Clapham Park Timebank

TIMEBANKIT: MODEL NO 7

2007-06-15T00:14:00.001+01:00

TIME BANK MODEL: TIME NETWORK

Theory

A flat (closed) credit system, with credits originating from the 'bank'
All local service providers, voluntary and statutory use time banking as their currency to recognise and reward community involvement.

Practice

The time bank is based within an existing time centre but delvelops to incorporate service providers in the wider area
Requires an initial time audit
Creates local consistency so that local residents see their contribution valued in the same way no matter which activity or service they are interacting with.

Factors for success

Time is required to embed the time banking tool with local service providers
A broad understanding and acceptance of the time banking principles, particularly of 'give and take' is necessary across all service providers

Potential problems

Important that the use of and accounting for time credits is standardised across all agencies otherwise consistency is threatened.

Examples

Blangarw Working Mens Hall: This community centre based in the Welsh valleys is extending its time centre in order to link in with all local service providers.

TIMEBANKIT: Model No. 6

2007-06-14T23:45:00.001+01:00

TIMEBANK MODEL : TIME CENTRE

Theory

A fiat (closed) credit system, with credits originating from the 'bank'
The time banking tool addresses problems of under capacity and ensures that those people taking part are actively involved.

Practice

The time bank is based withing an existing community centre
Requires an initial time audit of centre and all activities that take place.
Centre is able to introduce a dual finance system with people able to pay in time credits or cash for activities that they take part in (e.g. music concerts, theatre)
Community members are encouraged to earn time credits in a variety of ways including assisting with the running and management of existing activities or developing their own community building projects.
Value assigned to activities is based on number of hours they take (e.g. theatrical performance is 2 hours long so costs 2 credits)

Factors for success

This model helps to establish local community centres as true community resources
Can assist in building attendance for activities that are currently underused

Potential problems

Requires an existing community centre
Requires the buy in of existing community users (both individuals and projects)

Examples

Blangarw Working Mens Hall: This community centre based in the Welsh valleys host a variety of weekly and one-off activities all of which can be paid for with cash or time credits.

TIMEBANKIT Model no.5

2007-01-14T21:39:00.000Z

TIME BANK MODEL : AGENCY TO CLIENT

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

TIMEBANKIT Model no.4

2007-01-14T21:11:00.000Z

TIME BANK MODEL : INSTITUIONAL TIME BANKING

Theory

A mutual (open) credit system, where credit exists between agency/organisation and person
Time bank is situated within an employment setting, with membership of the time bank open to employees, staff, students, etc
Activity may be themed around particular needs of agency leading the time bank or may be more focused on meeting personal needs of staff/employees
Using time banking tool to create learning organisations

Practice

To develop a pool of staff who can recognise and develop a wider range of skills than those required directly for their job role
The time banking tool is a mechanism for creating 'learning organisations' by providing a framework that enables individuals to enhance their professional and personal development and build social and professional networks
A broker works with individuals and organisations to identify skills and resources that they have, and those they need access to or wish to develop for themselves

Factors for Success

A core group of individuals and organisations interested in becoming involved
Everyone involved must have something they need and something they can give

Potential Problems

important for staff to recognise and receive personal benefits to ensure the time bank doesn't become a way to get more out of people
wide mix of skills and resources, possibly themed around specific outcomes e.g. personal development, training

Examples from London

Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery 'Time and Talent' bank:

Currently in development this project would use the time banking tool to develop a pool of people who can exchanges expertise, extend and enhance the range and flexibility of programmes that the school can offer.

