Standards of Care
By accepting these terms and conditions, you agree to:
- Respect another member’s privacy or confidentiality.
- Respect other members’ viewpoints and do not pressure another participant to accept your religious beliefs or political views.
- Not involve friends or relatives in TimeBank exchange activities unless agreed with the TimeBank as being part of a group activity.
- Not ask for or accept money, gifts, or tips from other members.
- Not eat or drink a member’s food and drink, unless invited to do so.
- Respect a no-smoking policy in a member’s home or venue of time exchange.
- Not use any possessions of the member, including the telephone, unless given clear permission to.
- Always treat other participants respectfully.
About this TimeBank
As a member of this TimeBank, you are not a volunteer in the traditional sense. You are part of a community that can make a difference. The concept of earning and spending credits gives everyone the chance to give and receive in equal measure. Without a two-way process, this exchange cannot work as there would be no credits to exchange with.
You are of course welcome to donate your credits to another member, group, or organization that would benefit from them. You may wish to 'bank' some of the credits you earn by helping others and saving them for when you really need them. You do not necessarily have to be in a credit situation before you 'spend'.
Useful information
Here is some guidance on making exchanges:
- Expenses: Unless you have arranged otherwise, we do not have a process for processing expenses so this is up to you to manage and be satisfied with the arrangement before you begin.
- Cancellation: Whether you are a giver or receiver of an exchange, please give as much notice as possible if you need to cancel.
- Health and Safety: The safety of all Community TimeBank Exchange members is paramount. If you have any concerns or doubts when asked to carry out an assignment, do not hesitate to contact your platform administrator (see below).
- Safeguarding: Do not put yourself at risk – if you are not sure it is safe to do, DON’T DO IT! If you are worried about visiting another member on your own, in the dark or in a particular area – discuss your concerns with your platform administrator.
- Trust your judgment: If anything sets off alarm bells, trust your instinct and position yourself for an easy exit.
Rights and Responsibilities
We value you as an individual and recognize our responsibility to maintain high standards for all members. Equally, as a member, you have responsibilities towards others in the scheme. Whilst we grant you access to this platform, you are responsible for your own actions and behaviors. This section sets out the Rights and Responsibilities of members.
Rights of the time giver
- To earn one “time credit” for every hour spent on an exchange.
- To have credits banked and available to be used when the participant needs a service.
- To be able to donate credits to another member (who also needs to be a member of the TimeBank).
- To receive recognition for the valuable service provided to the TimeBank.
- To be treated fairly and resolve any dispute, complaint, or misunderstanding promptly.
Rights of the time receiver
- To be treated with dignity, care, and respect in line with the Standards of Care.
- One-time credit always buys one hour of service, regardless of the nature of the task.
Responsibilities of the giver
- To provide an exchange that is comfortable and satisfying to the receiver.
- To maintain the receiver’s confidentiality.
- To observe the Standards of Care.
- To always contact the site administrator should a difficult or uncertain situation arise.
- To be prompt and keep scheduled exchanges.
TimeBanking is designed to encourage connections between community members on the basis that everyone has something to give and everyone has needs. TimeBank members commit to "give and receive" using Time Credits earned and spent. The "golden rule" of TimeBanking is this: An hour of my time is equal to an hour of your time. One hour of service given earns one-time credit. For one hour of service received, pay one-time credit.
A commitment to the core values helps people to get into the spirit of TimeBanking and helps keep that spirit alive.
- Assets: Everyone has something to offer;
- Redefining Work: Building home, family, and community is valued work;
- Reciprocity: Encouraging givers to receive – and receivers to give – builds trust and resiliency and sharing;
- Community: We are stronger together;
- Respect: Respect is the root of equality.
If you do not agree, we cannot accept your application.
TimeBanks.Org and Neighbor-2-Neighbor Terms of Service
- I agree to only exchange lawful services through Community Weaver.
- I understand that Global TimeBank offers digital offers and digital exchanges.
- I understand that TimeBanks.Org and Neighbor-2-Neighbor cannot be held responsible for any injury to persons or damage to property experienced while involved with the program. The applicant hereby agrees to hold TimeBanks.Org and Neighbor-2-Neighbor as well as its employees and/or board, harmless from any and all claims or liabilities for any activities performed by a TimeBank member.
- I agree to take responsibility for any accident or injuries that I might suffer while on property owned or rented by any TimeBank member and waive any claim against that member.
- I assume complete responsibility for the supervision and safety of my family members, including children, and take responsibility for any damage or accident in which my family members may be involved.
- I understand that there will be an immediate termination of membership of any member who harasses, harms, or interferes with any other TimeBank member or the TimeBanks.Org organization.
- I agree to refer any complaints, concerns, or disagreements with another global TimeBank member to [email protected].
- TimeBanks.Org cannot guarantee the performance of anyone who is referred to TimeBanks.Org, Neighbor-2-Neighbor and Community Weaver.
- TimeBanks.Org does not monitor any transactions or offers in Community Weaver. TimeBanks.Org is offering Community Weaver to manage your TimeBank, use it at your own risk. Timebanks.Org and Community Weaver are not responsible for any claims in both jurisdictions or international countries.
- No service is guaranteed, and there may be situations when the service provided does not meet the expectations of the receiver. Wherever possible, appreciation of another's best efforts is part of what makes TimeBank work.
- TimeBanks.Org discourages members from providing TimeBanking services that directly relate to the same services they provide professionally (i.e., for dollars). Providing, through TimeBanking, more than introductory services related to your profession may have tax and financial implications to the TimeBank and to the member, and in some professions, providing professional services through TimeBank in any capacity may violate State or Federal law within the United States and other countries.
- All members must protect the privacy and confidentiality of other members. Membership can be terminated for violating this rule. The only exception for sharing information is when a member feels that the health and/or safety of another member is in danger. Please communicate these concerns to us at [email protected].
Global and community member guidelines
1. Understand the TimeBank goal
To build a non-monetary community of support and foster trust by extending trust. TimeBanking builds a community of support between individuals, families, and neighborhoods. Exchanging services is a means of building sustainable communities in suburban, rural, and urban societies.
2. Using Community Weaver, the TimeBank platform
Communicating with members through personal emails and phone numbers is best, but Community Weaver, our online website and messaging service, is available to those who wish to keep their contact information private.
When a member contacts you, be sure to respond to them even if you can’t perform the service. It’s OK to say no, but be sure to respond to them so they know to keep looking.
Give timely responses
Members should respond to each other in less than 3 days, 5 days maximum. Please allow members enough advance notice for exchanges.
Offer services you enjoy doing
TimeBanking should be fun.
Be respectful, courteous, and flexible in expectations of varying abilities.
Be flexible in expectations of varying abilities. TimeBank does not replace the money economy and is not meant to meet all basic needs of survival.
Communicate clearly
Be sure to negotiate terms of exchange beforehand. Be clear about your skill level and the amount of time it will take. Be sure you both have the same understanding before the service is provided. Discuss the number of hours and when the hours will be credited.
Monetary expenses for materials and supplies
They are the responsibility of the recipient. