Timebanking was created in the 1980s by American Civil Rights lawyer and political activist, Dr. Edgar Cahn, the founder of TimeBanks.Org, to address social issues arising from inequality and alleviate social exclusion. TimeBanks.Org advances the common good with communities throughout the globe by helping them form and grow timebanks. whose members step up to meet their communities’ needs, push
back against inequality, alleviate social exclusion, and recreate a sense of belonging. ides, monthly town halls “Chat bench”, timebank training, and software for community exchange, called Community Weaver. If properly supported, a TimeBank stimulates a community-wide cycle of action, learning, gathering, projects, initiatives, and rewards that enlist the untapped capacity of persons to extend trust, build mutual support, reduce social isolation, and advance shared purpose. People who are active in a TimeBank can earn credits through hours of work, then spend those credits to receive services from other community members. Members that earn time credits can take classes to learn new skills from other members, for example, learning a language or even learning a new instrument. Give your time, whether it be yard work, helping with transportation, picking up food, or cooking meals, these exchanges have equal value; and are valued only in terms of the time spent doing them. This is an innovative approach to stimulating neighbor-to-neighbor acts of kindness. One hour equals one credit – regardless of the service you gave. There is no money exchanged, only time. This affirms the value of community members’ talents and contributions and helps reweave the social fabric essential to community vitality. Who can be involved in TimeBanking? Anyone can earn time credits by contributing to others. Or they can pass on the time credits to others who may need them more. Individuals, groups, organizations, government agencies, churches, and businesses; all can become members, and contribute time, energy, skills, and resources.