See what's new at DACU!
Greetings!
Summer is in full swing, and DACU is here for you! Check out our updates and events below.

UPDATES

DACU is Hiring

We are looking for a special person to serve as our timebank coordinator since Gio is no longer with us. This is a full-time one-year position through AmeriCorps VISTA. The position pays approximately $12,000 per year and also includes an end-of-service stipend or education award. You can find the job announcement here: please share it widely!


DACU is Looking for an Office

Have any ideas about potential office space for DACU? We are looking to rent an ADA-compliant space on the bus line. Please contact Kari to share leads!


EVENTS
We look forward to seeing you at these July and August events:

Timebank Orientations
Thursday, July 14th
Tuesday, August 9th
6 to 7:30 PM
On Zoom

We continue to offer monthly timebank orientations over Zoom. Once you've attended one, you will be able to exchange services with our 400+ members. It's a great way to meet new people, build your skills, and get help you need...and it's all free. If you're already a member, spread the word: you will be given three time credits for every person you refer who joins!


DACU/Timebank Get-Togethers
Thursday, July 21st
Tuesday, August 16th
6 to 8 PM
At Klein Park

We had hoped to begin holding these events indoors, but when some of us contracted Covid recently, we've decided it's safer to keep braving the heat at Klein Park. Join us for for a light dinner and a group game under the shade of the stage. It's a perfect place to (re)connect with your DACU and Timebank friends. All are welcome!


United Fridays
Friday, July 29th (5:30 to 6:30 PM)
Friday, August 26th (3:30 to 4:30 PM)
On Zoom

Join us this month to learn about backcountry camping from timebank member Hank Fanning! Hank has built and maintained trails in many remote locales around the country. Do you have a skill or interest you'd like to share at our August session? Please email us!


DACU at the Fine Art Flea Market
Friday, August 1st
5 to 10 PM
Plaza de Las Cruces

Come hang out with your DACU friends in a festive street fair setting and share the magic of timebanking with passersby. Please contact Kari if you would like to volunteer at the booth or share your talent as the featured timebank member of the month! In the past we have featured live acrylic painting, hair braiding, and a recipe for tea.

We look forward to seeing you soon. Stay cool in the meantime!

In good health,
Kari

Kari Bachman (she/her/hers)
Se habla español
DACU director
575-496-4330
Our vision: DACU aspires to a vibrant Doña Ana County where all human beings are valued and everyone works together as equals to realize our full potential for individual and collective wellbeing.

Our mission: DACU creates welcoming spaces for all people, especially those whose voices and stories go unheard. We build genuine relationships, carry out uplifting projects, and engage with local government.

Our initiatives: (1) Social equity mapping: Undervalued community members explore their neighborhoods and work with local decision makers to implement policies and projects that advance health equity. Efforts have included the Community of Hope, Gallagher Park, and the Nevada Neighborhood in Las Cruces; Elks Drive in Doña Ana; and Lisa Drive in Chaparral. (2) Mesilla Valley Timebank: Members build social cohesion and practice an equitable form of alternative economics by exchanging services. (3) Just Community radio show: Residents with lived experience of social inequities share their insights into how we can work together to advance equity in our county.
(4) Participatory budgeting: The goal is for directly impacted community members to decide how public funds are spent.