TIMEBANKIT : model no.3

2007-01-11T23:58:00.000Z

TIME BANK MODEL : ORGANISATIONAL TIME BANKING

Theory

A mutual (open) credit system where credit exists between agencies
Used to facilitate exchanges between organisations for mutual benefit and enhance use of scarce or under utilised resources

Practice

Time bank can be established within an existing 'hub' or to set up a new network of organisations (may be based around a geographical area or a specific skill/activity)
When an organisation joins the bank they list the resources and servies they have available and the type of help they would like to receive
Exchanges are recorded by a 'broker' or network co-ordinator
Type of exhanges are governed by what is available within the membership but likely to be both resources (e.g. an underused minibus) and skills (e.g. help with writing a funding proposal)

Factors for Success

Supportive network of organisations with understanding of time banking
Funding for a time bank co-ordinator, or lead organisation
Particularly useful when organisations have underused resources
Core group of local orgainsations with a variety of resources and needs
Strong local community sector with a history of working together previously

Potential Problems

Requires membership to be a range of organisations and resources in order to meet a variety of needs
All organisations need to give and receive

Examples from London

Potentially: VAL's Health & Social Care Network

TIMEBANKIT : model no.2

2007-01-11T23:37:00.000Z

TIMEBANK MODEL : AGENCY TO CLIENT (SPECIALIST TIME BANKING)

Theory

A mutual (open) credit system, where credit exists between agency/organisation and person.
Activities are themed, based around specialist skills of agency leading the time bank eg health or learning.

Practice

Members earn credits for active engagement in community activities.
Type of activity undertaken is linked to the organisation running the time bank (e.g. Groundwork running environmental clean-ups).
Rewards reinforce the theme of the activity and make it possible for future learning and activity.
Rewards are themed to compliment focus of work (e.g. Groundwork's focus on environmental work means that rewards might be a trip to Kew gardens).

Factors for success

Community group keen to develop greater community working.
Organisation able to secure/ provide suitable rewards.

Potential Problems

Having a single themed activity may reduce appeal of time bank to wide range of members.
Focus and funding of time banking organisation may actively exclude certain community members.
organisations may encounter difficulties sourcing funding for 'rewards'.

Examples from London

Whittington Time Exchange: based with a school, children earn time credits for playground duty, helping with school events, looking after the buddy benchg and the prayer room. Rewards can be cashed in for group trips e.g. picnic trip for children that is paid for in time credits.
'Y' Bank, Tower Hamlets: This project works with young people who learn new skills and earn rewards when undertaking environmental clearances in their local area.

TIMEBANKIT model no.1

2007-01-11T23:11:00.000Z

TIMEBANK MODEL : NEIGHBOUR TO NEIGHBOUR

Theory

A mutual (open) credit system where credit only exists between individuals
Exchanges take place between individuals initially set up by a central hub
Facillitates acts of neighbourliness between individuals

Practice

Time bank often established as a project within a 'host organisation'
When an individual joins the bank they are asked to list the skills they can share and the skills they would like to receive
Exchanges are co-ordinated and recorded by a broker
Type of exchanges is governed by skills available within the membership
Projedct is evaluated by number of time bank members, number of exchanges taking place

Factors for Success

Supportive host with organisation-wide understanding of time banking
Funding for a time bank brokeer and project manager
Core group of local supporters
Visible location (e.g. shop front)
Clear definition and understanding of project area (geographically & operationally)
Links to local community sector

Potential Problems

Essential to avoid over-reliance on the broker by members when setting up exchanges and activities. Broker encourages set-up of 'kitchen cabinet' of members to run activities.
Important to ensure that the time bank is embedded within the organisation and able to extend/improve existing activites as well as developing new ones.
Important to have sufficient resources to manage the adminstration of 1-to-1 exchanges.

Examples from London

Rushey Green Time Bank: launched in 2000 this project is housed within a doctor's surgery, although it is an independent registered charity.

TIMEBANKIT information sheet no. 2

2007-01-11T16:37:00.000Z

Core Values and Co-Production

The concept of time banking was developed through the work done by Edgar Cahn, an American civil rights lawyer and social justice activist. In the 1980s, he argued that alongside the conventional market economy, where money drives transactions, there is the non-market economy which we mostly take for granted. The non-market economy comprises all those vital social networks and activities in our communities that provide us with friends, family, a sense of belonging, safe neighbourhoods, care for others and personal value.

