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TimeBanking

Giving and Receiving

For Healthy Communities

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MI Alliance of TimeBanks

Umbrella organization linking & supporting TimeBanks across the state of Michigan. We help individuals, organizations & communities

establish & run TimeBanks.

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What is a TimeBank?

A TimeBank is a ‘community of caring’ Members form a network of relationships

helping each other – as persons, groups associations and organizations

building trust and a sense of community through neighborhood projects and events

making transformational change

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Where Are TimeBanks?

1987—TimeBanks began 1995—TimeBanksUSA founded In 32 nations and 42 statesTB network is expanding and

evolving

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Michigan TB initiatives

Detroit—SW Detroit, Chadsey Condon, Villages neighborhoods

Metro Detroit—Lathrup Village, Southfield, Royal Oak, Ferndale, Plymouth/Canton, Westland, Sterling Hgts, Madison Hgts.

Kalamazoo, Grand Blanc, Meridian Twp, Charlotte, Muskegon, Lapeer County, Lansing, E. Lansing, Grand Rapids

Organizational exploration

Stafford House, Greater Woodward, Vanguard & NE Christian CDCs

Consortium of Hispanic Agencies, SW Solutions, Covenant Community Care, Bridging Communities

Church of the Messiah Housing Corporation, Gleaners

South Oakland Shelter

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TimeBanking Core Values

Assets: We all have something to give

Honoring Real Work: Building home, family, community

Reciprocity: Giving AND receiving

Community: We need each other

Respect: Voice and accountability for all

TBing is a powerful idea

One for one

Something for something

A fair exchange – ‘give and take’

A chance to pay back – and pay it forward

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TimeBank Circle of Giving

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How It Works

New members sign up & post what they will give & receive on TimeBank software

Software helps track the what, where, when of member activities

Members record their completed activities

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Practical & adaptable tool

Peer Youth Court—Washington, D.C.

Parent Support Network, RI—children at risk w/behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges

Visiting Nurse Service of New York

Lehigh Valley Hospital Community Exchange

Examples of TB innovations

Dane County, WI—1700+ individual & 80 organizational members

Rural WV church teaching solar paneling

NY City network to create 30 satellite TBs

Hour Exchange Portland, ME dealing with weatherization, healthcare, microenterprise

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Liability and legal issues

IRS ruling that time dollars are tax exempt

Each TB decides what it will do

Some TBs have Board and volunteer insurance with CIMA

Smart planning required

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Lessons learned

TBing is a paradigm shift

Paid staff essential for sustainability

A TB is a learning organization

It is not easy, takes two years to build & isn’t for everyone

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More lessons

Ownership of organizing committee is key

Widely applicable tool but must be shaped to fit & weave into organization’s mission

Innovative, fun ways to engage people are key, e.g. group projects & classes

A TB success checklist

Clear mission & core principles in place

Champions & stakeholders engaged

Paid coordinator & fundraising plan

Link to TB network for best practices

Start small & keep learning

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What does the future hold?

TimeBanking has potential to join the list of social innovations that have changed the world

No more silos. More patchwork quilts.

How could TimeBanking be used to implement your dreams?

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Using TBs to rebuild Michigan

What are possible first steps for you?

What steps could we take together?

What do you need to move forward?

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How you can help

Partner with MATB to support TBs

Identify resources & raise funds

Consider an MATB leadership position (Committee, Advisory or Executive Board)

Think outside the box

Spread the word

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For More Info

GrumlawMichigan.orgMITimeBanks.org

Tom Toohey

810.695.0517 or Tom.Toohey@live.com