Quantcast
Channel: beyondearthseries » Food Reviews
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 3

Timebanking: The Evolution of Barter

0
0

1

Let’s roll the clock back a few hundred years ago when only the highest of society had the means to live properly and everyone else had to work their fingers to the bone to make ends meet; and when that wasn’t enough, (and it never was) they had to resort to bartering for goods or services.

Sound familiar? Sadly, are country is not too far from that reality right now. The problem is that many folks are either afraid to admit it, or they aren’t aware of their own self-worth. We are all assets and have something to give, more than just what you do for work. We need to redefine the word “work” as something beyond a price tag. Many industries have been using bartering to improve their business for years.

For example, photographers use unknown models who are happy to pose for free to build their modeling portfolios; a novice hairstylist will jump onto the project to build his/her portfolio and a make-up artist joins the team as well for the same reason. Four people working together towards the same goal without any money changing hands (add a fifth if you want to include a fashion designer who’s showing off their clothing line). But not everyone works in these types of circles.

What I am talking about is an evolution of bartering: Time Banking.

Time Banking is a system of exchange where participants donate an hour of time and can redeem an hour of services for their time. But it’s more evolved than bartering; because, if I do something for you, you might not have the skill to do what I need. Maybe I baby-sit for you and what I need help with in exchange is to have my car fixed….except you’re not a mechanic. So that’s where Time banking becomes a great solution.

timebank20circleofgiving

Maybe I offer my writing skills to put together a press release for you and a few others. I take my time dollars from that and use it to get a haircut from another member at the timebank. Maybe the hairdresser uses his/her time dollars to  get their car fixed and so on and so on.

Timebanking is also great for building self-esteem. Many social service agencies put too much emphasis on how they “help” those that are “helpless”. But they aren’t helpless, everyone has value.

Maybe you are older and can’t stand long enough to bag groceries anymore for a little extra income. But you can use a timebank to teach someone how to crochet or sew. Maybe you are disabled and are limited in what you can do for work. But you know how to read, and maybe you can read to someone who can’t. The point is not to limit yourself to jobs that earn income. Use your skills and barter for the things you need.

“Money is a tool, the value is in the people”- anonymous

Today, time banks exist in more than 34 countries; there are over 280 in the United States, and 13 here in Massachusetts.  For more information on how to get involved with a time bank in your area go to www.timebanks.org



Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 3

Latest Images

Trending Articles





Latest Images