Time as the Great Equalizer: A Pathway to Respect

 Photo by Jeff Frenette

 

 

This month's Chat-On-A-Bench call included a small group -- only 8 of us. We had a stimulating discussion on how time is problematic in Africa and in western countries, but in completely different ways, and the role that timebanking can play in both cases.   

 

Western economic and social systems squeeze people's time tightly; so tightly that many people struggle mightily to find the time they need for mutual affirmation, support and shared wellbeing. In contrast, Bruno, who runs a Youth TimeBank in Uganda, notes that time in his country is treated in such a lackadaisical way that shared endeavors don't get off the ground, which in turn leads to a sense of hopelessness. For him, timebanking is helping to inculcate a respect for time among the youth, which in turn undergirds greater efficacy, self-respect and respect for others. Those strengths, in turn, also help in dealing with trauma, which is widespread in his country.  

 

Fernando from Spain similarly spoke about the use of their timebank to teach new immigrants from Africa about the differences in their own culture around time and the time practices of the government in Spain. The members learn how important it is to gain that understanding and also what the costs are of not doing so. Failure to act in a timely way leads to missed government appointments and having to wait months to be rescheduled to gain crucial documentation such as resident permits. Helen spoke too to the importance of valuing others' time across different cultures.   

 

In sum, we discussed how timebanking is making a difference by helping members to become more attentive, flexible and disciplined around how they use their time with others -- be that other people in the community or formal systems. Bruno and Fernando in particular shared how gaining this awareness and skill helps members to be more effective with others, grow as problem-solvers, expand their engagement in society, and gain in self-respect. 

 

 

 

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Our TimeBanks.Org Chats-On-A-Bench are held monthly on the third Sunday of the month from 4 pm to 5 pm Eastern US time. Here’s our standard format:

• Welcome
• Timebanking’s 5 core values – a quick rundown.
• Breakout session –  “What would you like to share with each other?”
• Whole group sharing – drawing on topics from the breakouts.

 

Timebanking Core Values: 1. All people as assets; 2. See, value and count as real work what it takes to build strong homes, families, and community; 3. Reciprocity -- Valuing receiving as well as giving leads to a community rooted in trust; 4. Connection & Kindness -- We all need them!; 5. Mutual respect -- underlies everything about our well-being on every front.

 

 

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of TimeBanks.Org, TimeBanks, or Timebank members.