FAQ - LMTimeBank FAQ

TimeBanks are a group of citizens and organizational entities (businesses and volunteer organizations can become members to offer or receive TimeCredits to the members or community) that offer neighbourly services to one another. In short, members of the network volunteer for other members.

This is not a barter system. Bartering usually involves going back and forth to decide upon the value of some thing or service. The value of an hour in the TimeBank has already been set: one hour of service equals one hour in exchange.

6. Q: Are there units smaller than one hour, or one TimeCredit?
A: The Lower Mainland TimeBank uses units as small as 1/4 TimeCredit or 1/4 hour. And we always round up.

7. Q: What about liability?
A: In the decades that TimeBanking has been around no claims have ever been filed against it. TimeBanking is based on trust and reciprocity and there is no anonymity in the system, all strong deterrents to misuse.

8. Q: What about safety?
A: All TimeBank applicants are screened. The TimeBank Coordinator calls at least one personal reference. No one except a coordinator will be given access to the online listings of names and addresses. The privacy of your personal information is assured.

Not everyone is guaranteed a TimeBank membership, but the TimeBank strives to accommodate as many people with as many different backgrounds as possible.

9. Q: Does a member need to earn TimeCredits before spending one?

A: No. The TimeBank wishes for its members to use the network with great frequency. We encourage each participant to promptly become involved with exchanging upon becoming a member whether through providing or receiving a service. As a member sees an offering they wish to receive, he or she should feel free to contact the person providing the service. There will be continual opportunities for offering services to other members of the network, so one should never feel as though they shouldn’t receive a service due to a lack of earned TimeCredits. Further, to help inspire members to become active in exchanging, we will be granting one TimeCredit to each member of the network after attending a free orientation meeting.

10. Q: What if an individual feels they would like to become involved, but does not believe they have strong or specialized services to offer to the network?

A: Many of the services exchanged require only a minimal skill level. Oftentimes, the requests for services can be very general in nature. For example, a member organization may need assistance with stamping for a mass mailing or an individual in the network may desire help with moving. Both of these requests only require that a responding member be available and willing to perform the tasks.

11. Q: How does one begin the exchange process?

A: A member will be granted access to the online TimeBanking program after fulfilling the aforementioned requirements of attending an orientation and completing the application procedures. The individual will have a profile developed which contains his or her general information along with the initial service requests and opportunities as specified on the application. The member will provide a user name and password in order to obtain access to the online database of members and services. After logging in, the member can view the community directory and service requests and offers.

Then, a member should respond to another’s listing by emailing or calling to discuss the possibility of and logistics for making an exchange. This process may involve communicating with several different members of the network to find the right match. For example, a member may be looking for someone to paint a room in his or her home. A member who is a professional house painter may respond by saying they have much expertise, but couldn’t begin the job for few months until their professional schedule dies down. Another person may call and admit they have painted only a room or two in their lifetime, but would be willing to help out and could do so within the following week. The person requesting the service will assess which offer is more fitting for his or her needs and communicate the decision to all parties that have been a part of the discussion.

12. Q: How can a member ensure he or she will be pleased with the quality of work performed by another member of the network?

A: Please keep in mind the TimeBank has a value system that acknowledges and accepts service exchanges as an economic alternative. Both appreciation of another’s efforts and the willingness of members to work to the best of their ability for others must be present for the TimeBank to work. Members are expected to conduct themselves in an ethical and responsible manner that both reflects well upon the TimeBank and promotes the creation of a vibrant community working well together. Members are expected to work together so all parties are satisfied with the service exchange. However, work that is performed by members is not guaranteed and there is no receipt for services rendered. There may be situations when the work completed does not meet the expectations of the receiver.

There are a few steps that can be taken to try to prevent this from happening. First, when having the initial discussion about conducting an exchange with another member, it is asked that both parties speak honestly about their expectations, skill levels, the amount of time for which they are asking/willing to work, and other information that will outline the project. The expectations and outcomes will differ for each exchange. As the members communicate, some type of mutual understanding should be agreed upon.

It is also asked that members talk about the “what ifs” that could arise in order to potentially inspire a backup plan if the initial arrangements and expectations are not met. For example, sometimes projects take longer than originally estimated. This is one issue that may need to be discussed in the initial negotiation.

