Gearing Up Frequently Asked Questions: Volunteering
1. What is Gearing Up?
Gearing Up is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide women in transition from
abuse, addiction, and/or incarceration with the skills, equipment, and guidance to safely ride a
bicycle for exercise, transportation, and personal growth.
2. What does the term “women in transition” mean?
The term “women in transition” refers to women who have been formerly incarcerated, have
histories of abuse and trauma as kids and/or as adults, have used drugs and/or alcohol as a way to
cope with painful experiences and are learning how to live a crime-free sober life with purpose
and meaning.
3. How can I volunteer for Gearing Up?
You can ride with the Gearing Up ladies at any of the three facilities that Gearing Up programs
with (Interim House, Washington House, and Kirkbride Center) each week. Ride schedules for
facilities vary by facility and season; be sure to email [email protected] for the current ride
schedule.
Note: To ride on the road with our clients, you must complete a one-hour Volunteer
Orientation, held monthly at our office in Center City.
After volunteering for 12 rides, you are eligible for a second tier of volunteering opportunities.
Please see FAQ for Bicycle Ambassador Volunteers tab.
4. What do I do on rides?
Your goal as a Gearing Up Volunteer is to provide emotional and physical support during the
ride. You benefit the program by helping ladies get through challenges like hills, weather, and a
change of surroundings. Basically, you are there to have fun – get to know the rider! Gearing Up
never leaves a rider behind - if you’re on a ride with a facility, you might be asked to be the
“sweep” for the ride, so that no one gets left behind and all riders feel supported!
5. What do I need to bring for a Gearing Up ride?
You must wear a HELMET to ride with Gearing Up – we want to set a good example for our
clients! Additionally it is expected that volunteers will arrive with their own working bicycle and
closed-toed shoes.
6. What if one of the ladies from a facility wants to tell me a secret?
Although you may feel close to this individual, we cannot promise to keep any secrets. If you feel
uncomfortable in this situation, you can always talk to the designated program coordinator. We
are unable to keep a secret if we feel it endangers the individual or the entire group. It is
important to keep the Gearing Up clients safe, and to do so we must all follow the same set of
rules, for the benefit of the group.
7. Can I accept gifts from a client of Gearing Up?
Although it is an extremely flattering gesture that a client would want to give you a gift,
unfortunately, we are not able to accept gifts. Gifts, whether they are intended to or not, may be
construed as a bribe and it could make other Gearing Up clients feel uncomfortable.
8. What if I am asked for personal information?
You may tell the Gearing Up clients your name and as much about yourself as you like, but be
considerate of what the clients are coping with in their own personal lives and be a positive
mentor/support to them. Do not give out your phone number unless approved by a Gearing Up
staff member.
9. What should I talk about or avoid talking about with Gearing Up clients?
Good conversation starters:
How long have you been riding with Gearing Up?
When was the last time you rode a bike before Gearing Up?
Are you from Philadelphia?
What kind of hobbies/interests do you have?
How long have you been enrolled in this program?
Things to avoid while in conversation with Gearing Up clients:
How many programs have you been in?
Have you ever been to prison?
Do you have children – and where are they?!
Because we are working with the reentry/recovery population in Philadelphia, we want to make
our clients feel as comfortable as possible when they are riding with us or at an event with
Gearing Up. Feel free to talk to the ladies – but we want to make sure we are not asking questions
about topics that they may not feel comfortable discussing. Remember, our clients are recovering
– let’s keep the conversation positive! Sometimes the ladies will bring up personal issues to
volunteers. If you are uncomfortable with the conversation topic, let the client know and change
it to something that you both feel comfortable with.
10. What if the client asks for money or to use my cell phone?
Never give a Gearing Up client any money or use of your cell phone. In the event that a client
needs transportation money or to borrow a cell phone, let a Gearing Up staff member know and
they will be able to assist the Gearing Up client. There are different cell phone rules at each
facility, so it is best to tell the client you are not able to let anyone use your cell phone.
11. Where are the facilities that Gearing Up programs with?
Interim House, a residential treatment facility for women, located in Mt. Airy.
Gaudenzia – Washington House, a women’s halfway house and treatment facility for drug and
alcohol addictions, located in South Philadelphia.
Kirkbride Center, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare facility located in West Philly.
For exact addresses and ride schedules, contact [email protected]
12. How long does a typical Gearing Up ride last?
The rides vary – but they tend to be 1-1.5 hours long (approximately 4-8 miles).
13. Since Gearing Up is a non-profit organization for women in transition, can men
volunteer?
Of course, men are always welcome to volunteer with Gearing Up! It is a great opportunity for
women to meet new people and create healthy relationships.