Time banking is one way of rebuilding and enhancing social networks and activities in the non-market economy. It's a tool that enables people to make that contribution to others that the non-market economy needs in order to function. Edgar Cahn's work outlines four core values that underpin time banking initiatives, these are:-

People are Assets -. The real wealth of any society is its people and everyone is valuable and has something to contribute.

Redefining Work - All work is valuable, whether paid or unpaid. Activites such as bringing up children, caring for people who are marginalized, contributing to and participating in the delivery of state services, keeping communities safe, fighting injustice and making democracy work have to be recognised, rewarded and counted as real work.

Reciprocity - both giving and receiving are important. We need each other and giving and receiving are the basic building blocks of positive social relationships and healthy communities.

Social Capital - Healthy communities have healthy social networks. Belonging to a mutually supportive and secure social network brings meaning to our lives, promotes health and wellbeing and provides new opportunites to rebuild our trust in one another.

Co-production is the term used to describe those reciprocal activities that patients, clients, service users and others undertake with professionals in order to produce an effective service. This moves away from the idea of the undervalued and passive individual who is the recipient of public services and who is percieved only in terms of their "needs" towards an approach which focuses on people as active creators of services with skills and assets. As such, co-production neatly links to time accreditation, one from of putting value to the vital work that people do in their communities. Time banking, as a form of time accredited co-production, is a tool which can enable the core values to be achieved.

TIMEBANKIT information sheet no. 1

2007-01-11T16:09:00.000Z

WHAT IS TIMEBANKING?

Time banking is a community development tool that uses an alternative currency - time itself - to measure, reward and encourage mutual volunteering and participation in community activites.

Timebanking initiatives enable people to help each other in thier local community. For every hour you spend giving your skills to your community you are entitled to an hour's help in return.

People participate in time banking initiatives for the same reasons that they volunteer, because they want to make a difference, help others, feel valued or because they want to improve their skills, knowledge and experience for specific reasons.

Time banking unlocks the rich sources of time, skills, energy, wisdom and care that are already there in any community just waiting to be invested. Time banking is a tool that can be applied in a wide range of settings, from estates to health projects to youth services. A small neighbourhood time bank can be set up by an individual or by an organisation.

In the UK time banks have been embraced by community regeneration initiatives, voluntary sector organisations, health & social care agencies and a host of community entrepreneurs.

Community participation can include taking part in consultation exercises, attending healthy living events or taking a group of children to school. Time banking uses the term, "CO-PRODUCTION" to describe how the beneficiaries of a public service activity give their time to work in partnership with professionals in the design, planning and delivery of that service or activity. This time can be measured, accredited and rewarded via a time banking initiative. Active public involvement is a critical factor in the success of professional activity and should be understood and acknowledged as "work".

The potency of time banking to connect people is proven. The ways in which they can be used to reward participation and rebuild community have been explored but by no means exhausted.

COMMUNITY COHESION EMBRACING DIVERSITY.

2006-10-22T18:17:00.000+01:00

Notes:

Community Cohesion:
What is meant by this : The community working together is a force that embraces diversity.
The infusion of difference.

How do we implement this ?
By engaging the community. You must be creative and be prepare to be challenged.

Members:
They are your assets.
The resource. The force of the Time bank.
How do you overcome language barriers ?
I have devised a language tool for it. This a series of exercises used to empower the individual to express themselves. Not to be restrained by lack of understanding of the English language or any other language. To raise their confidence. To increase awareness of understanding of different cultures.

Do you know we only use 20 % of vocal language to communicate? The other 80% is used to read body language.
This has been a helpful tool.

Comfort zones:
Creating a safe place for you and your members.
This can only be achieved by accepting people as individuals. To do this we need to celebrate diversity.

Projects:
This is another way to promote diversity.
Having membership involvement and being creative.
Think of everyone.

