TimeBanking
Giving and Receiving For Healthy Communities
TimeBanking
Restoring Community One Hour At A Time
Part One
Introduction
What is a TimeBank?
A TimeBank is a ‘community of caring’ Members form a network of relationships
helping each other – as persons, groups associations and organizations building trust and a sense of community through neighborhood projects and events making transformational change
Where Are TimeBanks?
The first TimeBanks began in 1987 TimeBanks USA was founded in 1995
TimeBanks have spread to 32 nations TimeBanking is in 42 states The TimeBank network is expanding and evolving
TimeBanking Core Principles
Assets: We all have something to give Honoring Real Work: The work of building home, family, community Reciprocity: Asking receivers to become givers as well Community: Acknowledging our interdependence Respect: Giving voice and demanding accountability for all
Pay It Forward – Create A Circle of Giving
TimeBanks use Time Dollars as a medium of exchange to create a circle of giving
One hour given in service to others = One Time Dollar earned
Members use Time Dollars earned to receive services from others
Organic, Planned, or Both?
TimeBank giving & receiving can be
Organic – the result of individual decisions by members Planned – designed to achieve specific goals and outcomes
What to Give, What to Receive
The possibilities are endless – here are some examples: Transportation (errands, shopping, medical, worship, local, public, long distance, miscellaneous) Help at Home (child care, cooking, sewing, hair & beauty, housekeeping, chores, pet care, respite, etc.) Companionship (dining, clubs, email & IM, home visits, telephone calls, visiting, medical trips, etc.) Wellness (complementary therapy, counseling, diet & nutrition, fitness, exercise, meditation, yoga, etc.) Recreation (dancing, games, events, books, videos, sports, travel, walking, tours, etc.)
And there’s more…..
What to Give, What to Receive
Education (advocacy, classes, workshops, computers, language, finances, tutoring, mentoring, etc.) Arts, Crafts, Music (classes, workshops, entertainment, photo, theater, lessons, miscellaneous) Home Care (house-sitting, carpentry, electrical, garden, yard work, painting, plumbing, car care, etc.) Business Services (clerical, computer support, financial, legal, marketing, research, translation, etc.) Information (medical, transport, services, education, community, vendors, service providers, etc.)
And there could be more…..
The possibilities are limited only by our imaginations!
The Power of TimeBanking
Circles of giving & receiving expand and deepen over time
TimeBanks draw together people of different generations, ethnicities and income levels through the five core values/principles
Part Two
Going Deeper
& How-To Overview
TimeBanking & The Power of Co-Production
Partnering in 2 ways for systems change:
The money economy and the “core” economy of home, family and community
Welfare systems and professionals and the clients they serve
The TimeBank, Day-to-Day
A TimeBank coordinator/leadership team Manages the day-to-day running of the TimeBank Signs up members, organizes events, manages admin, outreach etc Leads funding efforts (along with board or sponsors) Encourages members’ enthusiasm, leadership and ownership for operating/managing/growing/funding the TimeBank Always includes members Usually (but not always) includes at least one paid position – ranging from a few hours a week to full-time, or, for large TimeBanks, a team
How It Works (Members’ View)
The TimeBank coordinator/s sign up new members What members give/receive is listed on Community Weaver software The software helps to set up the what, where, when of member activities Members record their completed activities Community Weaver keeps track of members’ giving/receiving, earning/spending
A Basic TimeBank Membership Map
Members can be Individuals, groups, organizations Activities include person-to-person, group, community, TimeBank support
Member/s Gives: Receives:
Member/s Gives: Receives:
Member/s Gives: Receives:
Member/s Gives: Receives:
Time Bank
Member/s Gives: Receives:
Member/s Gives: Receives:
Member/s Gives: Receives:
Member/s Gives: Receives:
An Example of A Large TimeBank Map
(Courtesy of Stephanie Rearick, Founder, Dane County TimeBank) Congregations and members become mentors Sponsorship of events
Faith-based Organizations
Community Centers
Provide activities, give credits for: Skills training, Classes and workshops Peer tutoring / ESL, etc Child and youth care Sports and games Group events Host clubs
Developmental programs Home-based support Elderly, youth & child care Tutoring & enrichment
Social Services
Organizations carry out mission and increase impacts in community
Enlist persons to help each other and build community
Youth courts – jury of peers and learning Drug/STD prevention, education, treatmen, Informal support networks for persons returning home from prison
Juvenile/Criminal Justice
Community TimeBank
Connecting members, different organizations and sectors for needed services, weaving relations, creating community
Facilitate interaction, involvement, interdependence in center, groups and community
Public & Private Institutions
Schools •Cross-age tutoring, mentoring and support activities City •Accept for bus tickets •Sponsor community events •Volunteer programs and roles County •Supplement social and city services •Community and group affairs/events •Volunteer programs and roles Other •Stretch public funds by enlisting
Help integrate these persons into community, build skills, create success experiences
Artists working in community – after school, community centers, projects, workshops, courses and training
Arts Organizations
Artists earn, youth learn, more exposure of community to art
Accept credits, discounts or coupons Participate in mentoring Supplement wages Use local source services
Local Business
Link businesses & non-profits, boost purchasing & loyalty
TimeBank members, increase accessibility of services
Part Three
We’re Here For You!
TimeBanks USA
National office for a membership network of affiliated, independent TimeBanks
TimeBanks USA Offers:
Start-up materials, tools, assistance, and training Community Weaver software Networking opportunities with experienced TimeBank leaders in the TimeBanking movement Access to TimeBanking Mentor Corps and Coordinator call-ins The biannual TimeBanks USA conference – in partnership with an existing TimeBank Research and development for TimeBank applications of all kinds
Your New TimeBank Success Checklist
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The big WHY: The mission is clear, core principles/values are in place Champions and stakeholders are present, involved, fired up Vision fits mission: explored, discussed, shared, and actively owned Resource strategies and plans match the mission Competent, informed, well-organized coordinator/leadership team to support and build members’ engagement/ownership Community Weaver TimeBanking software Size chosen to fit mission – small: 20-150 members; medium: 150-350; large: 350-2,000+ Organic or planned activities, or a combination to meet members’ needs Link to TimeBanks USA network for ideas, best practices, support Start small, keep learning (passion & commitment required!)
Want To Know More?
Check out www.timebanks.org
Or phone: 202-686-5200
Jen Moore Associate for Membership and Outreach – 202-686-5200 ext 101 For connections, materials, information