I’ve often wondered how much more efficient my life would be if I could just find a way to pool resources with other people. For instance, when I make soup, I make A LOT of soup, why not have a soup exchange with someone else who does the same? Or what if, while I’m at the farmer’s market, I pick up your produce and next week you get mine? Sounds good in the dream phase, but locating these people and their respective needs is another story all together.
Enter Time Banking. A simple exchange system wherein each member earns one Time Dollar for every hour spent helping another Time Bank member. Time Dollars are then 'spent' when a Time Bank member receives help from another member. For example, I plant trees for one member, another member builds me a chicken coop; I share my extra soup with one member, another member picks up my produce at the farmer's market. Everyone’s time is valued equally and hours earned and spent are tracked in a local database accessible by Time Bank members. You save money and forge relationships and strengthen your community, all while nurturing your soul in the process. How cool is that?
There are over 50 officially recognized Time Banks in the U.S. To find one near you, visit the Time Banks Directory. Can't locate one in your community? Check out www.timebanks.org for a start-up kit.
Peace,
Annie
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