Barter Programs

Introduction

Barter Exchange Networks build connections while meeting neighbors’ practical needs.

Overview

Includes local and national examples of many kinds of barter networks.

Page Index

  • Key Issues
  • Common Problems and Solutions
  • Successful Strategies
  • Annotated Web Resources
  • Topic Library
  • Sub-Topics and Vendors


    • Key Issues Related to this Topic

  • Barter Exchange Networks build connections while meeting neighbors’ practical needs. The Barter Exchange networks that are currently active in the Central, Powderhorn, Lyndale, and St. Paul’s East and West Sides are strengthening the long-term connections among hundreds of urban neighbors.

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    Common Problems and Solutions

  • Isolation, fear and distrust among neighbors. On many low-income or high-crime blocks residents stay isolated because of fear. Barter programs can reduce this fear by helping neighbors build long term relationships with one another.

  • Busy lives mean less time for community. Many neighborhoods groups are promoting ways for neighbors to meet one another, in the midst of their busy lives- barter exchange networks are an excellent community-building tool.

  • Low income families face many survival challenges Barter exchange programs can help monthly family incomes go farther through mutual self-help networks.

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    Successful Strategies

  • In a traditional barter network residents earn one hour of help for each hour of service they give. Participants can use a data base to find neighbors who can offer the skills they need (babysitting, house painting, etc.)

  • The Fare for All network sponsored by the Ramsey Action Program provides half price groceries for residents who volunteer two hours a month.

  • The Community Hero Network in South Minneapolis empowers residents to earn discounts at local merchants through their volunteer help.

  • Through the Community Living Rooms, sponsored by Freeport West in the Central neighborhood low income families are empowering one another, spiritually, emotionally and economcially through creative actions like food buying clubs, investment clubs, baby sitting co-ops, etc.

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    Annotated WebLinks

  • Community Hero Card Program
    CHC Data Inc.   06/14/04
    The Community HeroCard Program provides a a tool to incent and reward volunteers. The program partners with non-profit Community-based organizations who enroll their volunteers as Community Heroes, individual volunteers who perform much needed work in the Community and with area merchants who provide the rewards for the Volunteers. Through the efforts of all these partners the Community HeroCard Program contibutes toward building the health and vitality of our communities.

  • Hour Dollars Home Page
    Hour Dollars   06/14/04
    Barter exchange program active in St. Paul.

  • Neighbor Nets Network
    Neighbor Nets Network   06/14/04
    This website describes "Neighbornets", affinity groups of people who live in the same general neighborhood who choose to form closer bonds with one another. In some cases, these people will already be acquaintances who wish to deepen their friendship. In other cases, they may come together initially around one common area of interest.

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    Library

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    Vendors by Sub-Topic

    Barter Exchange Networks  
        Community Leader.Com
        East Side Neighborhood Service, Inc.
        Eastside Family Center
        Pillsbury Neighborhood Services


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