What a great discussion about Timebanks on the Coffee Break this morning! Our Special Guest, Kat Savyannah, the hOur TimeBank, shared this description of what timebanks are:Its like bartering, but not limited to two people. Its different than volunteering because you get something in return. Its a community of people with all kinds of skills and talents to trade and share with each other.

So what do you want to know about Timebanks? Are you a member of a Timebank? What is that like? OR maybe you have a question about how to start one in your area.

Share your questions, as well as your resources, information, experiences, and ideas about timebanks in this discussion.

Here are a few resources that were shared on the Coffee Break:

Timebanks USA

Videos that talk about timebanks:

• Diane Sawyer video
• Connecting to Community

Thanks for the resources, Deb. I missed the live coffee break, but I love the idea of time banks. I see one has started around Fond du lac. Thanks again.

Is there anywhere that we can get information on where Time banks in WI are active and thriving?

Carrie

p.s. sorry I missed coffee break! I needed it and truly miss it when I can't partake in this great experience you put out there for us all to participate in.

I think there are two ways that I can think of finding this out, Carrie.... First, check out thedirectory on the Timebanks USA website and do a search for Wisconsin to see what timebanks are listed for our state... Each of these should have contact info and you can directly contact them to find out what they're doing. I know that some of these are not very active while some are very active. This will tell you how many members, how many exchanges & when the last exchange was. I do notice that not all the timebanks are listed there however (example: Dane County's timebank) so I'm not sure why that is.

It think the other way is to connect with people who you know are active with organizing and leading any of the timebanks. For example, I know someone who works with the Dane County Timebank, who is also a member of the Rock Hour Community (I think that's the name of it). He's a pretty connected guy when it comes to timebanks, so if you want his contact info, let me know....

I think the two closest timebanks closest to me are in the Twin Cities area. Who do I contact to come out and talk about how to get started, the cost of getting going and using software, etc.

There are lots of different ways that people get started with timebanks. You & I can talk more about this next week when I visit with you.

Sounds like a great idea Deb.