Member Spotlight: Making connections and building community

Oswaldo Montoya: Educator and Social Justice Consultant

Oswaldo has been a member of the Silver Spring Timebank since 2015 when he joined with a friend from Nicaragua who was looking for a way to practice his English skills. Oswaldo joined in support of his friend, but he also really liked the idea of finding a group that values local community and provides mutual support for each other. It is nice to have a way to reach out to neighbors for help and to offer help. The timebank makes it easy to do this.

He also quickly learned that being a member of the timebank reduces the feeling of isolation. Even though he lives with his partner and children, his family can feel alone. This is especially true for an immigrant person. Joining the timebank offered a good way to expand his connections beyond his immediate community. His partner soon joined the time bank, and now his oldest child has applied and is planning to attend an orientation.

Soon after joining, Oswaldo participated in some wonderful exchanges. He offered Spanish lessons, provided translation services, and helped with gardening. Most recently (last November), Oswaldo led the timebank’s first Social Walk in Rock Creek Park while honoring the social-distancing required. This was a great experience for all who attended. Oswaldo was also part of the leadership team in the early years the timebank, providing valuable time, energy and ideas to get the timebank off the ground and growing.

In return, he and his family have received tremendous help from the timebank. They have gotten several rides to the airport, the family’s bikes were tuned up, and they got help moving to their new home. Oswaldo worked with a member to revise his professional resume, and he learned how to put together IKEA furniture. His family is vegetarian and a member prepared a meal for them including delicious roasted vegetables. As they shared the meal together, they talked about ways to diversify their usual vegetarian menu.

Oswaldo is grateful for these wonderful exchanges, and he is also grateful for the chance to meet and learn from others. As he says, “It is a very expanding experience. Giving and receiving. I am sure other members have learned from me, especially about my culture and background.”

Thinking of the future of the Silver Spring Timebank, Oswaldo would love to have more diverse members of the community join. Efforts could target more Latinos and also engage more younger people. He’s excited for his son to be a member, and hopes his friends will also join. Oswaldo believes, “The more diverse the group, the more rewarding it will be.”

When asked to sum up his over 5 years experience with timebank, Oswaldo said “it’s been outstanding. It’s all about building community and personal connections. The Silver Spring Timebank is here to stay and will continue to grow in the future. I am looking forward to having more timebank interactions, and learning new skills over time.”

Many thanks to SSTB founding member Connie Bevitt for writing this Member Spotlight.