1 TimeBanking Giving and Receiving For Healthy Communities
2 TimeBanking Building community one hour at a time
3 MI Alliance of TimeBanks Umbrella organization linking & supporting TimeBanks across the state of Michigan. We help individuals, organizations & communities establish & run TimeBanks.
Lathrup Village TimeBank 4
5 What is a TimeBank? Members form a community of caring helping each other – as persons, groups, associations and organizations building trust and a sense of community through neighborhood projects and events making transformational change
6 Where Are TimeBanks? 1987—TimeBanks began 1995—TimeBanks USA founded TimeBanks have spread to 32 nations and 42 states in the USA The TimeBank network is expanding and evolving
7 TimeBanking Core Values Assets: We all have something to give Honoring Real Work: Building home, family, community Reciprocity: Giving AND receiving Community: We need each other Respect: Voice and accountability for all
TBing is a powerful idea One for one Something for something A fair exchange – ‘give and take’ A chance to pay back – and pay it forward 8
9 TimeBank Circle of Giving
10 How It Works New members sign up & post what they will give & receive on TimeBank software Software helps track the what, where, when of member activities Members record their completed activities
11 Practical & adaptable tool Visiting Nurse Service of NY (VNSNY)— Bronx, NY Lehigh Valley Hospital Community Exchange, PA—health care Partners in Care, MD—senior independence Parent Support Network, RI—families with children at risk w/behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges
VNSNY survey findings Funded by Fan Fox & Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, Inc., % saw benefit from being TB member 98% able to use skills to help others 48% reported improvements in self-rated physical health, 72% in mental health 67% increased access to community info 90% increased number of friends 12
Additional findings 79% reported felt supported to age in place 71% increased sense of trust of people from other backgrounds, cultures 85% increased sense of belonging 88% feel they are making contribution to community through TB 82% have improved quality of life through TB 13
Examples of TB innovations Dane County, WI—1900+ individual & 130 organizational members Rural WV church-run TB teaching solar paneling NY City—network to create 30 satellite TBs Hour Exchange Portland, ME—dealing with weatherization, healthcare, microenterprise 14
Large TB flowchart Courtesy of Stephanie Rearick, Dane County TimeBank Founder 15
16 Liability and legal issues IRS ruling that time dollars are tax exempt Each TB decides what it will do Some TBs have Board and volunteer insurance with CIMA Smart planning required
17 Lessons learned TBing is a paradigm shift Paid staff essential for sustainability A TB is a learning organization It is not easy, takes 2-3 years to build & isn’t for everyone
18 More lessons Ownership of organizing committee is key Widely applicable tool but must be shaped to fit & weave into organization’s mission Innovative, fun ways to engage people are key, e.g. group projects & classes
TB is not 19
20 MI Alliance of TimeBanks Umbrella organization linking & supporting TimeBanks across the state of Michigan. We help individuals, organizations & communities establish & run TimeBanks.
What does the future hold? TimeBanking has potential to join the list of social innovations that have changed the world No more silos. More patchwork quilts. 21
Using TBs to rebuild Michigan What do you see as ways TBs could be used to deal with our challenges? What are possible first steps for you? What steps could we take together? What do you need to move forward? 22
23 How you can help Partner w/MATB—Identify resources & raise funds Consider a leadership position in MATB (Committee, Advisory Board or Executive Board) Think outside the box Spread the word
Helpful links Lathrup Village TimeBank TimeBanks USA in Washington, D.C. Dane County TimeBank, Madison, WI
More helpful links Hour Exchange Portland, Maine TimeBanking United Kingdom New Economics Foundation in the UK
26 For More Info Kim Hodge or