TimeBanks--Anybody In?

I was reading an article in the AARP Magazine last month and came across an interesting idea ( full article at http://www.aarp.org/money/budgeting-saving/info-02-2012/time-banking.html).  TimeBanks run on a simple premise--for each hour of service that members give, they earn an hour's worth of "time dollars" which can be traded for services from other members.  Everyone's time is valued the same--so the CPA's time equals the dogwalkers which equals the house  painters which equals the hours contributed by the caterer.  Cool, huh?!

The national organization (TimeBanks.org) has established the following core values. 

1.  We are all assets--We all have something to give.

2.  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.

3.  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?”

4. 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.

5. 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.

I was so excited to get involved that I checked out the membership listing, but, alas no timebanks in my immediate area.  Want to see if there is one near you?  Go to http://community.timebanks.org/ and see if you can join. 

I love the idea of fostering real community ties.  In Orlando we have such a transient population.  It seems as if everyone is from somewhere else.  Many of us don't have family support systems available.  The idea that together we are better than alone is a huge plus to me. 

Imagine being able to bank hours for things like:   driving members to doctor's appointments or to grocery shop, giving haircuts or dance lessons, providing health care, home weatherization, mending clothes,  electrical or plumbing services, yard work, house cleaning--the possibilities are endless.   You of course would still have to pay for materials used (like paint if you had your house painted), but, the labor savings could be huge.  AND, you have gotten to know your neighbors and built lasting relationships. 

I wish the idea would take off in every neighborhood or community.