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BARN RAISINGS

The credit system for Barn Raising work is the same as for one to one trading.  Each worker earns one credit per hour worked.  For example, if the project involves 5 workers for 2 hours each the barn raiser has spent 10 credits and each of the barn workers have earned 2 credits.

A member can request another member to arrange a trade for her.  Usually this is done for larger projects requiring a number of people.  For example, Cori arranged for substitute Womanshare people to take over as teachers when Jessica became ill and could not be in her day care center.  Brokers earn one credit for every hour they spend making arrangements.

A good Womanshare Barn Raising calls for a good plan and a broker who thoroughly enjoys staging a production.  Barn Raisings can be long term projects such as the help Sheila received when she fell down the subway steps and was immobile for six weeks; or a one day event such as Karen's wedding for which several groups of Womansharers in different kitchens prepared a wedding feast for 70.

How Barn Raisings Engage Members

1. Women get together in small groups and get to know more than one member at a time.
2. Barn Raisings are the best way for those members who have banked lots of credits to be big spenders.
3. Barn Raisings create spending.  When a member has a big interest free debt from a Barn Raising they are even more invested in trading within the Womanshare economy.
4. A Barn Raising raises everybody's spirit.  The participants have been part of a forged effort that has achieved something special.  The rest of the group has a vision that much more is possible.