TimeBanksUSA Founder To Speak In Phoenixville

“Challenging the Money Monoculture” will be the theme of a talk by Dr. Edgar S. Cahn, the beloved founder of the internationally acclaimed system of “Time Banking,” when he and his wife Dr. Christine Gray appear at the Annual Meeting of the Phoenixville Area Time Bank (PATB), Sunday, May 3, starting at 7 p.m. at St Peter's Episcopal Church, 121 Church St, Phoenixville, PA. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be available starting at 6:30 pm.

Dr. Cahn, Chairman of the Board and CEO of TimeBanksUSA, is an author and leading innovator in the fields of public interest law, social welfare, racial and juvenile justice and alternative economies. He began his work during the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, where he made his mark in the development of AmeriCorps/ VISTA and legislation for the “War on Poverty.” He currently serves as Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Law at the University of the District of Columbia School of Law.

Dr. Cahn’s book No More Throwaway People explains the concept of Time Banking, in which community members “bank” the time they have committed to helping others in exchange for services they need. Time Banking was first implemented in the District of Columbia as a way of delivering services to the needy while empowering them with opportunities to assist others.

Dr. Gray, who was CEO of TimeBanksUSA from 2009 to 2012, serves on the organization’s board of directors. With her husband, Edgar, Christine has taught courses and workshops on Co-Production, Time Banking, and systems change at the community, professional, and graduate school level. She is a key developer of TimeBanks USA training and support materials. She secured her doctoral degree in political science at UCLA, in 2011.

Besides the inspiration that Edgar and Christine are sure to evoke, the evening’s program will include the presentation of the PATB Slate of Officers, distribution of the Annual Report, an opportunity for members to give feedback to PATB leaders, and a drawing for door prizes.

For details about the May 3 event or to find out more about local and national Time Banking, visit www.patb.timebanks.org or call 610-608-9281.