Theory
- A flat (closed) credit system, with credits originating from the 'bank'
- Initial time audit establishes current level of active community involvement
- Number of credits available is based in time audit and projections for future involvement
Practice
- Members earn credits for active engagement in community activites
- Credits can be cashed in for rewards
- Rewards are themed to compliment focus of work (e.g. a youth project's rewards might be exchanged for residentials or visits to sports events.)
- The awards reinforce the theme of the activity and make it possible for future learning and activity
- Aim is to look at community holistically, not to draw artifical distinctions between community and individual. Therefore a group engaged in communal environmental work would earn credits to be spent on own garden
- Brochures and leaflets are created to advertise the rewards
Factors for Success
- Community group keen to develop greater community working
- Organisations and individuals keen to complete active community audits
- Necessary time and support time available for new groups when developing the approach
Potential Problems
- Organisation may face difficulties in funding 'rewards'
- Project may initially face difficulties in expecting people to 'pay' with credits for activities that were previously free
- Time credits can develop monetary value through comparison with rewards
Examples
Valley Kids, Wales: focus on working with young people to enable them to earn credits from being engaged in generating community improvements through the 'Give and Take' club
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