Reaching Into the Universe Dedicated to creating an enlightened world: spiritually fulfilling, physically healthy, socially just, and environmentally sustainable.

Join the Bay Area Time Bank

I've started experimenting with this Time Bank initiative from Bay Area Community Exchange, http://timebank.sfbace.org It seems like the closest thing I've seen to an answer to a question I've had: What would happen if we kept doing what we were doing but stopped using money?

It's part social-networking site, part alternative economy. You sign up, fill out a profile, offer your services and accept others' offers... not in return, but freely. The system keeps track of how many hours you've given and received, so gross imbalances get policed by the community through transparency.

It could stand to broaden its appeal a bit, but that's where you come in. Just because you're not necessarily into "urban homesteading" and other arcane sections of the Time Bank doesn't mean you couldn't benefit from it or others couldn't benefit from things you have to offer. It would be good to expand its appeal by getting more diversity there.

I'm experimenting with offering a Mindful Touch class payable via Time Bank. Other people are offering everything from eggs from their backyard chickens (all the rage currently) to basic tech support. Looks like there's room for some builders, lawyers, and drivers. Got a car you can give rides with? It's that simple.

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