Networks Action Group

Our Theme:

Supporting Adult Learning Networks to Create a More Vibrant Hartford

Our Goal:We’ll create a language and culture learning exchange in the form

of a Time Bank.

Initially, partners will meet at the Hartford Public Library;

We’ll pair people up for learning in areas such as: language practice

the arts travel

history possibly cooking…

We’ll target all cultures, ethnic groups in Hartford;

We’ll start small… expand gradually to include community at large;

What is a time bank?A time bank is a member-led community

network exchange;

Members help each other;

They earn, bank, and spend time credits as the exchange of services takes place.

How does this work? A neighbor like you or me, Joshua for example, helps Susan by rebuilding her

front porch.   Joshua earns one time credit for each hour of this work.

Joshua’s time credits are recorded- deposited into Joshua’s individual account held on a central computer.  Joshua, spends his saved time credits on Spanish lessons taught by Pedro.

Susan babysits Adila’s children and earns and records her time credits.

Pedro needs help with a bank loan for his business; he spends time credits on Kahn’s accounting services.

… and the giving and receiving circle continues… as Adila, Khan, other neighbors help each other

while earning and spending time credits…

TIME BANKING

How does it work continued…Time is valued equally - 1 hour of raking leaves = 1

time credit, as does 1 hour of legal advice from an attorney.

Services are reciprocal – each member provides and receives services.

A time bank is an exchange of social capital for many in the community; individuals, organizations, businesses are members.

Members get together periodically for social events.

Hour Exchange Portland sees its time bank like this:

Some of the Values of a Time Bank:All members are community assets.

Some work is beyond price; work is redefined to value what it takes to create healthy, socially just, and sustainable communities.

Work is honored, recorded, and rewarded.

Helping others is a two-way street.

People need and help each other to reweave communities of support, strength, and trust through meaningful working relationships.

Everyone is worthy of and should benefit from respect for one another; everyone matters!

How can a time bank help?

.

“A time bank can help to: * bring people together in a spirit of equality

value and record contributions to community life

build an individual’s confidence and skills

enhance the capacity of a community or voluntary organization to make a difference

Build community networks and local knowledge.

get things done that wouldn’t get done otherwise (by funding in time credits)

encourage community participation and diversity in its participants so that there is a wide variety of skills exchanged

embed reciprocity into the relationship between citizens and public services.”

* From Peter North, author of Local Money – How to Make It Happen in Your Community

References:Peter North, Local Money – How to Make It

Happen in Your Community

Time Banks USA’s website

Hour Exchange Portland’s website

The Hour Exchange’s website

The contributions of all the wonderful folks who are engaged in this activity in other towns and cities and our own local folks who are supporting our group’s efforts.