The Dane County TimeBank (DCTB), established in 2005, is a network of over 2500 individuals and organizations who exchange services and skills to build community, build capacity, and come together to help each other to build a better world. In timebanking, everyone's contribution is valued equally - one hour equals one hour - and services exchanged help to fill resource gaps in the community. Anyone can join the TimeBank to offer skill or services - and receive services in exchange.
The Dane County TimeBank has become a valuable tool to build programs that help solve challenges identified by the community - collaborating with community partners Dane County Human Services, Madison School District, and other supporters and participants to connect unmet needs with unused resources. Our PROJECTS provide meaningful ways for members to tap into to the network and offer needed skills and services.
In our restorative justice youth court program we aim to provide positive alternative to the juvenile justice system so youth can willingly take responsibility for their actions, make amends and build healthy and productive relationships. Working with law enforcement, schools, and neighborhood groups; youth in the program can contribute to a safer, more caring community.
The TimeBank's Youth Court Program works with middle and high school aged youth who have made a mistake, and could potentially receive a ticket for the incident. Instead of going to municipal court, youth may attend youth court, where their case is heard by a jury of other students. The youth and the jurors come to an agreement that is restorative and strength based and increases the youth's skills and support system. When they complete their sentence successfully they avoid receiving their ticket and having something appear on their juvenile record.
The TimeBank is always looking for youth who are interested in participating as peer jurors. We are currently running youth courts after school in each of the high schools as well as in two community locations.
