Our Story

Hi, my name is Gregorio Desgarennes. I am from Hub Oaxaca, located in Oaxaca City, Mexico. 

Hub Oaxaca is a platform to support and catalyze local initiatives dedicated to community development and common well being through the offer of a creative space, the necessary tools and technology, strategic links to a local and global network of peers, access to knowledge, training and educational programs and support in the development of local projects and ideas. Our vision is to transform common challenges into creative solutions through: collective learning, self-management and economic, social and environmental sustainability

The story behind our current Time Bank program starts with a question posed by a friend of the Hub who asked, "How can I access different services and talents when I dont have the money?" We started to toss around ideas about an alternative model, and discovered an existing example called the time bank. Time Banks work to promote equality and build community economies through inclusive exchange of time and talent.  Time Banks operate by one simple principal: everyone has something to give. 

The impact of the project is simple: people who live in the city from different backgrounds will be able to share and access different talents or services without having the constraint of economic resources. In this way we support a community of sharing that is based on the principle of: "your time is as valuable as mine." In addition, if the model proves successful in our local context, it could be replicated in different cities with our similar demographics, with a huge diversity of people and distinct ways of living.

Without the money to support this campaign we will lose the opportunity to pilot this project and share the real world experience of its operation and impact with our community locally, our region in Latin America and our community of over 31 Hubs around the globe.

What We Need & What You Get

We have worked hard over the last months to finance this valuable and vital program for our community.  Our community has responded by offering time and help to grow the idea from concept to actuality.  Thus far we have found support to cover travel expenses for one of the Time Bank experts, lodging for them both and translation for the transfer of Time Bank documents.  We lack only a small fraction of the total support needed to make this dream a reality.  You can help us reach the final goal which includes the following expenses: plane travel for our second expert, a per diem for their transport and food while here. 

We are confident we can meet this modest monetary goal using the power of collective fundraising. However, if we only meet a portion of our goal crowdfunding, we have a continued plan of a local diner and raffle to continue the effort to meet our financial goal.

We have made it this far.  Help us with this last, small leg that can make all the difference to our community of social entrepreneurs and activists in Oaxaca, tirelessly working towards transforming our region and world for the better!

Other Ways You Can Help

Have you worked with a  Time Bank before?  Share your experience with us!  We would love to hear your story.  Tell your friends and contacts about our campaign, and help us reach that final goal.  And go check out our website at www.huboaxaca.net.  There are exciting and innovative actions taking place in our community.  We would love to introduce to their workand get you involved if you are interested.