Time Banking - a different way to volunteer your time.
What is Time Banking?
Time Banking builds on the principle that everyone has something to give. Time Banking is a highly effective tool for developing people's social networks and building social capital - connections and communities between people.
Where did Time Banking come from?
The idea was developed by Dr. Edgar S.Cahn a civil rights lawyer and speech writer for Robert Kennedy who dedicated his life to the fight for social justice. In his 40’s Edgar Cahn suffered a massive heart attack, losing 65% of the capacity of his heart. He was told he could no longer work and lay in hospital bed feeling useless – not a feeling he relished.
However it prompted his thinking about others whom society often lables as “useless” - older people, the unemployed, people with mental health issues, lone parents on benefit. He concluded that the one thing everyone has in common is time – we all start the day with 24 hours at our disposal – it’s what we do with that time that makes the difference.
Those who do paid work gain financial remuneration for their time which helps to define them as people and also gives status and value to their lives. But what about the unpaid work of caring for and raising children, caring for elderly or disabled relatives, volunteering or being a community activist? This Edgar reasoned was the work which underpinned society; in essence the operating system for everything else. He called this work “The Core Economy” – the real work of caring, of loving, of being a citizen, a neighbour and a human being. This work is not valued by the market economy so Edgar Cahn developed Time dollars - or what we now know as Time Banking as a mechanism by which it could be rewarded.
So how does Time Banking work?
One hour equals one time credit – all work is valued equally – the currency is time.
Reciprocity – giving and receiving builds trust and mutual respect.
Valuing people as assets – not seeing them as problems – people are the real wealth of a community, and valuing their skills, talents, knowledge and experience build their sense of themselves as worthwhile members of society.
Building Social Networks – a growing body of research cites loneliness and isolation as impacting negatively on both physical and mental health. “Having friends and being involved in community life makes people happier and healthier. It can make as much difference as to how long you live as smoking.” Professor Richard Wilkinson, co author of “The Spirit Level”
What about Time Banking in Edinburgh?
West Edinburgh Time Bank, based in Wester Hailes Health Agency, was launched in August 2009 and has gone from strength to strength. It now has more than 60 members with one paid part time Broker and one volunteer Time Broker. The following two examples demonstrate the supportive relationships developed through the Time Bank.
One older Time Bank member, Annie, has arthritis in her hands but is otherwise healthy and very independent. She does not want to move to a care home. Another member takes her shopping once a fortnight and carries the heavy bags. Annie then embarks on a well planned cooking session to prepare a fortnight’s worth of meals for the freezer. The other member helps her by chopping vegetables and any other tasks made difficult by her arthritis. Annie now has a freezer full of nutritious home cooked meals and has developed a friendship with her helper, who is learning to cook. At the end of the day they both sit down share a meal – the fruits of both their labours.
The oldest member of the West Edinburgh time Bank is 84 and recently had a mild stroke. The Time Broker was visiting her at the time so was able to summon immediate medical help and she was taken to hospital. She refused to be admitted to hospital, citing the support of the Time Bank as the reason this was unnecessary. The Time Broker immediately visited to find out what help was needed so she could mobilise help and support from other members.
HM PRISON EDINBURGH has recently got involved, establishing a link with the West Edinburgh Time Bank. Prisoners earn time credits for voluntary work in the prison which they donate to the Time Bank. If a prisoner has family living in the area of the Time Bank they can specify their time credits are used to support that family, helping to keep the links strong and prevent family breakdown. Alternatively the hours are donated to a community pot to be used at the discretion of the Time Broker.
Developing Time Banks in Edinburgh
Time Banks are also being delivered in a number of other areas in Edinburgh, e.g. South East Edinburgh, North Edinburgh, Leith, Drumbrae/Clermiston and Inverleith.
If you would like more information on Time Banking in your neighbourhood please contact Kate Kasprowicz: kate.kasprowicz@volunteeredinburgh.org.uk
- Paul – 21 March 2011
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