Five Core Values of TimeBanking

Edgar Chan, a lawyer with an interest in social justice was the founder of modern timebanking. He noticed that successful timebanks almost always work with some specific core values in place.

These have come to be widely shared as the five core values of timebanking – and most Timebanks strive to follow them.

Assets - Every one of us has something of value to share with someone else.

Redefining Work - Some forms of work, money will not easily pay for, like building strong families and revitalizing neighborhoods. Time credits were designed to reward, recognize and honor that work.

Reciprocity - Helping that works as a two-way street empowers everyone involved – the receiver as well as the giver.

Social Networks - Helping each other, we weave communities of support, strength & trust.

Respect - underlies freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and everything we value. Respect supplies the heart and soul of democracy. We strive to respect where people are in the moment.