Our time bank project is chugging along. About 7 months in, we are being invited to present to groups (Interfaith council, Greenwich Senior lunch, private homes)
Feb 5 we have a community social in Salem - a Soup Swap where people bring crock pots of hot soup, hang around and talk -listen to five minutes about time banking - then just enjoy themselves on a wintery Sunday afternoon. Leftovers go home with attendees.
We are committed to moving our information sessions around to Southern Washington County communities, and within a month of an info session, holding a social (with a theme). Next info session will be in March on Schuylerville.
The other piece we are working on is having a planned presence in communities, meaning every week (or two) someone is available in a public place for conversation about time banking. For some it means simply being in their regular place (for example, I have breakfast most Fridays in Schuylerville) and announcing that for anyone interested in stopping by. Argyle Library is almost ready to start.
How about you? Do you have a place in your community where you can be found on a regular basis? Would you be willing to talk about your time banking experiences on a one to one basis?
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Last night at the Salem information session we wound up talking about soup. Maybe in part because we have a Soup Social coming up Feb 5 (Proudfit Hall from 2 -4). Maybe because the idea of getting and giving help cooking and setting up for an event came up in the conversation.
It the sort of thing we easily offer to a friend or close neighbor - just lending a hand - without compensation.
Today a friend is feeling a little under the weather and his wife is out of town for work. I thought about the quarts of chili I have in the freezer and offered to bring him some. I don't want to get an hour for this, but it keeps me thinking. I happen to know he could use a little help, he's a friend as well as a neighbor. But what about the neighbors whose needs I don't know? There are many around me with whom our friendly exchanges are not much more than "how are you holding up this winter?" Maybe they would welcome a pint of chili or someone to take them to the grocery or pick up their order at the Farmer's Market on this very cold day. Short of calling around the neighborhood, I can't know who could use a little help.
The time bank doesn't necessarily cover all the little changes in our life - but we can post things like: I broke my foot and can't drive for 3 weeks - I need help running errands. Or - I have the flu and would love to have a couple servings of homemade soup to see me through (and maybe a couple boxes of those ultra soft tissues.)
Sometimes it is easier to think of giving than receiving, but just writing those two fictional needs made me feel warm. How sweet it is to wish for connection and nourishment, to simply ask for help and have a kind person step up to offer. I am almost inclined to think this is the way of all guardian angels.
It's what we do for each other. But it goes beyond what we can do for friends and people we know. We reach for another level of our character to offer a hand to those we don't know, whether or not we get something in exchange. We feel good. But for those who find themselves doing a lot for others (in so many ways, including through our work), it's nice to be acknowledged, to earn a time bank hour, and to use it to get a little support for ourselves.
It the sort of thing we easily offer to a friend or close neighbor - just lending a hand - without compensation.
Today a friend is feeling a little under the weather and his wife is out of town for work. I thought about the quarts of chili I have in the freezer and offered to bring him some. I don't want to get an hour for this, but it keeps me thinking. I happen to know he could use a little help, he's a friend as well as a neighbor. But what about the neighbors whose needs I don't know? There are many around me with whom our friendly exchanges are not much more than "how are you holding up this winter?" Maybe they would welcome a pint of chili or someone to take them to the grocery or pick up their order at the Farmer's Market on this very cold day. Short of calling around the neighborhood, I can't know who could use a little help.
The time bank doesn't necessarily cover all the little changes in our life - but we can post things like: I broke my foot and can't drive for 3 weeks - I need help running errands. Or - I have the flu and would love to have a couple servings of homemade soup to see me through (and maybe a couple boxes of those ultra soft tissues.)
Sometimes it is easier to think of giving than receiving, but just writing those two fictional needs made me feel warm. How sweet it is to wish for connection and nourishment, to simply ask for help and have a kind person step up to offer. I am almost inclined to think this is the way of all guardian angels.
It's what we do for each other. But it goes beyond what we can do for friends and people we know. We reach for another level of our character to offer a hand to those we don't know, whether or not we get something in exchange. We feel good. But for those who find themselves doing a lot for others (in so many ways, including through our work), it's nice to be acknowledged, to earn a time bank hour, and to use it to get a little support for ourselves.
