Brother, can you spare some time? New Haven's time bank turns 1

[phantom power]

NEW HAVEN — A freelance writer and translator like me can’t afford a guy like Bernard Brennan. But after a brief meeting with him, I was on my way to a Web site and business cards. I paid him in SHARE (Self Help and Resource Exchange) hours. Some I got by becoming a new member of the bartering network; some by supplying members’ demands for proofreading and editing.

In the time bank world, everyone’s hour of service is equal: Members can trade crochet lessons for roof repair or a ride to the airport for a massage.

SHARE Haven turned one year old this month, and membership has risen to more than 100 people.

But time banks have been around for decades as a way to share or trade skills without paying for them. New Haven’s time bank is loosely affiliated with, and holds principals similar to, Transition Greater New Haven. The international Transition movement is based on The Transition Handbook, a sort of community survivalist handbook for re-learning skills — sewing, gardening, baking, handiwork — to prepare for the disaster that may come when Peak Oil (the end of cheap energy) or climate change hits.

But its not all doom and gloom. SHARE Haven is creating community by fostering face-to-face interactions among members. It’s also practical. Members get what they need at no cost. It’s about survival and creating a better quality life.

http://www.newhavenadvocate.com/article.cfm?aid=16476

[wordpix]

1. great idea - take it to the web and make the shares locally accessible, like craigslist

[nebenaube]

2. I've been doing that...

The time banking is the last part of the puzzle...