we asked Ren Barger, Executive Director of Tulsa Hub, for her perspective. In this piece, she reflected on how Tulsa Hub's non-financial avenue to membership is helping to move the organization beyond "the traditional philanthropy model."
By Ren Barger, Executive Director, Tulsa Hub
Tulsa Hub’s mission offers a unique solution to many social problems by creating an intersection where the passions for selfless service and transportation empowerment merge.
Since 2008, our nonprofit Community Bicycle Workshop has offered transportation solutions for individuals who cannot afford a car or do not possess a driver’s license, or those hindered by the limited bus service. Tulsa Hub is the only nonprofit in Oklahoma providing certified education, bicycles, safety gear, and follow-up support to people in poverty, people with mental health disabilities, or people who are otherwise disenfranchised, through the Adult Cycling Empowerment (ACE) program. 
Community Bicycle Workshop
Since 2009, more than 400 adults have earned a reliable transportation option through ACE, and more than 40% of these people are still in touch with us, and still reporting positive outcomes from the use of their bike. We serve an additional 1,000 people per year through the Workshop, and conduct similar earn-a-bike education programs at local Title I and Community Schools.
In keeping with our vision of community development through social innovation, accountability, and participation, we decided to call the ACE program a Membership Program, where the minimum fee ($35) required to earn a bike, lock, helmet, and all of the training, can be exchanged for service/participation in the Workshop, which is open three days and two nights each week.
Being unable to pay for the professional services we offer is not a barrier; we value the exchange of people’s time equally to their money. Because of the personal investment of our members into earning their training, bikes, repairs, or gear, the accountability to achieving positive results and outcomes is much greater.
In holding ourselves accountable to our intention to grow beyond the traditional philanthropy model of grants-based income, we’ve decided to open this Membership Program up to the public, beginning at the Student level of $25, up to a Corporate level of $1,500. Perks vary depending on the level. In 2015, we’ve built the Membership base up to 160 public members, and earn 5% ($10,000) of our operating budget from this stream.
Once we can hire a staff person to manage and grow this program, we would like public Membership to create 20% ($40,000) of our operating budget. As with ACE, we offer a participation (earn-a-Membership) option for Student and Individual memberships, through volunteerism in the Workshop or at events.
Learn more about Tulsa Hub at www.tulsahub.org
