Web Watch
For more information about the Fayetteville time bank:
www.fayettevillecommunityexchange.org
FAYETTEVILLE — In exchange for her cooking, writing and consulting skills, Catherine Rose Stevens received a foot massage and a clean home.
The Springdale resident is among 40 people who’ve been exchanging their time, talents and services without spending a dime. The bartering exchange program, referred to as “time banking,” is tracked online via TimeBanks USA.
The program includes exchanges that range from errands to gardening and from home repair to graphic design.
“I had two young ladies come over and do some cleaning for me because I have problems with my back,” Stevens said. “They were so delightful and friendly. We spent a lot of time laughing and they did a really great job.”
Members of the grassroots organization support one another by exchanging services on an hour-for-hour basis to collect time dollars. For each hour someone spends helping another member, that member earns one time dollar. The time dollars can then be spent to have another member grant a request.
Martin Jardon, who serves as ambassador for the Fayetteville Community Exchange Time Bank, led the group’s monthly recruitment meeting Saturday at the Omni Center for Peace, Justice and Ecology. Jardon said he hopes to recruit more members to expand the services offered online and to eventually become incorporated as a nonprofit organization.
He said the time bank’s website has about 100 service requests online, such as physical therapy, organic food delivery, yoga lessons and Web design. Services being offered include, photography and piano lessons; garden installation, automotive repair, fundraising, grant writing and legal advice.
“The whole program is based on trust,” Jardon said. “To become a member, they have to agree to the whole philosophy that when they exchange with someone else, they’re responsible for their own well-being and safety, as well as making the exchange a positive experience for themselves.”
Patricia Mikkelson, one of the Fayetteville time bank’s first members, said she’s organized, cleaned and gardened for other participants. In return, she received a free ride when her car broke down, as well as some small business consulting.
“I don’t know what I would have done if it hadn’t been for these people,” she said. “I’ve made so many friends and deepened existing friendships.”
Members who attended Saturday’s meeting earned time dollars for brining guests. Non-members also received time dollars for attending.
Stevens said Fayetteville’s time bank made it easier for her to transition to life in Fayetteville after moving from Connecticut.
“I’ve always had an interest in community building,” she said. “This was also a great way for us to meet people. Sometimes it’s hard to ask someone for help, but these people are so sweet.”
Jardon said the local program has shown steady growth since its inception last year, crediting economic constraints as a possible factor.
There are between 60 and 80 time banks across the country, he said.
“We’ve developed our own currency,” he said. “Someone working as a lawyer may earn $500 an hour, while someone who does yard work may get $10 an hour. With the time bank, everyone’s time is worth the same.”