The Concept of Timebanking
A Revolution in Community Service
Timebanking is a simple idea with powerful implications. The model is based on the principle that everyone’s time is equally valuable, and that everyone has something to contribute to the community.
How Does Timebanking Work?
In Timebanking, the unit of exchange is the person-hour of work. For every hour you spend doing something for someone in your community, you earn one Time Credit. This credit can then be used to ‘buy’ an hour of a service you need. Everyone’s time is valued equally, so an hour of gardening is equal to an hour of home repair or an hour of teaching a language.
Principles of Timebanking
Timebanking is built on five core principles:
1. Equality: Everyone’s time is equally valuable. An hour of work is an hour of work, no matter what the task.
2. Reciprocity: The best way to thank someone is by helping someone else. We pay it forward.
3. Community: By helping each other, we’re building strong, resilient communities that work better for everyone.
4. Respect: Everyone is an asset, and everyone’s skills and experiences add value to our community.
5. Responsibility: We are responsible for ourselves and for our community. We look out for each other.
The Impact of Timebanking
Since its inception in the 1980s, Timebanking has proven to be a powerful tool for community building. It has been used in over 30 countries to meet community needs, build social networks, and facilitate cooperation among diverse individuals. Timebanking fosters social inclusion and equality, making it a potent model for community development.
The Time for Change is Now
Join the Timebanking movement and experience the joy of mutual support and community building. Everyone has something to offer, and every hour counts.