Timebank
TIMEBANK
Community tool
A time bank is a reciprocity-based work trading system in which hours are the currency. With time banking, a person with one skill set can bank and trade hours of work for equal hours of work in another skill set instead of paying or being paid for services. Time banking can be especially effective in communities with limited financial resources like ours.
For example: If Antonio knows how to play the violin he may agree to provide violin lesson. If Antonio spends 1 hour teaching Miguel how to play the violin, rather than being paid monetarily, he will receive 1 time bank unit (equal to 1 hour of service). In return, Antonio can ask Mike to help him move his couch. He would then pay Mike 1 time bank unit per hour of work.
The Barrio Alegria Time Bank serves our Berks County community Time banks are non-monetary economies focused on skill and resource sharing.
Time banks believe that:
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Everyone has skills and strengths to offer.
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Everyone's time is of equal value.
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Everyone benefits from networking and relationship development.
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Everyone gets back what they put into the time bank.
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Everyone's needs can be met if we have the opportunity to rely on one another and respect what everyone can offer.
Our Mission
The Barrio Timebank is committed to strengthening our community in Southeastern Pennsylvania by celebrating our gifts and honoring how those gifts can benefit others. We are committed to serving all of our neighbors and especially those who experience disabilities, poverty, homelessness and illness.
Our Values
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Everyone has gifts to share; Everyone is important.
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We are stronger together than we are alone.
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Committed to providing a safe environment for our members.
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Everyone's culture, beliefs and perspective will be honored
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Generosity of spirit
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The power of belonging and inclusion
What If i feel like i don't have anything to offer?
You would be surprised at how many people share this feeling. We all have something to offer. If you can offer a kind word, you can be on the timebank. If you can make a phone call, you can be on the timebank. If you can drive one person to the store, you have an asset. Furthermore, do you have a hobby? Do you have a passion? If so, you have something to offer. One does not need to be a "professional" to provide services in the Time Bank.
