HTAG Guildford - Time Banks

Time Banks

Time Banks

Barbara Edwards is keen to promote the idea of Time Banks in the HTAG community. The time dollar scheme was started by Edgar S Cahn in 1986. One of the earliest schemes was centred round a retirement home. People can spend an hour getting a prescription for someone and earn a time dollar which they can then exchange for some service they need. It is like barter or sharing but it widens the circle; you don't have to find two people with completely compatible needs. If you were in a baby sitting circle, that was a similar principle.

Many of the schemes have a political or moral purpose. One typical example is LETS. Some schemes have been set up in underprivileged communities but really you can suit your philosophy to serve your own group.

The purposes could be:

To build community
To have a different value system - time rather than money
Local economic development
To create and grow more business - like "Bartercard" which is quite active in Devon and Cornwall
To help when money is tight
To practise skills that are not quit up to full commercial standard
To provide the things that commerce does not provide - caring, sharing, warmth, respect
To provide services you can't get easily - like someone to do the odd task or errand

After a test ruling fairly recently, the work is not accountable for tax purposes.

Possible Services:

DIY, help with kids, trips out, exercise (coach or companion), making friends, shopping, surrogate grandparents, talking on the phone, having a break, gaining new skills, crafts, going to the park cooking, getting to know your neighbours, gardening, trip to the shops or doing the shopping for you, painting and decorating, listening, dog walking, befriending, sports, music, collecting a prescription, Practising a new language through conversation, learning new skills, teaching what you enjoy, b building social networks through get togethers, organising community events, learning about IT and computers, work placements with local organizations, job skills such as letter writing and preparing for interview, leaflet delivery, assistance at short notice, administration help, shared use of resources such as computers and photocopiers, meeting spaces, training resources, simple repairs and collecting and delivering goods, shopping, catering at special events.

Helpful Websites:

http://www.timebanks.co.uk/
http://www.timedollar.org/ (US)
http://www.fairshares.org.uk/

HTAG's Involvement:

Could form a small active committee to share ideas and brainstorm. Could start with research on community values important to HTAG and the kind of activities people would like to offer or receive. Start pilot scheme. There is special software to run the scheme and Barbara would be happy to do this providing things don't grow too huge too quickly. It would be helpful to be as web based as possible to avoid postage costs.

For more information contact:

Barbara Edwards
12 Oxford Road
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 3RP
becoach@ntlworld.com
01483 832250