Values and attitude
Our basic principle is self-help. This applies to 1. repairs and 2. people.
Repair
Repair is our first choice. We look for sensible solutions to problems, preferring to use second-hand and old items and repairing rather than throwing away.
Old things are valuable.
We are not “professional” or commercial service providers. This means that we are aware that we cannot do some things as perfectly as bicycle repair shops, but we can do some things better.
Self-help means that we want to teach repair, but also self-teaching. In this way, we want to break down (knowledge) hierarchies and show how a lack of hierarchy is possible for us.
We are craftspeople and educators.
People
We are open, inclusive, supportive
- for all creatures (including smart alecks)
- for strengths and weaknesses
- for different ways of life
We do what we can. And we make mistakes. But we respect our own boundaries and those of others. This means, for example:
- skills
- emotional and physical resilience
- time resources
- enjoyment
We communicate clearly and in a timely manner when we have reached our limits.
What we don't want is exclusionary behavior and being excluded. We do our best to create and maintain a space for everyone.
Our relationship to ‘the’ circumstances
Screwing, tinkering, teaching offers the opportunity for self-realization and thus self-empowerment. We combine volunteer work and paid work and develop a good interaction between both areas. We question boundaries and social conventions (e.g., the current consumption of resources and services, the ubiquitous use of cars).
In order to pay attention to ourselves, our actions, and our fellow human beings during the above-mentioned activities, we do not need any additional substance-induced intoxication. Those who do not want to or cannot do without it have plenty of time for it outside of tinkering.
We promote cycling in society and enable individuals to cycle. The bicycle is our preferred form of mobility.
Interaction with each other
We value our community, so we want to repair our relationships with each other instead of throwing them away.
Everyone can contribute ideas, criticism, and initiatives and will be heard.
We value the work of others.
We are aware that not everyone has the same amount of time, desire, or ability to actively participate. We encourage each other to be as involved as possible and to support and shape the structures of the association.
Organizational structure
The Reparad e.V. association provides the workshops “Zum Rostigen Ross,” “Rad i.O.,” “FlickWerke,” and “SCREW” with the legal framework, for example, the general meeting and the board of directors.
Internally, we organize ourselves on a grassroots democratic basis. This includes membership in the association, (regular) participation, and our organizational structures.
Participation in the association means that people support decisions or, if dissatisfied, participate in the decision-making process. This requires people to inform themselves independently and on their own responsibility. This can be done through written and informal channels. On the other hand, the decision-making bodies have a responsibility to provide the information.