Poster Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM: Campus Center Auditorium [A21]

Time Banking as a Tool for Connectivity Among University and Community Members

Presenter: Vishva Patel

Faculty Sponsor: Deborah Keisch

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Sociology and Anthropology

ABSTRACT

In U.S. society, there is a hyper focus on individualism that is exacerbated by capitalism’s effect on interpersonal relationships, which can leave people feeling defeated, drained, and ultimately disconnected from their peers. Economic or physical hardships create further challenges for different populations, such as providing child or elder care, meaning people increasingly find it difficult to keep up with the costs associated with living daily life. When traditional systems such as capitalism do not serve everyone, it is up to the people to build a system that helps one another. Time banks are systems of non-monetary exchange that allow members of a community to participate in service exchanges without them feeling transactional. Time banks help members reap the benefits of an alternative economy, build strong relationships, and understand that their actions have a purpose. Time banks are a step in the right direction to help many communities flourish and thrive economically and socially. At UMass Amherst, the MAP Minutes Time Bank, in conjunction with the Mutual Aid Project, is an example of a time bank implemented within a college community. I will present on the challenges and benefits of implementing a time bank on a college campus and how it can improve the quality of life for students, faculty, and Amherst community members.

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