Next Orientation for new members = 4pm Sunday, Feb. 12th
(& Membership Potluck =5pm!)
@ Soma Vida, 1210 Rosewood Ave. 78702
Our last new member gathering, at Peaceful Village Acupuncture, went fantastically. So many interesting people ready to build community through trading services! The Creating Commerce Circle afterward was a chance for folks to talk a little more in-depth about what they are involved with, what they are passionate about, and how they spend their time. Thao Photography was also there, and she captured these photos:
The next gathering of the Austin Time Exchange Network is January 22nd @ Peaceful Village Acupuncture (2919 Manchaca Rd., Suite 104-A 78704).
New member orientation is from 2pm to 3.
From 3 until 4, join us for a Creating Commerce Circle – - this is an opportunity to talk briefly (5 minutes) about something you do that you want others to know about! We all have services that we want to offer for time exchange; it can be this that you choose to talk about, or your business that could use more exposure, a social cause you are working for, or anything else that could benefit from more word-of-mouth promotion. This is a low-stress environment, so it’s a great opportunity to practice talking about why you are excited about what you do (if self-promoting is not your forté).
Thanks to Mary Kraemer of Rosa Milagrosa for starting the Commerce nights in early 2010…
P.S. There is a link to a map on the calendar to the right.
For all of my adult life, I’ve been on a tight month-to-month budget. Combine this with having a big family and an aversion to shopping, and you can see why the Christmas season always leaves me feeling pretty inadequate. HOWEVER… all is not hopeless, even if I have very little money to spend! I can still offer hand-made gifts, vouchers for my own services, AND vouchers for services that are being offered on the Austin Time Exchange Network!
Did I hear design changes are on the way for this blog?
I did.
Did someone say that many new members are joining and becoming volunteers for A.T.E.N. these days?
Why, yes!
That means more engagement for your web-weary eyes, more orientations, more presence at events in our community, and more helpful interactions for us all. Trust people, not dollars! (Or… at least as much as dollars?) You, too, can help these things happen and more, just ask info@austintimeexchange.org.
NEXT ORIENTATION+POTLUCK = Sunday, November 13th, 2011 : : Soma Vida,
1210 Rosewood Ave. 78702 …. 4pm (orientation), 5pm (potluck).
Check for updates frequently, as we are definitely feeling a rumbling.
Did I hear design changes are on the way for this blog?
I did.
Did someone say that many new members are joining and becoming volunteers for A.T.E.N. these days?
Why, yes!
That means more engagement for your web-weary eyes, more orientations, more presence at events in our community, and more helpful interactions for us all. Trust people, not dollars! (Or… at least as much as dollars?) You, too, can help these things happen and more, just ask info@austintimeexchange.org.
NEXT ORIENTATION+POTLUCK = Sunday, October 9th, 2011 : : Soma Vida,
1210 Rosewood Ave. 78702 …. 4pm (orientation), 5pm (potluck).
Check for updates frequently, as we are definitely feeling a rumbling.
This upcoming Second Sunday, the Austin Time Exchange Network will be participating in LoveATX’s 9/11 Day of CommUnity. The organizers’ stated mission is to “empower the Austin community and support local economy. A Day of CommUnity will feature Austin-local organizations and artists creating a healthy, conscious, and sustainable culture. We believe real change comes when well informed individuals confront their responsibility to develop well informed masses.”
This event will have workshops, local food, music, art, poetry and circus entertainment, as well as representatives from local community organizations sharing information all day. There is a suggested donation of $10, but no one will be turned away for lack of money.
We will present about ATEN on the stage at 4pm, and provide orientations at a few other times during the day (TBA). This event will take the place of our normally scheduled new member orientation and membership potluck, which will resume in October at Soma Vida. Hope to see you there!
Bring your own awesomely unique background and come meet some new people — folks who are aware that there is a kinder, fairer economy available to those who want it — at our next monthly gathering:
Sunday, September 11th : Orientation @ 4; Potluck Supper @ 5 Soma Vida – 1210 Rosewood Ave. 78702
It’s so exciting to be involved with the Austin Time Exchange Network at an administrative level because I get to see how many new people are joining all the time.
And what amazing people they are, too. I have to say that since I have been a member of ATEN, I have come to see the make-up of my adopted town in a whole new light. The talents and expertise all around me and the wealth of different perspectives residing in my fellow Austinites is truly astounding and inspiring.
