So…What Is Timebanking

TimeBanking is a way of giving and receiving to build supportive networks and strong communities. One hour helping another earns one TimeBank Hour (also called time credits, service credits or time dollars.) TimeBanking builds on the magic of “pay it forward,” one good turn leading to another and another.

A TimeBank is formed whenever individuals or organizations agree to earn and spend TimeBank Hours to meet the needs of friends, neighbors, and the larger community.

TimeBanks range from Small (15 – 20 members) to large (2,000 or more). They can connect with other Timebanks too.

Each TimeBank is unique reflection of its members, who they are, the dreams they have for their community, and what they choose to offer and receive.

Here is how it works: I earn a time credit by doing something for you. It doesn’t matter what that “something” is. You turnaround and earn a time credit doing something for someone else in your TimeBank Community. For example, an hour of gardening equals an hour of child-care equals an hour of dentistry equals an hour of home repair equals an hour of teaching someone to play chess. The possibilities are endless.

Who can be involved in TimeBanking?

Anyone can earn time credits by contributing to others.

Likewise, anyone who has earned time credits can spend them. Or they can pass on the time credits to others who may need them more.

Individuals, groups, organizations, government agencies, churches, businesses; they all can become members, and contribute time, energies, skills and resources.

A really special member of every TimeBank is the TimeBank itself. Because the TimeBank needs members to take on the activities of setting it up and sustaining it over time.

Click here to learn more about timebanking.