Together We Can - Hudson Valley's Time Bank!

Together We Can Hudson Valley Time Bank was created to encourage acts of service to others in the greater Hudson Valley community.  We all have skills and abilities that can contribute to our community that other individuals can benefit from.  The market economy values only money and marketable skills.  However, do we remember Mother Teresa because she was a good teacher or because of the imprint she had on humanity?  Do we study the lifework of Ghandi based on his vocation as an attorney; Jesus because he was a carpenter?  The contributions we make to our community, our society, and to the world are not measured in dollars and cents and it's time we learn that focusing so much on money steers us away from what really makes the world go round - us.  In older times it was common for neighbors to help each other without expecting monetary compensation.  This fabric of a community is the very essence that time banking was founded on and we aim to bring it back.  Together we can. 

Everyone has talents to share.  People who are unemployed or underemployed can use the time bank to contribute to the community, build friendships and community ties, and also build references for their skills that can be used for paid work, should they choose to use their skills as a vocation.  In Edgar Cahn's book: "No More Throw-away People," he emphasizes what he calls "The Core Economy."  In the core economy, people shovel their neighbors driveways, give each other rides, help with yard work and household maintenance, educate each other on local issues, fight for equality and social justice, and play active parts in their own community. 

Let's also not forget that we also receive from other members to get our own needs met: Have a leaky faucet and can't afford to hire a plumber?  - post the need in the time bank.  Need a ride to the airport? - Post the need in the time bank.  Hurt your back and need help with snow removal this winter?  - post it in the time bank.  Everyone has talents and abilities and everyone has needs - Together we can help each other, all the while making friends and strengthening the fabric of our communities. 

We recognize that each person has talents to share, and that the overall community is strengthened when neighbors help one another. For every hour that you help meet the needs of another member, you earn a time credit for the exchange. This time credit can then be redeemed for services from others, and the never-ending cycle of sharing continues.

For more information about timebanking, check out the links posted on the lower right corner of this page or visit TimeBanks.org. 

Together we can make a difference!  - Damian DePauw