Sharing the many ways, others are experiencing Timebanking. 

Photo by: Mary Z. Greer ~Kent Community TimeBank

Credit goes to Kent Community Timebank inc.Facebook page

One of the beautiful bits of collateral that comes along with a TimeBank is finding a community of people. With that discovery comes the opportunity to lean into that community and cultivate friendships, if you choose. This was one of those weekends, where I leaned in! So glad to visit with Mary and to go out for some fun on the lake with several other Time Banking friends! I chuckled at myself last night as I contemplated, with humor, whether I now owed these folks time credits for all the fun?! Maybe not, but I do owe a debt of gratitude to this group for your hand in friendship. Thank you!

Mary Z. Greer

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Do You Need Food?

Check out the Department of Human Resources website. They have a list of where to get Food Help! Thank you to one of our members (Bern) for this information.

You must pre-register first.

https://humanresources.vermont.gov/food-help

The ORE TEAM

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I wanted to share what Alice Bagley Coordinator at Unity in Our Community Timebank, Detroit, Michigan, posted.

I believe it is important to share! Please Read.

JUNE 27, 2020 BY ALICE BAGLEY

Black Lives Matter

Police brutality and mass incarceration are antithetical to the core principles and values that TimeBanking is founded on. TimeBanking was popularized after the publication of No More Throw-Away People by Edgar Cahn. Cahn writes about the way that the money economy regards certain groups of people- those that are unemployed, disabled, elders, children- as “throwaway people” and says that in order to heal our society we have to create an economy that values everyone. We can add Black people and other people of color, immigrants, and “criminals” to that list of people considered by some to be disposable, and the system of incarceration, deportation, and police brutality to be the way that we separate them out from the rest of society.

Grounded in our TimeBanking principles (listed below), Unity in Our Community affirms that Black Lives Matter.  We will continue our work along with many others to find ways beyond incarceration and policing to create true community safety and racial justice.

TimeBank Core Principles (and their relevance to racial justice and moving beyond our current justice system)

1. People are Assets: When we lock people up in prisons or detention centers we devalue them. When we assume someone is dangerous or a criminal because of their skin color, the country they are from, how they talk, and how they dress- we devalue them.
2. Redefining Work: If we truly value people’s contributions to our society, beyond their current market value, we would eliminate the poverty which drives much of what is considered “crime” by society. We also need to define work in a way where those that are peacemakers and peacekeepers in society are valued just as highly, if not more so, than those that perpetuate war and violence.
3. Reciprocity: No one is a taker or a giver, we all have needs and we all have something to offer. Likewise, people’s identities cannot be “cop,” “illegal,” or “criminal”- like giver and taker these labels are changeable and constructed by society.
4. Social Network: We all need each other, we cannot wall ourselves. We are seeing this in the current public health crisis as well as in our criminal justice system. Since our fates are all bound up together anyway, rather than locking some people up or segregating ourselves from people and places that we consider dangerous, we need to work together to create systems that keep everyone safe and healthy.
5. Respect: Every human being deserves respect. You cannot respect people in a society where assumptions are made that criminalize people based on their skin color, the country they are from, how they talk, and how they dress. It is also deeply disrespectful to use violence against people who are speaking and gathering in a nonviolent way. Black people deserve the respect that our society too often denies them.

You can view the article: http://www.southwestdetroittimebank.org/2020/06/27/black-lives-matter/

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Formed in 2008 as an outgrowth of Envision Montpelier in an effort to ensure community sustainability and increase community connectedness, the Onion River Exchange’s mission is to promote the exchange of skills and talents, using time instead of money, to increase the sustainability and well-being of communities. Over 16,000 exchanges have occurred between members in our community. New members sign up each month. And yet, members report the difficulty of getting someone to help with, or even respond to, their requests. At the annual meeting in the fall of 2019 the idea that the exchange has lived out its useful life was brought up. Now, faced with the isolating effects of the COVID-19 response, it seems like the exchange could be useful in keeping our community connected to individuals and organizations. What is the way forward? ORE’s Board of Directors is looking for members interested in serving on a task force whose mission is to come up with ideas and recommendations for the path ahead. Do we close? Do we change software providers? Partner with another community organization? Any ideas are worth discussing and this group will have the space to do so. You will earn credits for your time. The time commitment of this venture will be up to the task force to determine, but recommendations need to be submitted to the Board by the end of July. If interested in being part of this task force, please contact Diadel Ortiz, ORE Member Outreach Coordinator, at info@orexchange.org BY JUNE 5th (this Friday).

