It is diversity that enriches a time bank and makes it what it is.
Evidence of this is shown through the skills, cultures, nationality and experiences that are brought to the time bank.
At Clapham Park time bank we have a vast array of skills and talents as well as a very diverse membership. We have members from Ecuador, Africa, Caribbean, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Rwanda and Asia to name but a few of the nationalities on board.
These members come with a wide selection of skills.
How do we as a time bank achieve working with diversity?
We do this Maintaining an open mind one day is never the same as the other. We need to be adaptable and flexible. We learn our most valuable lessons from our members it is these people that bring the colour to the time bank.
One of our time bank mottos is “To respect and protect” this means that each member not only respects each other but also protects that which is already in place.
Listening plays a big part of empathy, how can we help a member achieve maximum potential we have to put our selves into their shoes, know where they are coming from, know what they can offer, what they need and know what they want to achieve through the time bank.
How do we show our appreciation to members? We do this through rewarding our members not only with time credits but also gift vouchers, tickets to events, museums, and attractions ie the London eye and special award ceremonies.
Valuing what the member is bringing to the time bank encouraging self worth and raising esteem levels. We encourage each person to be supportive to each other.
Working with diversity anything is possible
Working with diversity presents an opportunity to challenge our own prejudices.
How can we Challenge our own prejudices?
By listening, learning, communicating, understanding and building bridges, not burning them.
How do we show our appreciation to members? We do this through rewarding our members not only with time credits but also with tickets to events, museums, and attractions ie the London eye and special award ceremonies.
By placing a Value on each member and what the member is bringing to the time bank encourages self worth and increases levels of self esteem We encourage each person to be supportive to each other.
EXAMPLES OF PREJUDICE
My assumption that all police are the same they love harassing and arresting black boys, they love sterio typing them and it is there main aim to get all black boys DNA regardless. I had to challenge my assumptions by doing something about it and let them hear my voice. I went down to the police station to make a complaint about the behaviour of the police to cut a long story short I learnt that not all police are the same, that there was someone in the police that will listen and do something about my complaint. I got a positive reaction that changed my assumptions about the police and restored some of my faith in them.
One example is about my Colleague. Members were making irrational assumptions about my colleague, assuming that she was loaded and posh just because she speaks with a posh voice and drives a nice car. They think that she doesn’t understand them and what it is like living in an inner London estate. How wrong they are, they haven’t asked or bothered to find out any background. If they did they would have heard her story and realised that it was not as they thought. They have no idea what my colleagues life is like or what she is going through, appearances can be deceptive.
Another thing about diversity is this we tend to concentrate on the ‘’Black White etc then digress into religion, culture, wealth, and class.
What about sexuality, a time bank member suddenly found out about a friend who gay/lesbian. This member came into one the women’s projects and started to tell the group about her friend. She said that her friend was very upset because, after telling her friend that she was gay the friend turned round and said to her that she thinks it is just a lifestyle, that it was dirty and disgusting. This caused uproar in the group and a very hot discussion with lots of arguing, however, positivty came from this. Some of the member’s awareness was raised, it encouraged debate, it challenged the views and prejudices of some in a controlled environment. It also highlighted the group dynamics and was a very interesting afternoon, a definite learning curve. This situation is still not quite resolved although there is a lot more understanding on all sides
EVERY ONE
How do we include every one?
We make sure that the community know that we are there and what we are about. We are constantly involved in our outreach work that allows us to be out and about in the community.
As a time bank we have to be creative in how we recruit members, for instance through events, coffee mornings, dance, poetry, alternative health activities, word of mouth and getting members to use their creative skills designing posters.
Everyone has a skill our part is to motivate them to use that skill and inspire them to share it with others.
Everyone has a right to good quality of life. If we can all live with diversity value our differences and share the common bond then we can make that positive difference together.
“The more clearly we see the reality of the world, the better we are to deal with the world. The less clearly we see the reality of the world ~ the more our minds are befuddled by falsehood, misperceptions and illusions ~ the less able we will be to determine correct courses of action and make wise decisions”
(Quote from “The world less travelled”)
1. Respecting diversity and individuality …Prizing people. To hold positive regard.
2. Supporting individual needs…Personalising the needs and offers. To be aware and focused on needs of TB Members
Staying non-judgemental. To look at personal constructs, where the person is coming from
3. Understanding and valuing the individual. To appreciate the dimensions of our members. To show them that hey are valued.
4. Caring in a down to earth and practical way
5. To be available within reason.
6. Members deserve the best we can give
7. Time banking can only work when we let go of prejudice and assumptions.
8. Keep an open mind, open minds are great tools to learning
9. Be yourself and stay positive
This Article was written and Presented by Roz McCarthy~Henriques 5th MAY 2006 and may not be used in any capacity without express permission of the author. The author may be contacted at Roz.McCarthy@slam.nhs.uk or via our website http://www.claphamparktimebank.bravehost.com
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