Wednesday, May 2, 2007

4/28 Potluck & Social

On Saturday, April 28, over thirty people attended the first Middlebury Time Bank potluck social.

It was a great way for the time bank community and those interested in joining to meet one another, share ideas and enjoy a good meal. We will be having potlucks on a regular basis and encourage all members to attend, as well as anyone who would like to find out more about time banking.

Beth Diamond was the lucky winner of five time dollars in our first Time Bank raffle.

Although this was an informal event, Susan Gowen presented an example of the wonderful resources already available in our now 39 member time bank. Members also shared what exchanges they had participated in and how helpful they had been.

Susan's Time Bank Wedding...
If you or a family member wanted to have a nice wedding and couldn't afford to spend a lot of money, you could organize it cash-free with all of the services provided by your time bank community! We have:
  • A justice of the peace to provide the ceremony
  • A Harpist to provide the music
  • A floral arranger
  • A cake baker
  • A photographer
  • Many people who like to organize and cook, and who could help with the reception
  • Computer savvy folks to create your invitations
  • Many willing drivers to help with last minute errands
  • For the bride to be, a seamstress to help with the dress, a massage therapist, makeup artist and hair stylist
  • A 12 person pontoon boat ride for the wedding party!
All of these services are already listed aand available in the time bank.

We will continue to keep you posted on upcoming social events. If you have any questions please contact one of the coordinators:

Susan Gowen: 388-0402
Sue Liberty: 388-7460
Chris Kirby: christopherkirby@yahoo.com
or email the time bank account at middleburytimebank@gmail.com

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Types of services offered

Here are some examples of services that could be offered within the time bank. This is how the service offers and requests are categorized on the online banking system.

Help at Home

  • Child Care
  • Cooking & Sewing
  • Hair & Beauty
  • Housekeeping/Chores
  • Pet Care
  • Respite Care
  • Miscellaneous

Community Activities

  • Clean Up/Recycling
  • Community Service
  • Fundraising
  • Special Projects
  • Work for Social Change

Wellness

  • Complementary Therapies
  • Counseling
  • Diet & Nutrition
  • Fitness & Exercise
  • Medical Services
  • Yoga/Meditation

Arts, Crafts, & Music

  • Classes
  • Crafts
  • Entertainment
  • Lessons
  • Photo & Video
  • Theater

Home Repair

  • Car Care
  • Carpentry/Construction
  • Electrical
  • Garden & Yard Work
  • Painting
  • Plumbing

Transportation

  • Errands
  • Local
  • Long Distance
  • Medical
  • Train/Bus/Airport
  • Worship
  • Miscellaneous

Companionship

  • Clubs
  • Dining Out
  • Email/IM
  • Home Visits
  • Medical Errands
  • Telephone Calls

Recreation

  • Books & Videos
  • Dancing
  • Events
  • Games
  • Sports
  • Travel

Education

  • Advocacy
  • Classes/Workshops
  • Computers/Technology
  • Languages/Translation
  • Personal Finances
  • Tutoring/Mentoring

Business Services

  • Clerical
  • Computer Support
  • Financial
  • Legal
  • Marketing
  • Research
  • Odd Jobs
-Timebanks.org

Core Values of Time Banking

Time Banks exist to promote exchanges that honor five core values.

Assets

We are all assets.

Every human being has something to contribute.

Redefining Work

Some work is beyond price.

Work has to be redefined to value whatever it takes to raise healthy children, build strong families, revitalize neighborhoods, make democracy work, advance social justice, make the planet sustainable. That kind of work needs to be honored, recorded and rewarded.

Reciprocity

Helping works better as a two-way street.

The question: “How can I help you?” needs to change so we ask: “How can we help each other build the world we both will live in?”

Social Networks

We need each other.

Networks are stronger than individuals. People helping each other reweave communities of support, strength & trust. Community is built upon sinking roots, building trust, creating networks. Special relationships are built on commitment.

Respect

Every human being matters.

Respect underlies freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and everything we value. Respect supplies the heart and soul of democracy. When respect is denied to anyone, we all are injured. We must respect where people are in the moment, not where we hope they will be at some future point.

-timebanks.org