 

 

 

 

 

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Timebanking in times of social distancing

Here is a good read on how one timebank is dealing with social distancing. https://www.sstimebank.org/news/2020/4/4/timebanking-in-times-of-social-distancing-supporting-our-community-and-ourselves

I took this quote from the article:

“Timebanks are not just for exchanging services. When we get to know one another by giving and receiving help, we strengthen the fabric of our communities. We need not feel isolated. With a little creativity, we can stay connected and lend support, from a distance.”

We are in a position to continue to help others distinctly. We are offering; coaching and counseling, software installation and mentoring, gardening help, virtual check-ins, and meet-up, among other things.

There is also a request for; grant writing, musical instrument tutor, graph design help, baking, help with the internet.

We can still help our community and follow the guidelines to stay healthy and safe.

So, I invite you to join the new movement in timebanking. It is a great way to connect with others distantly and virtually while helping the community become more productive and feel supported, all while staying healthy. Let’s inspire one another. You will earn credit for submitting creative ideas for distance exchanges. Email your ideas: info@orexchange.org

You can also earn credits by attending our ORE COFFEE CHAT (Mondays AT NOON)on Facebook or one of our virtual Check-in/Meetup sessions on ZOOM(check for dates & times). There are many opportunities to continue timebanking.

Contact us for more information!

Sincerely,

The ORE TEAM

info@orexchange.org

Dear Members,

During this unprecedented time, we wanted to reach out and update you on how we’re approaching the situation at Onion River Exchange.

First and foremost, our hearts go out to anyone impacted by the virus, either directly or indirectly. Our thoughts are especially with those who are sick, to whom we extend our heartfelt wishes for a full recovery.

ORE has always had the option to “pay” your dues with hours exchanged with ORE (4hrs), and there has been no change to that policy.  In addition, due to the current situation, we will extend that policy to include exchanges done with other members. To be clear, if you are currently unable to pay your dues, you can use any exchange you make as of April 1st, to cover your dues. Please reach out if you have trouble making that exchange happen.

 Please continue to refer new members as we look to support the ORE community, save money, learn something new, connect with members on a social level through virtual meetups, and meet new people.  Throughout this time, we are here to support you. Since many of our members may be facing unusual financial hardship, ORE is asking to please reach out to us so we can help.

 We will continue to look for ways to support our member’s needs during the pandemic; Consider exchanging virtually and having conversations over the phone. There are many ways to stay connected. Practice a language over the phone or computer, have a virtual coffee with someone, teach knitting over the network or have someone guide you over the phone, get coaching on how to plan a garden, learn how to use Facebook, or check in on a fellow member.  The possibilities are endless. Being physically distant doesn’t mean we can’t stay connected.

As we go forward, we’ll be sure to keep you updated, and know that we always value your questions, ideas, and feedback.

Sincerely,

Diadel
ORE Team

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Hello Everyone,

We have all been told that the most significant thing that most people can do right now to make a positive difference is to practice social distancing. Social distancing means keeping a safe distance (approximately 6 feet) from others and avoiding gathering spaces such as schools, churches, concert halls, and public transportation.

At ORE, we will be creating positive changes by applying social distancing. Our strength is our network of people helping each other, uniting communities in support, strength, and trust– which we need now more than ever.

So, we will be using social media and other platforms to connect with you more than we have in the past. Social media can be a powerful tool—not only for connecting with friends, family, and acquaintances—but for feeling united in a greater sense to our communities, country, and the world. It reminds us we’re not alone in this time of uncertainty. You can follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ORExchange

We are also planning to host a meetup soon. What is a meetup? Since our upcoming gatherings like our community potluck have been canceled, we can gather in our own homes together through a virtual media platform. Through your computer or smart-phone, we can share ideas, talk about our hobbies, what we like to do or the concerns affecting us right now. It will be a live video chatroom just for us, private just for ORE and its members. Details are coming soon.

