austin time exchange network blog

  • Not Even Unnofficial SXSW Soiree

    Our next potluck and new member orientation is  Sunday, March 14th.

    Many people will be at SXSW, but even more people won’t.  Come to our Not Even Unofficial SXSW Soiree

    5-6pm New member orientation and meeting

    6-7:30pm Potluck and social

    Location: SomaVida, 1210 Rosewood, 78702

    Some of the potential topics we can discuss include:
    Community Gardens w/ reps from eastside community garden projects
    Golden Angels Fundraiser w/ Lani Clark
    Del Valle updates w/ Analeise Hill


    Posted 6 days ago

  • Arctic Soiree, January 10th


    We hope everyone had an excellent 2009 and look forward to the year to come.
    If you made a resolution this new year, you can have a little help from our friends.  Post a request on Austin Time Exchange and/or add to the discussion thread in the forum.
    Many resolutions can be done with the help of others, by helping others or working with others who might want the same goal.
    ~* Arctic Soiree this Sunday (There’s Prizes)
    It will be frozen over this weekend.  And while it will be cold, there isn’t any planned precipitation so the roads should be safe.
    Anyone who braves the arctic blast this weekend to attend the new member orientation or the potluck and social afterwards will be entered to win a $20 gift card to Tiffs Treats.
    There will be hot chocolate at the very least.
    Arctic Soiree, January 10th
    5-6pm New member orientation and meeting
    6-7:30pm Potluck and social
    Location: SomaVida, 1210 Rosewood, 78702

    If you want to RSVP, http://drapetomaniac.pingg.com/AustinTimeExchange

    Posted 2 months ago

  • Next Orientation, January 10th


    Members are having a get together this weekend (more information in the forum), but our next open meeting is on January 10th.

    We’ll post more information as the time gets coser.  If you’re a member of an organization that might benefit, you can show up then or contact us at info@austintimeexchange.org .

    Posted 2 months ago

  • Orientation and Holiday Soiree this Sunday


    Next Orientation and Holiday Soiree

    Sunday, December 13th
    5-6pm  New member orientation and meeting
    6-7:30pm  Potluck and hang out
    Location: SomaVida, 1210 Rosewood, 78702

    At this potluck, we will be having a little trade for a new or used gift to give t o others.  Please bring your crafts, artwork, good white elephant gifts, crafts you sell, gift certificates for services you provide,  fruits and veggies, or something from around the house.   Place your unwrapped item on the table when you get to the potluck, we will eat, chat, and then anyone that brought a gift is invited to pick up one they like on their way out.  Just bring anything that is gift suitable, something you might want to receive yourself.

    Last month, we mentioned that during the potluck we would be highlighting different organizations who are members of the Austin Time Exchange to help connect them with more volunteers.  We are featuring our very own group this month to talk about what we will be looking for in the new year. We hope to see you there.

    Posted 2 months ago

  • Time Exchange at work in a labyrinth


    A couple of our members got together to help clear and prepare a labyrinth for the upcoming East Austin Studio Tours. Take a look at their work at Synaesthetic Breakfast.

    Posted 4 months ago

  • Open Invitation to our Harvest Soiree


    You’re invited to our harvest potluck, orientation and information session on November 8th (more details below)

    The Austin Time Exchange Network (ATEN) is one of the many Time Banks in the United States and around the world which allows local communities to exchanges services without depending on cash for absolutely everything.  This has become more important as people find themselves with less cash, strained employment and crunched credit.

    Boasting almost 300 members, the Austin Time Exchange is approaching four years of exchanges between members of the Austin community and surrounding cities. 

    Here is how it works.

    If Sally mows the lawn for Jack, Sally earns an hour.  She can use that hour for an hour of any service listed on the Time Exchange with any member.  Those services include computer help, music lessons, massage and rides to the airport.  Sally doesn’t have to trade directly with Jack like traditional barter systems, but can exchange with other members in the community.

    Why people participate.

    Members of the Austin Time Exchange are looking for a stronger community.  Under the principles of co-production, they build up a community where neighbors can rely on neighbors when needs arise as opposed to waiting for money to be available.

    It doesn’t replace the dollar for everything, but it is a tool to give and receive with new friends so they don’t have to keep putting off painting that shed, repairing that sink or finding childcare to go on a date with their spouse for the first time in months.

    Some members use it to offer up their vocations of entertainment, healing or education to their neighbors.  Musicians, artists, filmmakers, computer programmers and other professionals exchange skill strengths or can collaborate on work together.

    Small businesses can find the start-up help they’ve been looking for.

    Neighborhood associations can use the Austin Time Exchange to encourage interaction between neighbors.  It might be a way to introduce neighbors to each other who otherwise might not meet, as well as learning something new about a neighbor – like, that she can offer those bag pipe lessons you always wanted to take.

    Non-profit organizations can use the Time Exchange to find volunteers to continue their mission, sometimes in exchange for services or meeting space. We can often connect with populations that might not otherwise be aware of the local organization and their needs.

    Meet and greet

    We’re inviting old members, new members and those who have questions to come to our Harvest Soiree on November 8th.   We will be providing orientations to new members, followed by socializing and discussing our economy over potluck meals.  Even if you just want to drop by to ask questions and find out more, we’d like to see you.

    November 8th

    Event details:
    5:00 – new member introduction meeting and orientation
    6:00 – community-wide potluck – please bring some food to share with others
    6:30 – We will have a brief conversation with Treasure City and Consumers Union
    Location: 1210 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702

    For more information or to request a presentation to your community group or non-profit, contact us at info@austintimeexchange.org

    Here’s a brief interview with Time Banks founder Edgar Cahn explaining the concept.

    Posted 4 months ago

  • ATEN


    The Austin Time Exchange Network (ATEN) is a local program that enables individuals to provide and receive skills and services within a network of people and organizations in Greater Austin. Similar to concepts expressed in bartering and alternative currency systems, this grassroots initiative lets members exchange labor and assistance without using the U.S. Dollar. Launched in April of 2006, ATEN currently has over 300 members and invites new participants to join by attending any of our upcoming introduction meetings.

    ATEN values equality and compensates each of its members uniformly for the time and work they provide to others in the network. When an individual completes an hour of service for another member, they earn one Exchange Share, the unit of credit used within the network. All hours of service provided by members of ATEN are considered to be of equal value regardless of the type of skill offered in the exchange. The Exchange Share earned can be spent on receiving an hour of service from any other member of the network.

    The Austin Time Exchange serves a significant purpose for Austin on several levels and in many areas of life. It is a common-sense, practical, and useful system that not only theorizes about the way communities should interact, but puts in place the methods and tools to make it happen. It provides an alternative means for its members to meet their everyday needs through promoting a complementary, local economic system. ATEN also creates a web of interaction and support that includes people from different areas and diverse backgrounds in its membership. The Austin Time Exchange has the promise to promote social change and encourage economic self-sufficiency through rebuilding a sense of community and opportunity in Greater Austin.

    To learn more or become involved in the Austin Time Exchange, please attend an informational meeting.

    Posted 10 months ago