Creating Value:
Respecting and Protecting.
Equality
Having fun.
Respecting the person and their environment.
Learning
Implementation.
How do we achieve this?
People.
Trust
Risk taking
skills

What we promote at C.P Time bank is :’Turning strangers in friendships’.

You can begin resolving conflict with dialogue.

Add Quote: ‘The road less travelled’ by M Scott Peck

NOTES FOR TIME BANKING AND DIVERSITY CARDIFF CONFERENCE

2006-07-30T17:24:00.000+01:00

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

The Day We Went To Brighton

2006-07-18T18:21:00.000+01:00

THE DAY WE WENT TO BRIGHTON

14-07-06

We were invited by Brighton Housing Trust to come and do a presentation of Timebanking. So eleven of us all traipsed of to Kings Cross and boarded a train to Brighton.

We arrived in time for the session to begin. BHT held a meeting of all residents, tenants and other people who use their services in 2005, at that time it was agreed that a further event would be held in 2006 this was where we came in.

Don one of our timebank members talked about how one year on with the project he had developed gardening projects involving the youth of the area and had started a mens club. His advice was “have a go and see what people give you back”.

Karen brought up the East London timebank as an example of volunteering leading to employment. The youth of the area cleaned up their estate and turned it into a full time business.

Gary Wilson was interested in getting advice on how to set up a timebank.

Cyther another of our members said “I got into time bank to facilitate a poetry session”. Part of the Share your skills and get some thing back.

Erica one more of our timebank members said “ I did not know anyone in my area. And through time bank which is just down the road. I now can walk down the road and raise my head to say hello to lots of people. I feel I have a support network, new friends, and feel useful”.

Other usefull resources discussed were developing the newsletter which they already have (communication) get people involved.

Creating a service directory, talk sessions, Nef documentary and voluntary projects.

The afternoon went very well and the BHT showed lots of interest in setting up their own version of a timebank.

Afterwards we spent a few hours on the beach where 2 of our brokers reverted to childhood and threw each other in the sea.

Luckily they had some dry clothes with them although one of them decided to teach us how to recycle a plastic bag by converting it into a pair of knickers. The moral of this story is never forget how to be a child.
After a meal of fish and chips (well you cant go to Brighton and not have any) we returned to London happy and exhausted.

ANTI – GUN CRIME CAMPAIGN - ‘DIGGING AND KICKING FOR RESULTS’

2006-07-18T17:06:00.000+01:00

Clapham Park Time Bank is a volunteer skills exchange organisation promoting mental well being and reducing isolation in Clapham Park and surrounding areas. We have recently been awarded a substantial amount of funding by the Home Office to challenge gun crime in the area and are using this to support projects that are being managed by two Clapham Park Time Bank members.

We would like to celebrate the fantastic voluntary work that is being carried out by Donald Cain and Femi Awokiyesi. Both men are shining beacons in the community. They are husbands and fathers juggling full time and volunteering work, using life experience and personal skills to care and support disengaged youth in the Clapham Park area. Their work is a reflection of their status as exemplary male role models and we feel it is important to highlight this, specifically at a time when a lack of black male role models is seen as a significant factor in the problems facing young black men in the UK.

Both Donald and Femi’s efforts are primarily motivated by a genuine concern for neighbourhood youths. They want to change the negative cycle of young people’s descent into crime. Both men have developed trusting relationships with the local youth and are highly aware of the temptations these children face daily. They strongly believe and are determined that the children of Clapham Park should not face hopeless futures. According to Donald Cain, “They are just misguided and need a positive focus at a crucial time in their lives. We feel that by getting involved in our projects local youth can develop important life tools, such as communication skills that can be transferred to other areas like employment, higher education and relationships”.

By publicizing their work in your newspaper we hope that others will be inspired to get involved in community activities and realize the impact volunteering has in raising the community spirit in Clapham Park and surrounding areas.

