Universities can fulfill their social responsibility through local engagement and extension of their influence to every corner of society. In 2018, the Institute of Public Affairs Management assisted the Luzhongmiao Community in the promotion of the first “Time Bank,” which allows individuals to “save” public service times and earn “time coupons” that represent a time currency. These coupons can be redeemed for services or products provided by others in accordance with personal needs. This voluntary service which is based on mutual assistance and benefit has turned into an innovative model for community governance.

 

The community time bank concept is a solution to the problem of gradually weakening interpersonal relationships and declining trust and social capital, which is reflected in the UN SDGs. Community residents lay the foundation for sustainable development through the trading of services and mutual assistance. Collaboration between community members can be converted into product and services with “cash value.” Unidirectional service provision is transformed into bidirectional interactions, which increases the social capital in communities and facilitates the formation of a network of mutual assistance and service interactions.

 

Between 2018 and 2019, students and faculty members of the Institute of Public Affairs Management used the Luzhongmiao Community in the Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung City, as an experimental site. Community residents were provided with a clear understanding of the time bank concept and feasible plans through training and promotion efforts including information meetings, educational courses, and empowerment workshops under the support and guidance of professors, community leaders, and NYSUS students who had a chance to apply their acquired knowledge. During this process, a consensus was formed on the creation of the first “Community Time Bank” in Kaohsiung. This community governance model,  which centered around service transactions, encourages public participation through the infusion of community resources, service inventories, and promotional activities. It is hoped that by building up reciprocity, spirit of mutual assistance, trust and cohesion among residents, a new voluntary service model could be developed.

 

Luzhongmiao Community also established a physical “Time Store” on Christmas Eve of 2018 in coordination with the Christmas Market. This store which features products donated by the community, fresh vegetables, and service exchanges available for purchase was enthusiastically received by community members. Ms. Yue-Er Wang, Executive Director of the Luzhongmiao Community Development Association, points out that time stores will also hire seniors to assist in management tasks in exchange for time coupons as an incentive. The goal is to encourage seniors to leave their homes and engage in labor and entertainment activities.

 

The aforementioned Community Time Bank Guidance Program incorporates the core spirit of social responsibility in harmony with the educational goals of NSYSU institutes and departments. Integrated programs and micro-programs such as “NPOs and Social Innovation”, “Placemaking and Regional Governance”, and “Non-Profit Enterprises” are offered to provide students with diversified skills. This includes the compilation of social responsibility reports, explanation of placemaking development directions and related events, exchanges through lectures by experts in different fields, field instruction and case studies. These programs provide students with an in-depth understanding of local issues, arouse their learning interest, and allow them to accumulate practical experiences and enhance their workplace competency.