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:

Welfare systems and professionals

and the clients they serve

The money economy and the “core” economy of home, family and community

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 MapMembers can be Individuals, groups, organizations

Activities include person-to-person, group, community, TimeBank support

Time Bank

Member/sGives: Receives:

Member/sGives: Receives:

Member/sGives: Receives:

Member/sGives: Receives:

Member/sGives: Receives:

Member/sGives: Receives:

Member/sGives: Receives:

Member/sGives: Receives:

Social ServicesDevelopmental programs Home-based supportElderly, youth & child careTutoring & enrichmentEnlist persons to help each other and build community

Faith-based OrganizationsCongregations and members become mentorsSponsorship of eventsOrganizations carry out mission and increase impacts in community

Juvenile/Criminal Justice

Youth courts – jury of peers and learningDrug/STD prevention, education, treatmen, Informal support networks for persons returning home from prisonHelp integrate these persons into community, build skills, create success experiences

Community CentersProvide activities, give

credits for:Skills training,Classes and workshopsPeer tutoring / ESL, etcChild and youth careSports and gamesGroup eventsHost clubsFacilitate interaction, involvement, interdependence in center, groups and community

Arts OrganizationsArtists working in community – after school, community centers, projects, workshops, courses and trainingArtists earn, youth learn, more exposure of community to art

Local BusinessAccept credits, discounts or couponsParticipate in mentoringSupplement wagesUse local source servicesLink businesses & non-profits, boost purchasing & loyalty

Public & Private InstitutionsSchools

•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 TimeBank members, increase accessibility of services

Community TimeBank

Connecting members, different organizations and sectors for needed

services, weaving relations, creating

community

An Example of A Large TimeBank Map (Courtesy of Stephanie Rearick, Founder, Dane County TimeBank)

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

1. The big WHY: The mission is clear, core principles/values are in place

2. Champions and stakeholders are present, involved, fired up3. Vision fits mission: explored, discussed, shared, and actively

owned4. Resource strategies and plans match the mission 5. Competent, informed, well-organized coordinator/leadership

team to support and build members’ engagement/ownership6. Community Weaver TimeBanking software7. Size chosen to fit mission – small: 20-150 members; medium:

150-350; large: 350-2,000+ 8. Organic or planned activities, or a combination to meet

members’ needs9. Link to TimeBanks USA network for ideas, best practices,

support 10. Start small, keep learning (passion & commitment required!)

Want To Know More?

Check out www.timebanks.org

Or phone: 202-686-5200

Jen MooreAssociate for Membership and Outreach – 202-686-5200 ext 101

For connections, materials, information