Project Summaries:

Le Jardin - Donald Cain (Project Manager)
· Community volunteer garden project – Assisting people who can no longer maintain their garden due to reasons such as physical and mental health, time constraints, and age.
· Teaching youth landscape design skills
· Teaching the benefits of produce growing
· Breaking the barriers of mistrust and building working relationships between the elderly and local youth.

“One of the main goals of Le Jardin is respect. By learning to appreciate nature the youths can learn to appreciate their surroundings, meaning that in the end they develop a respect for their community. I believe that youths who live in inner city estates should have access to the beauty of gardens and participate in their upkeep. By doing so, they develop a general level of respect for the environment and their neighborhood.”
– Donald Cain

South East Elite Football Club – Femi Awokiyesi (Project Manager)
· The club aims to promote and challenge the potential of young people in such a way that their energy, creativity and imagination are positively channeled into a community-based activity (football).
· Encourages the involvement of impoverished youth from single-parent families, youth with low self-esteem and little responsibility for themselves, young offenders, youth excluded from mainstream activities, and children from low-income families.
· Teaches self discipline, offers structure and develops team-building skills through sport.
· Encourages young people to become physically active and I improve their general fitness levels.

“I looked around and saw what was becoming of the youth in my area. Increasing concerns were raised about their general safety on the streets, which was down to boredom and general lack of facilities for extracurricular activities for young people in the area, which in turn leads the youth into crime, violence and vandalism.
This concern made a colleague, Pele Adeyemi, and I start a football team within our borough. Our primary aim was to give youth the something to do that would require some commitment and therefore keep them out of mischief, crime and vandalism when they are not at school. Secondly, by starting when they are young, it may give them a sense of responsibility and belonging much earlier in life.” - Femi Awokiyesi

Report on CP Festival

2006-07-18T15:52:00.000+01:00

1st July 2006

Venue Agnes Riley Park
Shared Marquee
Table and chairs provided by Clapham Park Project

7 Clapham Park Time Bank members represented the time bank.
They set up the table with information, banners, and tombola.
Time 1.30 / 5.30pm

Information Leaflets about the time bank were given out during the day’s events.

Erica furnished the stall with tombola gifts all made from recycled items. These included gift in a bottle, gift bags, activity boxes, teddies, dolls and cosmetics.

Gift in a bottle was made by using empty mineral water bottles, cutting out a back panel, filling with goodies and sticking the back back with a time bank card covering the slit in the back of the bottle.
Gift bags were made from collecting the paper bags from the recycling centre and filled with small paper items and things to make.
Activity boxes were made from using recycled square containers into these boxes were put pieces of leather, buttons, picture cards glitter and various coloured card.
The teddies, dolls and cosmetics were also picked from the recycling centre Work & Play in Tooting South London.

The day went very well and the time bank members shared the responsibilities and activities. 6 TB Members earned 35 credits between them for leafleting, belly dancing and running the tombola stall.

One of our members won a raffle prize. Eysen won second prize (Digital radio) from the festival raffle.
The belly dancing group put on a wonderful show at the end of the day
And last but not least The Tom bola stall made a grand total of £ 140.00

Question about disablities

2006-03-18T16:11:00.000Z

A point about disabled Time Bankers was brought up in another Yahoo groupThe question was how can a physically disabled person get services through a time credit net work if their contributions would be limited due to their disability? Can a member of a time credit group do a service and use their time credits for a disabled family member who isn't necessarily a member themselves? Thank you. –LI thought this was a good point and here are some of the answers
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Before I give you some of the answers that were received let me add something of my own.
I am registered disabled and I participate in the Clapham Park Time Bank not only have I setup and run this blog but I also particiapate in coffee mornings, poetry classes and a lot of other things that are going on in my community. So there is always something that disabled can contribute to time banking. Just because you are disable please dont let that stop you from becoming a member of time bank being disabled does not preclude you from being a valued member. -Elspeth Anderson, Clapham Park Timebank member.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><<><><><><><><><><><>

