Mesilla Valley timebank
What is a timebank?
A timebank is a community system where time is the currency. Members exchange services with each other, with one hour of service always equaling one time credit, regardless of the service provided.
Brief History
Timebanking, in its modern form, was founded by Edgar Cahn in the 1980s. It has since grown into a global movement promoting community engagement and mutual support.
Mesilla Valley Timebank
Exchanging Time, Empowering Voices, Building Community
Doña Ana Communities United founded the Mesilla Valley Timebank in April 2016. In eight years we have over 455 members and have exchanged more than 9,485 hours. While most of our members live in Las Cruces, we also have members in other parts of the county as well as across the border in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.
How to join
We host monthly timebank orientations every second Wednesday at the Thomas Branigan Memorial Library at 5:30 PM, second floor, right in the heart of Las Cruces.
We know life get busy. One of the best things about timebanking is that you participate when you are able. That is why we also offer:
- One-on-one orientations
- Organizational and group orientations
If your schedule does not allow you to attend a monthly session, just email us at timebank@dacommunitiesunited.org , and we will set up a time that works for you.
Please note: All event times, dates, and locations are subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, follow our official social media accounts.
Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 5:30 to 6:30 PM
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 4:30 to 5:30 PM
Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 4:30 to 5:30 PM
200 E Picacho Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001
Bus Route 1 | Stop 2
If you would like to set up a one-on-one orientation before that date, please email us at timebank@dacommunitiesunited.org.
Thank you for your understanding. Our staff is recovering from illness, and we look forward to reconnecting in the new year.
Timebank adventures…
Mesilla Valley Timebank Group Exchanges Open to the Community
What Is a Group Exchange?
A group exchange is a shared activity where timebank members come together to give and receive support as a group. Instead of one-to-one exchanges, many people participate at the same time, each contributing what they can and benefiting from the collective effort.
Group exchanges can look like community service projects, skill-sharing workshops, social gatherings, creative activities, or mutual aid efforts. Everyone’s time and participation are valued equally, whether you are helping, learning, teaching, or simply showing up to be part of the community.
Some group exchanges are open to the broader community, meaning you do not have to be a timebank member to attend. These open exchanges are a way for neighbors to connect, experience timebanking in action, and build relationships rooted in reciprocity, respect, and community care.
The following group exchanges are open to the community:
Free Basic American Sign Language Classes
led by Susie
Learn basic American Sign Language in a friendly and caring environment. The class is taught by Susie who has over 30 years of experience.
This class is open to the community!
Meets weekly on Wednesdays
4:30PM to 5:30PM
Please call or text Susie RSVP at 915-706-8499.
Rooted & Connected
Timebanking thrives when communities support one another. These are the timebanks in our growing regional network. Each one rooted in their own community and connected to a larger vision of mutual aid, reciprocity, and collective care. Together, we are building something bigger than any one of us.
Fronteracoin — El Paso, TX
Fronteracoin is El Paso’s timebank, where neighbors post needs and offers, trade skills, and support one another through a circular economy. Their mission is to connect volunteers to eco-restoration opportunities and help communities meet their needs through mutual aid and resource sharing.
Fronteracoin is a coalition effort by the Philosophic Systems Institute, Eco El Paso, Center for Civic Engagement, and Southwest Progressive Action Network.
ABQ Hours Exchange — Albuquerque, NM
“An Hour for an Hour”
ABQ Hours Exchange is a service exchange for the Greater Albuquerque area where members earn hours providing services to others and spend those hours on services they need. Caring for others and sharing our abilities, talents, and experiences — not just money — builds a healthier and more equitable community.
ABQ Hours Exchange meets the first Sunday of every month at Es Que Market at 3 PM.
Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs (SEE)
Doña Ana Communities United 