We would also encourage you to keep making exchanges while practicing social distancing. Try these ideas:

• virtual book club
• video jam session (for those learning or have instruments to either practice or play)
• online tutoring
• cooking sessions
• Knitting sessions
• Host a virtual workout

There are many exciting possibilities for ORE and our community, even if we can’t gather together physically at this time. By joining through social platforms, you are still giving and receiving services and earning hours. And as always, we welcome and encourage your feedback and creativity.

Be well,

The ORE Team

How to connect with others during the outbreak

Postponed due to COVID-19

• ORE- Member’s Community Potluck

• ORE- High Tea

Click here for more information

ORE NEWS

ORE High Tea 

General Assistance Needed at the Capital City Grange

How ORE Saved us Money on Plumbing!

Onion River Exchange-Time Banking Orientation

REPAIR CAFÉ was a great success

ORE Member’s Page

ORE in the News

Hello Everyone,
We want to help you have a good experience here at Onion River Exchange (ORE). I always say communication is the key to a skillful experience. At ORE we are continuing to help our ORE community save money, learn something new, connect with members on a social level and meet new people.

We stand by our Five Core Values: Assets, Redefining Work, Reciprocity, Social Network and Respect. We all matter, we all need to redefine value together, and contribute something to the world.

I would like to ask you a few questions:

•    How is your timebanking experience going?
•    Is there something I can help you with?
•    What do you need to make your offers and exchanges valued (in time)?
•    What would you like to see at ORE?
•    Would you like to partake in potlucks? Social groups and/or events?
•    If you have children, would you like to participate in children’s events?
•    Childcare?
•    Senior events?
•    Other?
I am trying to get a sense of what is needed in order to better accommodate member’s requests.  We want you to feel welcome, appreciated and respected. As an ORE Member, I want to contribute my time to helping you exchange skills, attend social events, and hear your feedback. Feedback is important to us. It helps us see what is needed, what changes needs to happen and how to build a strong and loving ORE foundation.
I am excited to hear your input and how your involvement can help make ORE  more successful.

Email us with your feedback!

Thank you,

Diadel Ortiz
Onion River Exchange

 Welcome!  

Our Mission is to promote the exchange of skills and talents, using time instead of money, to increase the sustainability and well-being of communities.

ORE’s Vision is a world of empowered, interdependent and resilient communities where everyone is valued equally, and has access to the services they need to enhance their well-being.

The Onion River Exchange (ORE) Timebank is a place for members to exchange skills, talents, and services using time instead of money.  ORE does not provide services, but it is a network of individuals, businesses, and organizations that share services with each other.

Members of the ORE Timebank:

• Give and receive services to/from each other
  
• Learn new skills
• Meet new people
• Save money
• Feel connected and Involved in the community
• Increase community health and well-being as well as support sustainability
• Further develop a complimentary currency, time credits
  

Timebank members post offers and requests and log time earned or spent exchanging services with each other on our online timebanking system. The time “banked” can be used for future exchanges with any member. Central to timebanking is the agreement that one hour of your time is equal to one hour of my time.  The ORE timebank is based upon the five core values of timebanking.

The ORE TIMEBANK

• On April 8, 2019 was 11 years old
• More then 16,600 exchanges made since 2008
  
• More than 49,800 hours exchanged since 2008
• Over 160 members use the ORE timebank
  
• Members from more than 20 towns and cities in Central Vermont
• More than  130 services are currently offered or requested in the timebank
• Timebankers’ Talents (skills) are many and diverse

Join now.

Click Here: Stories from our timebank members.

ORE is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization and we welcome your tax exempt donations.

Other Timebanks in Vermont:

• Bennington County Time Bank
• Brattleboro Time Trade
• Upper Valley Community Exchange (White River Junction)