Wanted to add some more information regarding the time commitment! As a member of the "advisory group", you would attend several brainstorming/planning meetings, help network and spread the word to the East End communities, and assist in the coordination of the time bank once it got started. The time commitment would be approximately 3-15 hours per month, and would work around your schedule. Thanks, and please get involved- this is a great opportunity to bring together our community! On Wed, May 15, 2013 at 5:18 PM, Flavia Musinsky <flavia.musinsky@gmail.com>wrote:
Hey Neighbors,
I’m interested in starting a time bank in the East End of Pittsburgh, and I’d like to get some people involved in this really amazing opportunity! If you’re not sure what a time bank is, *please see below for an introduction *—there are over 300 time banks in the USA, and they’ve proven to be a great way to build community, get to know your neighbors, and get things you might normally pay for for FREE! While there is currently an active time bank in the North Hills, there isn’t one more central to the East End-- so we need to start one!!
Basically, I’m looking for a group of community-oriented people who would be willing to commit some time and energy to help make this idea into a reality. Time banks are not that difficult to start, but in order to get them off the ground, there needs to be a *team of people invested in making the time bank a success. If you’re interested in community organizing, good at networking, like working with people, or just want to be part of starting a time bank in Pittsburgh’s east end, please email me or call (646) 249-5791 so we can discuss how you’d like to be involved!
*While this isn’t a paid position, it’s a great chance to network, meet new people, and learn about community building!
And if you don’t want to be involved in starting the time bank but do want to be a part of it when it happens, please click the following link and leave your name and email address/phone number.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ITkDQRnP4p-02K-4oUwCdbqQt0dnvdNHOXCY81sO5Pw...
Thanks so much,
Flavia Musinsky
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*TIME BANKS- AN INTRODUCTION:*
You know that moment where you realize you need some sort of service, but don’t want to find, hire, or pay a professional to do it?
Maybe your car needs a minor tune-up, you need some tutoring for your child, or someone to drive you to a doctor’s appointment. Maybe you’d like some personal training to get in shape, or you just need someone to rake the leaves from your yard or take your dog for a walk.
Guess what??
Whatever service you need, there’s actually a way to get that help for free...AND get to know your neighbors, help revitalize and empower your community, and feel good about yourself!
What is it??
It’s called a time bank, and it’s based on the age-old concept of helping each other out--exchanging something you can do for something you need. Time banks began in the 1980’s as a way to combat decreasing social funding, and are an alternative monetary system that bases value on *time *rather than *money*. There are over 300 time banks in the USA, and they’ve proven to be a great way to increase community engagement and promote neighborly love- Mr. Rogers would have *definitely *approved!
*How Does It Work?*
A time bank allows members to receive credit for services they provide to other members. For each hour of work, one “time dollar” is deposited into a member’s account to use for services offered by other members. A locally established time bank serves as the hub for all exchanges, using online software to record time credit deposits and withdrawals. You register for a profile — sort of like a Facebook page — that lists your work skills, and then lists the tasks you're looking for someone else to do for you.
Rather than trading one service for another, time banking follows a “pay it forward” approach. For example, Amy baby-sits for John, John shovels snow for Sarah, Sarah fixes Darryl’s bike, and so on, all of them earning and spending time dollars. All services are valued equally- one hour is always worth one time dollar.
Finally, time banks also involve community get-togethers such as monthly potlucks, neighborhood clean ups, and other events to bring community members together in one space.**
*Why Join a Time Bank?*
There was a time when knowing and helping out your neighbors was common practice. These days, we’re increasingly isolated and uninvolved in our communities, dependent on a small inner circle of friends for companionship and on traditional jobs for a sense of value and worth. Time banks help strengthen communities by building networks of support among neighbors, bringing together people from different social groups, and tackling social exclusion by helping members develop their skills and increase self-esteem.
* *
*What Kind of Services Can I Offer/Receive?*
Pretty much ANYTHING! Perhaps activities that often fall to the wayside when money gets tight- art, dance, music, and language classes- or even services that help members on their job hunts: resume writing, interview skills, computer skills, etc. We all have skills that we may not think are useful, but someone else may be looking for!**
Some examples of services include:
- Home Help (Childcare, Cooking, Sewing, Beauty, Housekeeping, Pet Care, Respite Care) - Home Maintenance (Car/Bike Care, Carpentry and Construction, Electrical Work, Painting, Plumbing) - Health (Counseling, Diet and Nutrition, Fitness, Medical Services, Yoga/Meditation)Education (Classes or Workshops, Computers and Technology, Languages and Translations) - Arts, Crafts, Music (Classes, Crafts, Entertainment, Lessons, Photography and Video services) - Business Services (Clerical, Computer Support, Financial, Legal, Marketing, Research, Administrative) - Transportation (Errands, Local or Long Distance trips, Medical Appointments, Airport) - Community Activities (Clean Up and Recycling, Fundraising, Special Projects)
*How do I know that other time-bank members are trustworthy?*
While some time banks require background checks or references in order to become a member, others only require this for services such as babysitting or driving. Either way, working with someone in a time bank is no different than in the real world- if you’re inviting someone into your home, ask for references or meet them in a public place beforehand.