A family member could earn the time credits for the disabled family member and do things through their (non-disabled family member's) account if that's how they want to do it. But the timebank system isdesigned to make it easy for everyone to contribute, whether or not they are able-bodied. One of the core philosophies is recognizing that everyone has something to offer and that people appreciate feeling valued, so many timebanks would try to find something that the disabled person could contribute - making phone calls, stuffing envelopes, sharing a music or video collection, pet-sitting for cats fish birds or other animals that don't require much physical ability, writing, proofreading,... depending on what type of disability and what their strengths are.Hope this answers your question--Stephanie R., Dane Co. Timebankhttp://danecountytimebank.org
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

I would like to respond to each question in your email:1. How can a physically disabled person get services through a time credit net work if their contributions would be limited due to their disability? There are no "disabled persons." There are persons with disabilities that affect some areas of their lives. However, they also possess skills and assets in other areas where their contributions are quite valuable. All people in a community have some area -- for example physical, mental or monitary -- where they are dis-abled. Exchanges based on the four core values of the TBUSA movement enables all of us to become equally valuable, to share what we can give (time, skills, knowledge...), and to gain what we need in exchange. In this way our community is able to experience wholeness! Can a member of a time credit group do a service and use their time credits for a disabled family member who isn't necessarily a member themselves? In the Time Exchange the family member with a disability would be recruited to become a member, so that they could receive services and "pay" with their time credits (experience Reciprocity!). Any person who feels he/she has nothing to contribute is guided by the coordinator (or another member) to explore the array of possible assets he/she possesses, then to connect with their first "Time earning" and their first "Time spending". The exchanges are not me to you, then you to me, they are me to one member, and then to me from another. It isn't barter, but rather constructing a "spider web" of community give and receive from one another. You might want to contact your local or state Center for Independent Living to learn more about the language of disability and the array of contributions that people with "visable disabilities" are making in their organizations and their communities. There information can guide you to prepare a knowledgable paper to submit. Best wishes, Pat in CA
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

First, a note that I'm not speaking officially for any organizationmentioned here: Here's how it works in the Community Barter Network (run from Pillsbury House, Pillsbury United Communities, Minneapolis, MN): 1) Time Dollars can be donated to a fund for those unable to perform services, or to an individual CBN member. 2) When Time Dollars are used for a family member, there's almost no problem with it being done within the CBN member's account. (I say "almost" because sometimes people forget that the name of the CBN member whose Time Dollars are spent needs to go on the form.)And people with limitations can do more than you might think.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Your doing everything right and to answer your questions...yes and yes we have several disabled members and they contribute many different services from baking to rewiring lamps to teaching piano to setting up our email system for us to weeding on their hands and knees. it seems with time banking where there's a will there's a way! asw for you second question we also have members that do service and donate their credit to the more severly disabled and elderly but that does not mean tht we do not attempt to find services they would enjoy sharing. everyone need to feel valued.it would be great to read your paper when your done. thanks for sharing time banking with others!Anne in Pennsylvaniabooshka51 wrote:
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

