|
Thursday, July 10, 2008
In the winter of 2006, VNSNY proudly launched the first multi-neighborhood, community-based TimeBank in the greater metropolitan area. The VNSNY Community Connections TimeBank, currently has two hubs in Manhattan, one in Washington Heights/Inwood in Upper Manhattan and one in the Lower East Side and Chinatown. Both are open to all, and there are no membership fees. The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, through our philanthropic affiliate, the MCC Community Benefit Fund (which also runs the 2nd & 3rd Ave. Street Fairs and Volunteer Expos), has become a partner with the TimeBank and is reaching out to businesses in the neighborhoods noted to encourage participation.
What is a TimeBank? A TimeBank is a community-building tool that rewards decency, caring, and concern for the community. It’s a way for people to use their skills, share their passions, meet their neighbors and lend a helping hand! And it’s completely flexible: members contribute what they want, when they want and with whom they want.
How does it work, exactly? Every hour a member spends helping another TimeBank member can be redeemed for one hour of assistance from another member. It’s a pay-it-forward model. For example, a person who accompanies an elderly member to a doctor’s appointment can then use his or her credit to, say, have another member install a smoke detector.
Best of all, this "bank" encourages debt and charges no interest!
What Services do Members Exchange? The possibilities for exchange are vast. Members swap non-licensed services that neighbors can safely do for one another. Some typical examples include: Language lessons/translation Computer lessons Alterations Cooking/baking Assistance with shopping Serving as an escort to the doctor’s office Music lessons Social visits Minor home repair Light housekeeping Tutoring What are the Benefits of Joining the TimeBank? By becoming a TimeBank member, you can: Access many services with no out-of-pocket expense Meet new people from your neighborhood Enjoy discounts at dozens of local and online shopping outlets Attend TimeBank gatherings Who Should Join?
Everyone should become a member! The TimeBank can benefit kids, teenagers, parents, adults, baby boomers and older adults. Also MCC is encouraging businesses to register and offer discounts to local TimeBank members. It’s easy to do as each TimeBank member has a photo ID card which they can show. And by supporting the members with discounts, you will be listed on the TimeBank discount program brochure so that you can acquire new customers too!
How Do I Join?
It’s easy to get involved. To become an individual member, just call the TimeBank at 212-609-7811 or send an email to timebank@vnsny.org, and you’ll received an invitation to the next enrollment session. If you are interested in becoming a business partner to the TimeBank and offering discounts to TimeBank members, call Mashi Blech or Ana Miyares at 212-609-7811 or email mashi.blech@vnsny.org. If you want to join as an individual and exchange services with other TimeBank members, simply call 212-609-7811 or email timebank@vnsny.org and you will receive an invitation to an upcoming enrollment session. See for yourself why others enjoy TimeBank membership!
The VNSNY TimeBank will be expanding over time to other neighborhoods in the NY metro area!
|
