by Stacey Jacobsohn, Time Initiative of Maine
TimeBanks help people
They help people save and stretch their cash
They help people connect and get to know each other, including people of different ages, races, backgrounds, and abilities
They give members access to skill-building and ongoing learning and job opportunities
They value every member’s assets equally, enabling and encouraging everyone to contribute
They help members create a social network that’s supportive
TimeBanks help non-profits, because…
They connect organizations more firmly with their surrounding communities
They provide a way to make “clients” into “contributors”
They can stretch the agency’s budget and resources by bringing the skills and resources of community members and clients into the mix
They provide a network of in-kind supports and volunteers nearby
TimeBanks help communities, because…
They help encourage people to get to know each other, including people of different ages, races, backgrounds, and abilities
They help to bridge communities/neighborhoods that might not interact
They have a unifying effect
By making neighbors accountable to one another, they can help to reduce crime and truancy, and increase neighborliness and pride in community
They give members access to skill-building and ongoing learning and job opportunities
They value every member’s assets equally, enabling and encouraging everyone to contribute
They help members create a social network that’s supportive
TimeBanks help local businesses, because…
Providing a local currency encourages local spending
People’s resources are better used, and they can therefore better afford to spend their money locally
They connect businesses more firmly with their surrounding communities
A happy neighbor = a happy shopper!
Active participation in the community results in customer loyalty
They make it easier for businesses to find alternative resources