Bring your own awesomely unique background and come meet some new people — folks who are aware that there is a kinder, fairer economy available to those who want it – at our next monthly gathering:
Sunday, July 10th : Orientation @ 4; Potluck @ 5 Soma Vida – 1210 Rosewood Ave. 78702
The Austin Time Exchange Network Board members work to keep ATEN’s mission focused. You can build groups or make exchanges for a variety of purposes, but if you feel you need any support, please feel free to reach out to one of us, or email the entire board at info@austintimeexchange.org.
Sheila is a working mom of two and 15 year resident of Austin. Her interests include gardening/farming, and child development and sewing. She runs several businesses that keep her busy including Urban Explorer Camp and Sheilasewing. Sheila believes that everyone should get what they need regardless of the amount of legal US currency they have or don’t have.
Sheila Gordy Community Outreach sheila@austintimeexchange.org
Amanda Jones has been in Austin since 2005, striving to manifest artistic impulses and engage communities with creativity. She joined ATEN in the summer of 2009. Prior to putting down roots in Austin, Amanda studied Arts and Social Change at Hampshire College (Massachusetts) and briefly in South Africa.
Amanda Jones Community Outreach amanda@austintimeexchange.org
Rich is a software developer who works with many nonprofit and community groups in the interests of empowering them through technology. He is one of the co-founders and current Board President of Lights. Camera. Help. He is also on the Board of EFF-Austin and is webmaster for Cine Las Americas. His current causes include promoting open source software, creative commons and computer security. @drapetomaniac
The Austin Time Exchange Network (ATEN) provides a complementary currency that enables members to build community through the exchange of services.
In Practice
Typically, exchanges within ATEN can include nearly any skill or trade: computer or office assistance, minor home repair, painting, cooking, running errands, yoga classes, massage, tutoring, yard services, moving help, haircutting, housecleaning, language translating, etc. any service that one would generally pay for in the day to day.
When an Austin Time Exchange member offers a trade or skill to another member, the individual providing the service earns Exchange Shares, the unit of credit exchanged within the Austin Time Exchange. Each time a member performs one hour of work, regardless of the type of skill offered, one Exchange Share is earned by that person. A member will be given one Exchange Share for every hour of service performed for another in the network, whether they are providing acupuncture, gardening, house painting, tutoring, piano teaching, or any other service. Each member's hour of service is seen as being of equal value.
There is no physical trading of Exchange Shares. Rather, an online account keeps track of the Exchange Shares earned and spent between members. The member receiving a service from another member is the entity responsible for recording or paying through using the online system. Exchange Shares can be saved indefinitely or spent on any service that another member of the ATEN community has to offer.
Most exchanges will be coordinated through the web-based LETS (Local Exchange Trading System) software specifically developed for Time Banking programs. Through using this online program, members can develop a profile, list their services, review the requests and offers of other members, and record exchanges. The program allows members to observe activity on their account in a similar manner that one could view on a bank's online checking account register.
Steps to Membership
Attend an orientation
While exchanges are now coordinated more easily through the use of the internet, there is still a great need in Time Exchanging to maintain contact with the Austin Time Exchange community and the coordinator of the Time Exchange to foster new connections and maintain accountability. Attending an orientation session is a requirement before you can be accepted as a member. This ensures that all members have a shared understanding of Time Exchange. Check the calendar on the right side of the homepage for details on the time and place of the next orientation.
Become a part of the on-line Time Exchange
Once you attend an orientation meeting with a coordinator, you will be granted access to the online system so that you can develop your profile.
Begin exchanging services
Create a posting asking for a service you would like to receive or respond to another members request.
Attend Time Exchanging potlucks and events
Part of the mission of the Time Exchange is to build community, as friends, neighbors, and acquaintances will come together to form the core of the Time Exchange. Through one-on-one exchanges as well as Time Exchange gatherings, the Time Exchange creates constant opportunities to rebuild community. Usually, there is a monthly potluck held @ 5pm on the Second Sunday after the orientation at SomaVida, but be sure to check the calendar for the most up-to-date information.
Sheila is a working mom of two and 15 year resident of Austin. Her interests include gardening/farming, and child development and sewing. She runs several businesses that keep her busy including Urban Explorer Camp and Sheilasewing. Sheila believes that everyone should get what they need regardless of the amount of legal US currency they have or don’t have.
Rich is a software developer who works with many nonprofit and community groups in the interests of empowering them through technology. He is one of the co-founders and current Board President of Lights. Camera. Help. He is also on the Board of EFF-Austin and is webmaster for Cine Las Americas. His current causes include promoting open source software, creative commons and computer security. @drapetomaniac