Additionally, the individual requesting a service is able to ask the responding member for related contact names and information of people willing to provide a reference. We ask that all members be willing to ask for or provide information about relevant personal and professional references. One way accountability is maintained among members is through using this particular process.

13. Q: What can be done if a member is unhappy with the outcome of an exchange?

If for some reason the exchange does not turn out the way it had been planned, even after substantial communication, we ask that the receiving party first speak with the individual who provided the service in a constructive way. We suggest the members have dialogue to discuss what could have been done differently to hopefully come to a positive understanding.

The member who receives a service is responsible for recording the credit for the exchange on the TimeBank website. When reporting exchanges, it is possible, but not necessary, to provide feedback in the ranking of “positive,” “neutral,” or “negative.” We encourage members to offer this feedback to the members that have assisted other members through service exchanges, especially if it is positive. If a member wishes to offer feedback that may not be positive, we first ask that you alert this in your communication with the member who provided service before making a public statement through the community database. If a member feels the need to report feedback as negative, it should be done as constructively as possible.

What if a member consistently provides services to others, but doesn’t receive responses for the services he or she has requested?

This program was designed to be as “member-run” as possible and much of the success of the organization is dependent upon the activity and communication transpiring within the membership. Each member has the right to be heard in the organization and it is possible for a member to voice his or her needs directly to the membership. Our online database has been set up so that members are able to personalize and describe the services that are offered and sought. If a member has completed many hours of service, but has had difficulty receiving services from other members, it is suggested that he or she specifically outline this to the membership in their service request updates.

14. Q: Where can I read more about complementary currencies and programs similar to the Lower Mainland Time Bank?

A: Yes, here are a few recommendations.

"When 14 Hours of Help Equals Some Heavy Lifting," The New York Times, November 15, 2006. (A subscription is required, but a complementary 14-day trial is available.)

"Cultural Currency," Mother Jones, October 2001.

“Network Members Work for Better Health Care,” Portland Press Herald, August 1, 2005.

The following books were written by the creator of the concept of Time Banking, Edgar Cahn, and are informative about the theories of this practice:

No More Throw-Away People: The Co-Production Imperative (2nd Edition, Essential Books 2004), written by Time Dollar founder, Edgar S. Cahn. This book describes how and why Time Dollars support and build community and provides an in-depth explanation of how Time Dollars and Co-Production operate as a force for social change. It is also available in Spanish.

Time Dollars: The New Currency that Enables Americans to Turn Their Hidden Resource-Time-into Personal Security & Community Renewal (Rodale Press 1992), written by Edgar Cahn and Jonathan Rowe, with foreword by Ralph Nader. This is the earliest book written about Time Dollars. It explains how the things we used to do for one another have turned into things we have to buy and introduces the reader to Time Dollar pioneers who have lead the way out of our money bind.

The following websites are also informative:

www.timebanksusa.org

www.mainetimebanks.org

www.opensourcecurrency.org

www.complementarycurrency.org

www.austintimeexchange.org

www.danecountytimebank.org

www.londontimebank.org.uk

www.pdxtimebank.org

15. FAQ on TimeBank USA website.

16. Q: What does it cost to be a member?

A: The cost is a small early donation to help fund the TimeBank. There is a Adult, Youth/Elderly, Family and Business membership available. People unable to afford the yearly donation are welcome to request to be sponsored. Click here for more details,

Each member is also request to donate 1 hour to the TimeBank each quarter to from their account or by volunteering their time to a community project. This helps keep everyone active with their account and supports the community building principles of the neighbourhood TimeBank.

17. Q: Can I donate money to help the TimeBank?

A: Yes, absolutely! Like all not-for-profit organizations funding is a big issue and greatly affects the ability to do the work and reach the people the organization hopes to. TimeBanking is the same. It's a volunteer based process but has overhead and requires some paid staff to ensure it's success.

Individuals and companies can donate and become Sponsors. Each Sponsor receives recognition on the TimeBank printed materials and/or the website. Each Sponsor also receives their own membership in the TimeBank so they can participate in exchanges also.

A portion of each Sponsorship is earmarked to cover the cost of memberships for people who cannot afford the yearly membership donation. TimeBanking is designed to be accessible to everyone and Sponsors help us do that. Click here for more detailed info on becoming a Lower Mainland TimeBank Sponsor and THANKYOU!