Time Banking

ACCESSING LOCAL ECONOMIC RELIEF THROUGH TIME-BANKING (ALERT)

About TIME-BANKING:

A time bank is a community-based system where services and skills are exchanged without the use of traditional currency. Instead, time serves as the unit of currency. In this system, members ‘deposit’ time credits by providing services to others and ‘withdraw’ time credits when receiving services themselves.

Each hour of service given or received equates to one (1) time credit, irrespective of the service’s nature. This structure enables individuals to exchange a wide array of services, from home repairs to tutoring, based on their skills and needs.

Time banking, also known as service exchange, is an alternative monetary system in which time-based transactions or exchanges create economic value that strengthens social capital, economic relief, and community resilience. Our efforts to integrate time-banking and non-profit volunteering connect local people in mutual aid, thereby empowering citizens towards Accessing Local Economic Relief through Time-Banking (ALERT).

PRINCIPLES OF TIME BANKING:

Equality of Hours: Every person’s time is valued equally, recognizing that everyone has something valuable to contribute.
Mutual Aid: People helping one another in a structured way that benefits the entire community, providing shared support and creating a sense of belonging among members.
Community Building: By encouraging community members to exchange services, time banks foster stronger, interdependent communities where people can rely on each other for economic relief.

HOW TIME BANKS WORK

In a time bank, the currency system is based on units of time, typically measured in hours. This system operates on the principle that one hour of any member’s time is equal to one time credit, regardless of the service provided.

Members earn credits by providing services to others and spend credits by receiving services. This egalitarian approach ensures that all skills and contributions are valued equally. Time credits are tracked through a record-keeping system, often supported by online platforms or software, enabling members to manage their credits and view available services.

Key Messages

The ALERT campaign message aims to inspire citizens to engage with Time Banking, emphasizing the benefits of volunteering, community building, and social exchange.

1. 1. Emphasize the mutual benefits of volunteering with Time Banks (earning time credits, building connections, etc.).

1. 1. Highlight the diversity and inclusivity of Time Banking.

1. 1. Showcase the positive impact on individuals and communities.

1. 1. Encourage citizens to take action and join the movement.

Target Audience

Community-minded individuals or Locals
Retirees or seniors looking for purposeful engagement
Young adults seeking skills development and networking opportunities
People from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds

Partnerships

Collaborate with local community organizations, non-profits, and businesses to amplify the campaign's reach.

Join the Campaign

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

With Time-Banking, we build stronger networks, make essential services more accessible, and empower everyone to contribute to a thriving community.

For further inquiries and participation, please email us at:
alert@voluntaryaid.org

Let’s Build a Supportive, Sustainable Economy!