To combat poverty and isolation and foster tangible solidarity, the Accorderie offers residents of the same community the opportunity to exchange services based on their skills in exchange for time

 Accorderies are local communities based on shared living and mutual support, founded on a system of service exchange that uses a “time currency.”

The first Accorderies were created in Quebec in 2002, and in France, the concept was introduced under the auspices of the Macif Foundation and Secours Catholique in 2011.

Accorderies are non-profit associations under the 1901 law, designed to forge lasting bonds between residents and promote social diversity.

The DNA of the Accorderies

At the heart of the Accorderies lies the desire to restore value to natural forms of solidarity and to create a framework of trust where everyone can rediscover the possibility of serving one another in concrete and local ways.  They are based on the idea that everyone has resources and skills to share.

Rationale

Accorderies exist to strengthen the social fabric and develop the capacity for action among individuals and communities.  Inspired by the work of Yann Le Bossé on supporting the development of the power to act, Accorderies positively combat poverty and exclusion by creating opportunities for mutual aid and connection,  for cooperation, and access to everyday services as a complement to the traditional monetary system. By reaching out to others to receive, provide, or organize services, members create opportunities to regain confidence in their ability to act.  Accorderies operate based on people’s needs and, above all, their desires, thereby opening up a world of possibilities that recognizes everyone’s talents.

Focus: Support for the Development of the Power to Act

The Accorderies stand out for their approach centered on supporting the development of the capacity for action among individuals and groups, 

Accorderies staff play a crucial role in this support through their role as facilitators, or “bridge builders.”  They support individuals in implementing their projects and help them take on responsibilities within the community. This support is essential for encouraging active participation and building self-confidence.

Difficulty level: Easy