The Spoke is a new Downtown Division Neighbourhood Empowerment Team (NET) initiative.
It was created on the premise that the best way to engage vulnerable youth is to use a medium familiar to them.
“After hearing narratives of youth in our community involved in stealing, breaking down and selling bicycles, our medium became evident,” explains Kris Andreychuk, Community Capacity Builder with Downtown NET.
The Spoke provides workspace, knowledgeable volunteers, and the tools for youth to rebuild bikes that would have otherwise been thrown away.
Volunteers work with youth to provide mentorship, skills, and the knowledge to become student instructors. After completing a session, the youth will have the chance to lead future sessions with other kids from the community.
“This will foster confidence, self-esteem and life skills,” says Andreychuk. “It encourages youth to be leaders and role models in their community.”
The first of eight sessions started on May 25, and all of the participants were referred by the EPS Youth Coordinator. They are community residents who have been caught stealing bicycles.
The majority of volunteers are Edmonton Bicycle Commuters (EBC) and bike enthusiasts from within the community. Cst. David Jones lives in the community and has come in to volunteer each week in plain clothes. He came in uniform one session, and the youth were shocked he was a police officer.
“I think this small gesture has a profound impact on the way many of these youth conceptualize the EPS and police in general,” says Andreychuk. “I think it humanized the EPS for these youth.”
The first session is wrapped up with a group bike ride.
The sessions are eight weeks in length, running Tuesdays from 1800 – 2000 hrs. The City of Edmonton provides free space at the old Alberta Cycle building on 118 Ave and 92 St.
For more information, please contact Kris at 780-944-8402.