Example Case: A Child's Participation in the Timebank

My 12 year old daughter, Talia*, has been in the Timebank since she was 10.

She's earning timedollars every week walking someone's dog. My wife, Barbara*, went with to meet the owner, and always accompanies Talia for her dog walks.

She earned timedollars by giving a 5 year old the opportunity to spend time with the horse she's leasing. We were with Talia, and of course the 5 year old's mom was there as well.

Talia is spending timedollars on Deb* giving her rides to the stable to spend time with her horse. Deb has a horse at the same place so we got to know Deb before we started to do this. Everyone benefits, as Deb's horse really needs another horse around to go on the trails.

Talia has visited with a veterinarian to learn more about animals. Barbara took her to the cafe so the two of them could visit with Jeff.

Talia's earned some for 'office work' for Alliance for Animals, a group she's been volunteering with for a couple years so we know the people involved.

There's some examples off the top of my head of exchanges she's done. I guess what I'm saying here is that the bottom line is that there's always both parental awareness of potential exchange, and parental involvement with the exchange. It's great though, as an example, that we know Deb and have the trust that Talia if fine riding with her to the barn without us.

For folks in the 'disability system', typically a third party gets together with the first exchange or two with a new person until the trust and comfort level is there.

Thanks to the coordinator who sent me this example!

(*names changed to protect privacy)