Laura O’Neil’s hands are much more comfortable holding a paintbrush than a chainsaw.
So when a tree fell down in her yard, O’Neil was able to find someone in the area who was handy with power tools to help her. O’Neil then paid the favor forward by helping another local resident with painting her ceiling.
O’Neil is one of more than 130 local residents who have been exchanging favors and services using the Athens Time Exchange. The program started more than a year ago with the goal of both solving local problems and strengthening relationships.
“Athens is filled with such talented and resourceful people, which gives us a framework to learn and share with each other,” O’Neil said in an email.
The exchange works with people offering up their talents and resources to other area residents who need them for free. The favor is then “credited” and can be exchanged for future favors, said Beth Clodfelter, one of the program’s coordinators.
The participants range from 20 to 80 years old and provide services ranging from music and language lessons to sewing to hiking companions, Clodfelter said.
Clodfelter oversees the program with two other non-paid coordinators Adam Yulish and Autumn Congrove. The trio is responsible for managing the program’s operations, members and website.
“Athens Time Exchange is a great way to meet a lot of people,” Clodfelter said. “You are able to get things off your to-do list and feel like you are helping members of the community, all while having a lot of fun doing so.”
Participants must be Athens County residents, be at least 18-years-old and pay an annual $5 fee, Clodfelter said, adding that members are not tied to a minimum time commitment but are encouraged to be as involved as they can.
“We consider all time to be equal,” Clodfelter said. “We like for people to offer things that they like doing and that they are good at. The more active people are, the more services become available, which ultimately allows for more vibrancy within our exchange program.”
Clodfelter said Athens’ residents are what make the exchange program successful and unique.
“Many people are friendly, like meeting people and are inclined to be involved with the community,” Clodfelter said. “So in some small way, Athens Time Exchange can help strengthen the community we have in and around Athens.”
O’Neil agreed and said she has made numerous strong relationships with area residents because of the program.
“My experience has been nothing but positive,” O’Neil said. “Athens Time Exchange really affirms and celebrates Athenians’ self-sufficiency and provides an avenue toward a stronger community.”
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