Unfortunately, I haven’t blogged much on my experience at the US Social Forum. in short, it was great and I recommend attending any one you can get to. Hopefully Iĺl follow up on that statement. I have multiple social interests, so my time was divided. I also attended as part of a family vacation, so my attention was divided.

I took part in a workshop on Solidarity Economy. There were representatives from the US, Canada and Peru speaking about very active programs. Canada and Peru
have very developed programs worth learning about.

PRI’s “The World” ran a great story on a Time Bank experience in Barcelona.

The World’s Gerry Hadden reports that a barter system is catching on in Barcelona, Spain. People register with what’s called a time bank to trade services. They might teach a language or do home repairs. The hours they work become time bank credits they can spend. Time banking saves people cash. And for many, it provides a sense of community.

Austin Time Exchange 1st Anniversary Celebration

Please come celebrate with us!!! You are invited to attend an event marking the 1st anniversary of the Austin Time Exchange.

On Sunday, June 3rd from 6pm-9pm, we will be hosting a gathering at Monkey Wrench Books. We will be enjoying beer and light refreshments from 6pm-8pm and will be screening the documentary, “The Power of Community – How Cuba Survived Peak Oil” at sunset. You can view more information on the film at http://www.communitysolution.org/cuba.html . A pay what you can donation is suggested to help cover the cost of the refreshments. Additional funds collected will help cover ATEN operational costs. This is a family friendly event.

Austin Time Exchange
http://www.austintimeexchange.org
These are the dates for upcoming Time Exchange orientations.

Orientation Dates

Tuesday, May 8th at 7:00pm — Ventana del Soul Cultural Center, 1834 E. Oltorf

Saturday, May. 12th at 11:30am — Terrazas Branch Library, 1105 E. Cesar Chavez St.

Monday, June 4th at 7:00pm — Terrazas Branch Library, 1105 E. Cesar Chavez St.

Tuesday, June 12th at 7:00pm — Ventana del Soul Cultural Center, 1834 E. Oltorf

Monday, July 2nd at 7:00pm — Terrazas Branch Library, 1105 E. Cesar Chavez St.