That is a great question, and one that our Time Bank deals with regularly. There are several possibilities we put into practice, and maybe more options "out there". First we work with each individual member to encourage their direct participation. We have lots of members with various disabilities. One person uses a wheelchair and is a computer expert, another member restores furniture, another shares a lending library of cookbooks and movies on videotape. A group of folks earns Time Dollars for assembling mailings. Our Time Bank has the choice of families to sign up as a whole unit, and so far no family has signed up as individual people, so they earn and spend Time Dollars as a group- so yes, one person could earn while another family member spends. Lastly, we do have an account where members with lots of Time Dollars can donate them to an individual who is either temporarily or permanently not able to earn Time Dollars for themselves. Please call or e-mail if you have more questions, 781-593-1800 or Barbara@lynntimebank.orgYours, Barbara
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Right on, folks! Everything that has been said up to this point is great advice!This is Ed Wollmann, with the Washtenaw Talent Exchange, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As many of the Time Banking regulars know, we have a Time Dollar group here with almost 300 members; of whom, over 80 percent are persons with disabilities. I can tell you from personal experience that once we get past the `disability thing,' the issue of whether a person with a disability can contribute, instead of merely receiving, quickly becomes a non-issue. The fact is, we can all contribute something, regardless of whether or not we are `disabled,' and also regardless of the significance of the disability. What we do here seems to work pretty well. We just start the conversation with a few simple questions, such as "what do you enjoy doing?" or "what are your hobbies?" We have found (no great surprise here) that people respond really well when we frame the idea of them contributing in terms of their PRESENT hobbies, interests and skills. And, in those cases where a person with a disability REALLY can't contribute; which will be seldom, then give the family members a chance tostep up in his/her name. The family members will love you for it. Keep up the great work, folks! Ed WollmannWashtenaw Talent Exchange
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Did you know that Clapham Park time bank had so many skills

2006-03-18T16:07:00.000Z

Here are some of the ones already in place
Arabic Translation,
Football Coach,
Secretarial Skills,
Admin / Office Skills
Business and Financial Advice
Rebuilding Computers
Qualified First Aid
CRB checked Child carers,
Improving Speech difficulties
Portuguese Translation,
French Translation
Painting & Decorating,
Poetry
Crèche workers
Reading Assistance
Cartoonist
Abstract Art
Cycling, Community
German Translation
Italian Translation
Hair braiding,
Singing, Recruitment,
Knitting and Sewing
Plastering
Robotics
Dance
Roller-skating
Proof reading
Letter Writing,
Dog Walking/ Training,
Gardening
Illustrators
Portraits
Flute Playing
Listening
Designing Open Spaces,
Graphic Design,
Mime Art
Cake Decoration / maker,
Woodwork
Teaching
Counselling
Qualified Masseurs
Mixing music
Basketball
Religious Teaching
Community Workshop Organisation,
Mental Health workers
Youth workers
Face painters
Basic Skills Literacy
Keyboard
Creative Writing Spanish Translation
Recycling
Shopping for elderly
Knitting, Teacher
Fitness instructor
Life Advice
Social Services Project Story telling
Brick Repair
Catering
Bar work
Landscaping
Window Cleaning
Murals
Nutritionist
Recording and Editing
Building tradesman
Interior Decorating
Fashion Design
Martial Arts
Eritrean Translation
Ethiopian Translation
DJ

