The Jamaica Plain Time Exchange is a “time bank” connecting diverse neighbors with each other to meet needs, share skills, build relationships, and have fun. In a Time Exchange, members share skills and provide services for each other, such as cooking, sewing, carpentry, pet care, health care, and much more. When you provide an hour of service, you are credited with one “TimeHour” in your online account. You can use that Hour for services you need or want that other members are offering – like child care or massage! Our core commitment is to engage a diverse cross-section of neighbors in valuable exchanges that are also a fun way to build relationships. We are committed to building an alternative system of exchange that is radically equitable—where everyone’s contributions are valued equally, i.e., an hour spent mending is as valuable as an hour-long massage. Since January, our Time Exchange has held three potlucks, each designed to engage a broad and diverse group of neighbors. Our materials are offered in both English and Spanish, and translation and child care are available at all events. Additonally, requests and offers can be made by phone in the event that internet access is unreliable or unavailable.  In the words of neighbors:“I like using the JP Time Exchange because I like to be helpful. I’m underemployed right now, and it’s good for me to get out of the house and do something for my neighbors.”- Brian“I grew up in a small, rural town where helping others and receiving help was the norm. With each time exchange, the person on the other side of the exchange ceases to be a stranger to me and I feel the sense of community I experienced as a child.”- Kathleen