-EXCHANGING SERVICES TURNS STRANGERS INTO FRIENDS-
Have you ever wished you had someone around to help you with the yard work, give you a ride to the doctor or just give you a hand when you need it? Someone you can count on? Many of us have family, friends and neighbors who help us out, but they can’t always be there in a pinch. In a Service Exchange community, someone is always there when you nee
d them. Being a member of a Service Exchange is like having an extended family to help you out. Caring for others and sharing our abilities, talents and experiences—not just money—are the foundations of a healthy community. A Service Exchange recognizes the value of mutual support which is essential to build strong and vibrant local economies. This is work the cash economy often ignores or undervalues. It affirms our belief that we are all equal and operates on the principle that everyone’s time is also of equal value. Furthermore, it honors the unique abilities, talents and resources that each of us has to share, regardless of age, gender, education, employment, ethnicity and cultural background.
-HOW ABQ HOURS EXCHANGE WORKS-
-AN HOUR FOR AN HOUR-
Jose needs someone to walk his dog for one hour. Using ABQ Hours Exchange’s software, he finds a dog walking offer listed by Sam and they set up an exchange for service through email. They set up a time and place for the exchange. Sam comes to Jose’s house and walks his dog. Sam’s “hour” of service is recorded onto the website software. Jose has spent an “hour” which will be withdrawn from his Exchange account. Sam has now earned one “hour” which has been deposited into his account to spend whenever he chooses. In turn, Sam finds an offer listed by Megan to shop for a member. They arrange an exchange in which she agrees to shop for Sam, to earn the “hour” he earned from helping Jose.
-GIVING & RECEIVING-
-MEMBER OFFERS & REQUESTS-
Acupuncture - Astrology - Audio/Visual Production - Babysitting - Birth Art Sessions - Bookkeeping - Canning - Cat Sitting - Childcare - Community Project - Companionship - Cooking Class - Computer Support - Dog Walking - Editing - Energy Therapy - Errands Event Planning - Garden Consulting - Graphic Design - Hair Cutting - Hauling - House Cleaning - Juggling Lessons - Language Lessons - Legal Assistance - Life Coach - Meal Preparation - Notary - Parenting Support - Photography - Tarot - Tax Preparation - Transportation - Yard Work - and more…
-OTHER POSSIBLE EXCHANGES-
Besides one to one exchanges, other exchanges involving more people can occur such as teaching a class or participating in a community project, such as cleaning a neighborhood park. If you want, you can also donate your hours to another member who is in need of extra help, or to the Hour Exchange’s Social Fund. Exchanging service through hours is not barter. Barter is direct trade between two people, based on cash value. The Hours Exchange is trade only of service amongst many people based on a fixed value, time.
-FIVE CORE VALUES OF SERVICE EXCHANGES-
1 ASSETS
Every person has the capacity to contribute. We all have needs and abilities even if we aren’t always aware of them.
2 REDEFINING WORK
Some work is beyond price. Work needs to be redefined so that it recognizes the value of raising a child, building strong families, revitalizing neighborhoods, making democracy work, advancing social justice, and making the planet sustainable. This work needs to be honored, recorded and rewarded.
3 RECIPROCITY
Helping works better as a two-way street. The question, “How can I help you?” needs to change to, “How can we help each other?” Giving and receiving are the basic building blocks of positive social relationships and healthy communities.
4 SOCIAL NETWORK
Networks are stronger than individuals and are essential in everyday life. They are even more so in emergencies and times of crisis. In a world of declining natural resources we will have to rely on each other. Belonging to supportive social networks not only fills our lives with meaning but also keeps us from being isolated and helpless.
5 RESPECT
Everyone’s voice must be heard and respected in order to promote social justice and encourage responsibility. Respect underlies our basic human rights and the core values of our society.
-HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER-
MONTHLY POTLUCK
Every month we have a potluck, for people interested in the Hours Exchange, as well as new and current members. The date and time is posted on the website and Facebook. This gives us all a chance to meet one another and learn about how Service Exchange works. If you cannot bring food, don’t let that prevent you from coming. Your time is what we value. In fact you will earn 2 hours for attending, plus an extra hour for bringing food. When you become a new member you can get involved right away by spending these hours on your first exchanges. If you are ready to join we’ll sign you up and request a membership donation of $25/year plus two hours of service donated to the Hours Exchange. Though most of the work to run the Exchange is exchanged for hours, there are some expenses that just need to be paid with money, like office supplies etc… For those who cannot afford this, there is a sliding scale. We will not turn anyone away for lack of funds. Also, two personal references will be required to join. MEMBER ORIENTATION
Every month we also have a new member orientation where we demonstrate the software (Time & Talents) used to maintain our membership, list offers and requests, and record exchanges. We will also discuss any of the questions and/or concerns you may have as a new member.
