LMTimebank.org – Vancouver, B.C. Canada

Another news story about TimeBanks, this one from Boston.

This article stresses the equalizing effect of a TimeBank:

“At a philosophical level, time banking promises a form of egalitarianism through an alternate economy. In its world, a lawyer’s time is equal to a babysitter’s, and everyone, regardless of physical or intellectual abilities, has something to give whether it’s rides to the doctor, plumbing work, or companionship.

“One of the things that’s great about time banking is it’s a great leveler. I really wanted to create a culture in which everything was equal, everyone was valued, everyone could contribute,’’ said Ellin.

She was inspired to start a time bank through her work as a psychologist, and her frequent contact with families who were struggling with social isolation while dealing with their teenagers’ mental health issues.

“I realized I needed to figure out a social network that’s accessible quickly, easily, and automatically’’ so the families could get their needs met, she said. It takes time to build a relationship, she said, “before you can impose on someone and ask them for a favor.’’

With time banks, people can contribute in any way they can, and are paid back with what they need when they need it. And in the process, the hierarchy that results from traditional volunteerism is eliminated, said Ellin.”

There is occasional news coverage for TimeBanks and often it reflects harder economic times forcing people to look for alternatives. Or there is the every growing desire for more feeling of community, in world where we often are separate and feel alone.

TimeBanks can be many things to many people. They are more than a good idea they are life changing way of going through life.

“What I had hoped would happen is that it would be a very large network and within that there’d be neighborhood groups,’’ she said. So far, Jamaica Plain and the Cambridge-Somerville area have their unique identities within the group, she said. “It seems sort of miraculous but it’s actually working.’’

Check out the full article :

http://www.boston.com/yourtown/natick/articles/2010/04/25/wayland_architect_works_to_spread_time_banking_network_west_of_boston/