Time Banking Brings Neighbors Together

For many of us, the days when neighbors were able to help neighbors are long gone. But Howard County Community Exchange, a multi-year collaboration launched in 2007 with the Columbia Association, could restore some of the connections between people with a need and others who can help.

The goal is to create social networks and provide an incentive for neighbors to help each other.

The program represents another prong in the Foundation’s multi-year effort to build the county’s social infrastructure in the interest of improving community wellness.

As an affiliate of TimeBanks USA, the Community Exchange is an international program with organizations in 40 states and 20 countries. Members trade services for time. For instance, members who spend an hour helping the resident of a nursing home, earn an hour of service for themselves.

Over the years, Time Banking has become a tool for powerful social change. The program works on the assumption that everyone has something of value to contribute to the community and engaging people who receive services as participants in a system of mutual contribution and reciprocal partnership can transform the relationship between service providers and clients.

Launched last winter, Howard County's Community Exchange now has a growing membership across Columbia. The most frequently requested services are transportation and simple home repairs. Other popular services are sewing, cooking a meal, computer assistance and requests for exercise partners. Future plans in the Columbia component include a baby sitting co-op.

In addition, planning was begun in mid-2007 to implement the Exchange in the Elkridge community. The Elkridge Horizon Council will be involved in the implementation of Time Banking there. Community Exchange members can attend classes that are paid for with “time dollars” and are taught by other members. Some of the offerings so far have been clutter control, blogging and getting ready for college, and a real estate seminar.

Before they can join, prospective members must undergo a background check and attend an orientation. The goal is to create social networks and provide an incentive for neighbors to help each other.

Community Exchange manager Muriel Stone Nolen knows firsthand how well the program works. A TimeBanks USA pioneer, she has been a member of its board of directors and has managed similar programs in Washington, DC, and New York.

Time Banking brings individuals together for a common good. Neighbors helping neighbors was an important part of community life in previous times, and, if all goes as planned, will become a visible part of Howard County’s social life during the information age as well.