Learning from Experience, Building Together
At our most recent Queen City Resiliency Salon, we had the opportunity to connect with people who are actively doing the kind of community-building work we’re aspiring toward and it was both grounding and energizing.
One of the highlights of the evening was a conversation with Stephanie Blackton, the organizer of the Charlottesville Time Bank and Repair Café. She shared thoughtful insights from her direct experience: what works, what takes patience, and what it really looks like to cultivate a culture of neighborly support and shared contribution over time. Her perspective made the work feel tangible and achievable, while also reminding us that strong community systems are built through consistency and trust.
We also had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Tekh Strode, a seasoned community organizer involved in several time banking initiatives in Chicago. Although we ran into technical difficulties and weren’t able to capture that portion on video, his contributions were incredibly valuable. One idea that especially resonated was his emphasis on starting with simple “offers and wants/needs” workshops. These small, approachable steps can help people begin to see themselves as both contributors and recipients within a time banking ecosystem; lowering barriers to participation and building momentum organically.
While this post is a bit shorter than usual, we wanted to share a portion of the evening’s conversation and continue documenting the process as it unfolds. What’s becoming increasingly clear is that this work is not about quick solutions; it’s about learning from those who have walked the path, experimenting thoughtfully, and steadily building relationships that can support something meaningful over the long term.
We’re grateful to be in the learning phase, and even more grateful to be doing it alongside people who care deeply about creating resilient, connected communities.
The last question in that video was about the date of the next Charlottesville Repair Cafe. The next Charlottesville Repair Café is scheduled for:
Saturday, June 20th, 2026
12:00–4:00 PM
Unity of Charlottesville
2825 Hydraulic Rd.
Charlottesville, VA 22901
Repair Cafés are a simple but powerful idea: bring together people who like to fix things with people who have something that needs fixing. It’s practical, hands-on, and a great way to connect with others while keeping useful items out of the waste stream.
Even closer to home, we’re preparing for our very first Repair Café in Staunton, happening:
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
1:30–4:30 PM
Staunton Public Library
We’re off to a strong start with an amazing group of volunteer fixers already stepping up. So far, we have:
- A sewing and mending specialist
- A household handyman with computer skills
- A Linux-focused computer fixer
- A retired mechanical engineer
- Two general fixers
- A volunteer helping with event support and coordination
It’s an inspiring lineup, but we’d love to grow it even more.
If you know someone who enjoys fixing things, troubleshooting problems, or simply helping others, we’d encourage you to reach out and invite them to join us. There’s a place for all kinds of skills, and even general support roles are incredibly valuable in making the event run smoothly.
As an added bonus, volunteers will earn some of the very first hOUR tokens from our emerging hOUR Economy time bank program, a small but meaningful way to recognize the time and care people are contributing.
This is how it starts: neighbors sharing skills, solving problems together, and building something that benefits everyone. If that resonates with you, we’d love to have you involved.