About timebanking

Timebanking is a community programme where people exchange services without the need for money. Here, an hour of your time is equal to an hour of someone else's, regardless of the service provided.

About timebanking

Timebanking is a pattern of reciprocal service exchange that uses units of time as currency. It is an example of an alternative monetary system. A time bank, also known as a service exchange, is a community that practices timebanking.

The concept of timebanking

The Timebanking concept was first put into practice in the early 1980s by Dr. Edgar Cahn, a civil rights activist and a professor of law, as a tool to address social issues. The principle behind timebanking is simple: for every hour you dedicate to doing something for someone in your community, you earn a time credit. This time credit can then be used to receive an hour of service from someone else.

Benefits of timebanking

Timebanking builds on the magic of “pay it forward”. When you provide a service, you’re not just earning credits, you’re strengthening the bonds within your community, fostering social inclusion, and promoting equality.

Every person has valuable skills to share, and every job is equally valuable in our Timebanking community. It does not matter what service you offer or require, an hour is always worth an hour. This unique system allows us to value and recognize the worth of tasks that often go unnoticed in the traditional economy, like mentorship, companionship, or community care.

Timebanking in action

In our Timebanking community, you might find a diverse range of services such as gardening, pet-sitting, home repairs, language lessons, cooking lessons, and more. The only limit is our community’s range of skills and time availability.

Join the movement

Join us and become a part of our Timebank Ireland community today. Give an hour, get an hour. Everyone has something valuable to offer, and your time can make a difference.