For those of us who participate willingly in the development of our neighbourhoods and communities, new ideas that reflect this work are always of interest. Time Banks and the creation of 'Time Dollars' encourages community members to interact and help one another, with tracking built in, so that people will get back what they put into their community. While this might not seem to reflect the altruism associated with community development, it certainly shows what people do for each other and what they need in return. When someone 'works' for their community, they receive 'time dollars' plus recognition for their efforts. When they need help from their community, this person 'cashes in' their time dollars and receives assistance. A combination of bartering, co-op and innovative volunteerism, this system is being applied in 22 countries around the world. And it's been in existence for more than 3 decades with lots of material to provide the ways and means of starting it in one's own community.
In developing concepts of social enterprise, community is a factor that most social entrepreneurs depend on. Social media flourishes because of community. New ideas flourish because of community. New products flourish for the same reason. Now we have a framework in which to connect effort, interests and time.Figuring out how to apply it to social finance will be a personal interest of mine over 2011. If it's peaked your interest too, I suggest you read up at timebanks.org. It will warm your heart and expand your mind and maybe give you something else to talk about at your local residents meetings.
