Here's some typical local massers I know:

• Kevin, who has opened up a bike shop specializing in low-cost bikes for commuting cyclists.
• Larry, a lawyer, who often defends cyclists involved in accidents, etc., and does pro bono work.
• Chris W., who volunteers in youth earn-a-bike-programs and also teaches bike maintenance classes.
• Another Chris who runs a bike shop that frequently donates bikes for local non-profit fundraising (such as the local NPR station and the local bicycle advocacy organization.)
• Josh, who opened the Handlebar Bar and Grill, a bicycle friendly restaurant.
• Gin, who organizes Safe-Routes-to-School programs.
• Alex, who works for a bicycle advocacy group working at building bike clubs at local schools.
• Jane and Val, mothers who take their children everywhere on their bikes, and are active in their local communities.
• John, who is involved in the City's bike rack program, helping to work with local neighborhoods, determining where new racks get placed.

I feel glad to know these people. As a computer consultant, I sometimes let the daily grind of work take over my life. But each time I show up to a local Chicago Critical Mass workshop or special event or ride, I am reminded of the value of volunteering and also of the value of helping others through one's work. I cannot speak of any masses elsewhere in the world, but I find value in the local experience.