Monday, December 12, 2011
A recent email exchange
I just had another exchange, this with Bob, accomplished entirely by email. I was researching the purchase of a new laptop and couldn't figure out the benefits between two of them. I sent him the specs, he asked me a few more questions and then gave me his read of both machines. It was a great help, I could make my investment with confidence that I was getting the equipment I need. Thanks to Bob!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Post your inspirational stories and exchanges
Send Your Stories and TimeBank Highlights
Time for the Holidays and help support a cause: TimeBanks Network E- Bulletin wants to highlight TimeBank holiday exchanges and inspirational stories and experiences to demonstrate our work on precious causes such as family and youth support, health and aging, veterans, and the homeless. Send an email to lisa@timebanks.org to contribute a timebanks story, pictures, video, and highlights. Put Time for the Holidays in your subject line
Time for the Holidays and help support a cause: TimeBanks Network E- Bulletin wants to highlight TimeBank holiday exchanges and inspirational stories and experiences to demonstrate our work on precious causes such as family and youth support, health and aging, veterans, and the homeless. Send an email to lisa@timebanks.org to contribute a timebanks story, pictures, video, and highlights. Put Time for the Holidays in your subject line
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
New Member Orientation Weds, November 9 in Greenwich
Battenkill Time Traders New Member Orientation
Wednesday, November 9th at 7 pm
Greenwich Library, Main Street
What if you could get an hour (or more) of some service you need without having to pay cash for it? It could be almost anything – gardening, computer help, canning, small repairs – what do you need? What skills could you offer?
Battenkill Time Traders, a group of your neighbors from southern Washington County, are hosting an orientation to explain how time trading (also called time banks) works. Attendees have the opportunity to meet other members and learn how time trading can enhance your community. Automatically earn three hours for your account when you sign up for active membership.
Our January orientation will be held in Salem NY.
For more information visit our website: Battenkill.timebanks.org
or send a message in reply to this post.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Join us on the Battenkill Time Bank!
We are now fully members of Time Banks USA, using their web services and support - as well as being a part of a national community of time banks who share advice and perspectives. You can join the Battenkill Time Traders by visiting our website: battenkill.timebanks.org. To become a full member you will sign up, fill in membership information, attend an orientation (a one hour commitment for which you earn your first 3 hours), and pay a small membership fee. If the fee is hardship for you. please let us know, you can arrange to pay in time.
We are trying to hold an orientation every two months and will start scheduling these for villages throughout the area.
People are already signing up and making trades - the more neighbors who participate the more powerful, effective and supportive our time bank will be.
New members are encouraged to join us for the next orientation - Weds Nov 9, 7 pm at the Greenwich Library. Current memebers are also welcome to attend to share their ideas and experiences and to meet new members.
We are trying to hold an orientation every two months and will start scheduling these for villages throughout the area.
People are already signing up and making trades - the more neighbors who participate the more powerful, effective and supportive our time bank will be.
New members are encouraged to join us for the next orientation - Weds Nov 9, 7 pm at the Greenwich Library. Current memebers are also welcome to attend to share their ideas and experiences and to meet new members.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
November 9 - New member orientation
Our next orientation for new members will be:
November 9, 7PM
Greenwich Library
I am already a member and I have been to an orientation, do I have to go to this orientation?
No, you do not have to go.
But, you might like to attend IF
.... You have a friend or family member that is interested in joining.
.... You want to help with orientation and encourage new people to join.
.... You would like to talk with us about doing an orientation in your community or for your own organizations.
.... OR maybe you are still undecided about joining and would just like to sit in with us and get to know us a bit more.
Will there be another orientation soon?
Yes, we are interested in building our time bank. Even if you cannot attend this orientation you can mention your interest in time banking to friends, family and co-workers to help spread the word.
November 9, 7PM
Greenwich Library
I am already a member and I have been to an orientation, do I have to go to this orientation?
No, you do not have to go.
But, you might like to attend IF
.... You have a friend or family member that is interested in joining.
.... You want to help with orientation and encourage new people to join.
.... You would like to talk with us about doing an orientation in your community or for your own organizations.
.... OR maybe you are still undecided about joining and would just like to sit in with us and get to know us a bit more.
Will there be another orientation soon?
Yes, we are interested in building our time bank. Even if you cannot attend this orientation you can mention your interest in time banking to friends, family and co-workers to help spread the word.
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