Leading livability work in des moines, iowa

Chapman and Miles's day begins at 9 a.m. when, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they each log in from home, talk to one another and come up with a game plan. ("It’s great! I wake up

and get out of bed to get ready, and then I return to my bed to start work!" says Chapman.) Miles writes copy for what she'll post that day on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Chapman handles the graphics. A tweet might alert readers to a podcast about cycling culture, an upcoming event, or the status of the Street Collective’s bike repair shop, which had to

reduce services during the pandemic but still sells bicycles and parts, does tune-ups and handles bike donations. The pair produce a monthly Street Collective bulletin and they post videos

about bicycle maintenance and cycling activities on You Tube. “The videos do very well, especially among people that are newer to bike riding," says Chapman. "The shop’s mechanics

have the repair and care expertise. Saphire and I do all the film editing, uploading and processing.” “Makenna and Saphire have been instrumental in rapidly researching and implementing new

ways we can use our online presence to better reach people and continue our programs safely,” said Mike Armstrong, the Street Collective's director of planning and communications and

the pair’s supervisor. 2. ADAPT THE BICYCLE PROGRAM TO MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS MORE ABOUT IOWA Mullets Restaurant was the first to receive and place the Age-Friendly Greater Des Moines business

decal on its door. PHOTO BY DOUG MCBRIDE, FROM THE SLIDESHOW "A LIVABLE TOUR OF DES MOINES" Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Street Collective donated bicycles to low-income

families and people with health issues. When the COVID-19 pandemic erupted, the giveaway program kicked into a new and desperately needed gear. “We gave away a lot of bikes to essential

workers who had no way to get to work," says Miles. "The buses weren’t running on the regular schedule. If the workers took a bus to work, they might not be able to get home

because the buses weren't running that late.” When an unexpected situation arose, Chapman and Miles did some quick thinking. After hearing that several donated bicycles had been stolen

from the Street Collective, Chapman and Miles spread the news on Facebook: “We’re saddened and frustrated to report that last night 15 donated bikes were stolen from our panel truck . . .

totaling $3,500.” As a result of the post, “we got overwhelming community support in the form of comments and bike donations,” says Chapman. 3. INCREASE ENGAGEMENT IN COMMUNITY EVENTS In a

typical year, the Des Moines Street Collective hosts several community events, including during National Bike Month (held annually in May). With all in-person Bike Month events cancelled due

to COVID, Chapman and Miles created a Virtual Scavenger Hunt.  “The hunt was based within a mobile app where we loaded 'missions' people could do to be active — inside or outdoors

— in a socially distanced spot," explains Chapman. The missions included activities to send bicyclists on a journey, such as “Find a mural downtown that features flora or fauna"

or “Pick up a takeout menu from Fong’s Pizza.” The winners were announced on the collective's social media platforms. CHANGE OF PLANS COVID made a fourth assignment, to “help with the

city’s transportation and affordable housing plan for four investment districts,” impossible to pursue since the planned work involved direct, in-person activities in communities. When the

Black Lives Matter protests and calls for racial equity took hold across the nation in June, Chapman and Miles added an unofficial fourth component to their mission. As described by their

supervisor, Armstrong, “The Street Collective opened up an internal dialogue among the staff and board members in order to explore how our organization is effected by and hindered by racial

inequity, and how it may enable white supremacy and institutional racism. I've been incredibly impressed by the bravery and sensitivity of Saphire and Makenna in leading a staff-wide

discussion about racism and new ways forward. That's a difficult conversation to lead, doubly so as the youngest and newest members of the team.” CONTINUING GOALS Chapman and Miles will

continue their work until the end of 2020. Among their to-dos: * Facilitate another conversation with the board of directors about race and racial injustices * Create videos that showcase

the work of the programs. * Continue increasing transportation options so people can get around the city without having to drive * Promote the health and mobility benefits of bicycling and

walking (for people of all ages) * Keep members engaged, even when they can’t be physically engaged * Continue educating the public about the collective’s mission * Work toward ensuring that

everyone who engages with the Street Collective feels safe and included. (e.g., "It’s one thing to say, ‘Our doors are open, everyone just come in.’ But it’s another to say, “We are

inviting you in. You’re welcome here. Please come.”) _Reporting by Amy Lennard Goehner _ MORE ABOUT THE CORPS More from AARP.org/Livable  Use the dropdown to choose a livability topic.

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