"In Celebration of My Sisters" International Women's Month

2006-03-08T19:23:00.000Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:02 March 2006
CONTACT:Miss Dionne Lewis Tel: 020 7924 0112 Fax: 020 7274 8665 Email: dionne@thewritething.com Website: http://www.thewritething.com
IN CELEBRATION OF MY SISTERSIn Celebration of My Sisters T10th Anniversary 2006 International Women's Month 25th March
In Celebration Of My Sisters 2006
The Write Thing will be marking the 10th Anniversary of In Celebration of My Sisters, hosted by Brenda Emmanus (BBC, Entertainment Correspondent) and Angie Le Mar (Radio Producer) leading a star-studded line-up in an evening of song, dance, poetry and comedy for the variety show. The UK's largest line-up of sisters paying homage to International Women's Month. Over 14,000 attendees (2005).Performers at the In Celebration of My Sisters variety show include, internationally acclaimed Mica Paris, 'One Temptation', Loose Ends, Hanging on a String', the X Factor's Voices With Soul, Jaki Graham 'Could it be I'm falling in Love', 'RnB' singer Terri Walker 'Ching Ching', and the Queens of Lovers Rock, Carroll Thompson and Janet Kay, plus gospel great Cie, will get us in the spirit. Comedians Gina Yashere, Felicity Ethnic and Donna Spence will have the audience in 'stitches'. Together for the first time in 15 years we have The BiBi Crew, this well known group of women consist of some of the UK's top actresses including Suzanne Packer (Casualty), Jo Melville (Eastenders), Judith Jacobs (Eastenders), Janet Kay (Lovers Rock), Suzette Llewellyn (The Bill).With many special guests appearing who have been a part of the In Celebration of My Sisters festival over the last 10 years there will be over 30 artists at this sensational stage show. The nominated charities for this year is the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust. Due to the refurbishment of the Royal Festival Hall, In Celebration of My Sisters will be held at the Carling Apollo Hammersmith.Definitely an event to remember.-END-Notes to Editor1. Tickets for the 25th March at the Carling Apollo, Queen Caroline Street, London W6 9QH are now on sale at: £20.50, £25.50, £28.50 Box Office: 0870 606 3400 Show-time: 7.30pm - 11.00pm 2. All activities that comprise In Celebration of My Sisters T, were conceived, produced and directed by The Write Thing Ltd.3. Over 14,000 men and women attended In Celebration of My Sisters events in London (2005).4. All artists available for interview. Photographs available.ContactDionne Lewis & Tony Fairweather Tel: 020 7924 0124. Fax: 020 7274 8665 Email: office@thewritething.com Website: www.thewritething.com

What Is Time Banking

2006-03-01T22:00:00.000Z

What is Time Banking

A time bank is a new and exciting way for people to come together to help others and help themselves at the same time. Participants 'deposit' their time in the bank by giving practical help and support to others and are able to 'withdraw' their time when they need something done themselves.

Giving and Receiving Time

Time banks measure and value all the different kinds of help and skills we can offer each other. In a time bank, everyone becomes both a giver and a receiver.

Everyone's time is valued equally : One hour = 1 time credit

Participants can spend their time credits on the skills and support of other participants when they need a helping hand.

People help each other out with everything from making phone calls to sharing meals and giving lifts to the shops - anything that brings them together:

help when you need it ~ DIY ~ help with the kids ~ trips out ~ exercise ~ making friends ~ shopping ~ new grandparents ~ talking on the phone ~ having a break ~ gaining new skills ~ crafts ~ going to the park ~ cooking ~ getting to know your neighbours

Why have a time bank?

"Market economics values what is scarce - not the real work of society which is caring, loving, being a citizen, a neighbour and a human being.â€™"
Dr Edgar Cahn, founder of international time banking movement

There is a market economy in which money drives transactions. Then there is a non-market economy that it not considered as an economic system at all: our network of support in the form of family, friends, neighbours and community. A time bank is a way to strengthen a non market economy.

The market economy depends on the healthy functioning of the non-market economy - we all need support from family and friends. We take it for granted that the non-market economy will always be there. As such, we can undervalue what it provides.

We notice when things go wrong with the non-market economy. Social isolation, run-down estates, crime, poor health, no feeling of community: these are just a few of the symptoms of an area in malaise, with poor social connections and few support networks.

You can look at an area in decline like a body with a weakened immune system. The protection holding that body together - family, friends, neighbours, community - are falling apart. It is losing its connections. The body needs to be fit and healthy to function and to grow.

What we need to do is to strengthen the areaâ€™s immune system, by drawing people together and by developing mutual friendships and support.

A time bank is a way to achieve that, to strengthen communities.

A time bank can help to:

Bring people together in a spirit of equality
Value and record contributions to community life
Build an individualâ€™s confidence and skills
Build organisational capacity
Build community networks and knowledge
Get things done that wouldnâ€™t get done otherwise (by funding in time credits)
Encourage community participation

Who gets involved in a time bank?

Anyone and everyone!

A time bank is open to people of all ages, abilities, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. In fact, a time bank benefits from great diversity in its participants so that there is a wide variety of skills exchanged.

Find out more about how time banking works and the type of skills exchanged