A Lehigh Valley resident is championing the revival of timebanking, a community exchange system that allows individuals to trade services based on time rather than money. Kathy Perlow, a **73-year-old** resident of Bethlehem, believes that timebanking could significantly benefit local communities, particularly as they recover from the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Perlow’s enthusiasm for timebanking dates back to **2010**, during the aftermath of the Great Recession. At that time, she witnessed the power of this system when a timebanking member organized an entire wedding by exchanging hours of service. The system operates on the principle that every hour contributed is valued equally, irrespective of the contributor’s profession.
“Timebanking can contribute mightily to a community,” Perlow stated, reflecting on the potential benefits of such exchanges. The concept was popularized by **Edgar S. Cahn**, who, during his tenure in President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Justice Department, introduced the idea of the “time dollar,” where an hour of work is equivalent to an hour of work, regardless of the task.
The Lehigh Valley’s timebank, originally launched in **1999** as Community Exchange, aimed to support patients discharged from hospitals needing assistance with daily tasks. Initially sponsored by **Lehigh Valley Health Network** and funded by the **Dorothy Rider Pool Health Care Trust**, the initiative expanded to encompass broader mutual aid. However, participation dwindled during the pandemic, according to Melissa Miranda, CEO of Neighborhood Health Centers of the Lehigh Valley, which previously coordinated the program.
“Before COVID, it was good,” Miranda said, highlighting the challenges faced by community support initiatives during this period. Perlow emphasizes the need for a dedicated coordinator to revitalize the program, noting her own commitments to both the local and national timebanking boards.
She envisions a robust system with coordinators at each of the Neighborhood Health Center’s five clinics to manage records and track the hours exchanged. “How do I get the word out in the community?” Perlow asked, underscoring her commitment to rekindling interest in timebanking.
Perlow’s experiences with timebanking have been profound. She learned tai chi for free in exchange for helping instructors secure venues. She advocates for integrating timebanking into community disaster preparedness, suggesting that it could foster neighborhood connections.
Rick Daugherty, executive director of **Lehigh Valley Active Life**, has a similar initiative called the Shared Housing Resource and Exchange Program. This program allows older homeowners to provide living space in exchange for assistance with household chores, reinforcing the idea that such exchanges can create community ties.
While some experts express skepticism about the efficacy of timebanking as a traditional economic model, others see its potential for strengthening community bonds. Michael A. MacDowell, a retired economics professor, noted that timebanking may work effectively in closed, small communities, but could struggle to engage in broader economic trade.
Krista Wyatt, CEO of Timebanks.org, highlighted the global success of timebanks, noting their presence in multiple countries, including **Spain**, **Italy**, and **China**. She pointed to various community benefits, such as parents trading hours for childcare and seniors finding companionship through simple acts of kindness.
“If we would all embrace timebanking as a way to strengthen our community,” Perlow concluded, “I think more people would get involved.” She is hopeful that renewed interest in timebanking could usher in a new era of community support and cooperation in the Lehigh Valley.
For those interested in learning more about local timebanking efforts, Perlow can be contacted at [email protected].
To explore more about timebanking, visit Timebanks.org for additional resources and information on how to get involved.
