Many of us have difficulties succeeding in our current market economy, where only a fraction of the work that takes place in our world is accounted for and valued- where everyone's time and skills are not considered equal.
What would happen if the core economy was valued? This term, coined by economist Neva Goodwin, represents the work that we do to keep our families and neighborhoods healthy and functioning. It includes the skills we use on a daily basis, including child care, cooking, household maintenance and construction, or growing food in your yard.
Time Banking, as a complimentary currency system, empowers individuals by acknowledging this work and placing an equal value on everyone’s skills and time. By encouraging exchanges between neighbors and among community members, everyone can realize what important assets they have as an individual. Additionally, through embracing the core economy and exchanging your time and skills with neighbors, you can simplify and enrich your life while becoming more successful within our current economic system.
For more info, read a brief essay on the Core Economy from Time Banks founder, Edgar Cahn
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
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
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
No comments:
Post a Comment