Time banking
A time bank is a mostly local association to provide mutual benefits based on a moneyless exchange economy. It provides an organized form of neighborly help dar. In contrast to exchange rings there at the time banks explicit way a savings deposits on supplementary pensions build.
Principle
In contrast to the usual, "spontaneous" neighborhood assistance provision and use of services are organized formally through time banks. Although the barter exchange of rings similar to close some time banks to trade in goods and are limited to the exchange of personal services to be rendered.
The time bank represents an exchange system of services without money compensation or non-profit making dar. scale ( " currency ") for the billing of services alone is the expended or time taken, regardless of the content or result of the service. If a member has received benefits it affords the consideration is not necessarily the service back, but this can also provide to other members of the time bank. Money is usually " approved documented expenses, the framework should be clarified in advance between the parties " just for the remuneration of.
Services provided to a service provider on whose " time account ", similar to a bank account is credited; the account of the beneficiary is loaded with a corresponding negative amount ( "Time Debt "). The load must be balanced with services to be provided, goal is a balanced time account.
Method
A member shall be free at the beginning or register for a small fee (eg for accident or liability insurance ) and specifies which services will offer it. About a database offering will be listed and retrieved when needed; However, the service provider can decide case by case whether he wants to provide the service at the desired time.
Services
The services offered by a time bank in content first without limitation, they are defined only by the capabilities and offerings of its members. However, restrictions imposed by legal requirements ( in Germany for example, the Legal Advice Act ) must be observed.
A selection of typical offers from time banks is:
- Accompaniment (by foot, wheelchair, by car, to government offices, shopping etc. )
- Babysitting and caring for children
- Smaller house and crafts, DIY jobs, grave and garden maintenance
- Computer work, tutoring
- Keep company, Storytelling, help with personal care
- Animal Care and executing animals
Time banks can serve the solidarity between the generations: Each offers at what he does well. They thus form an additional offer to increase the quality of life. Time Banks are available in many German cities or even in other countries.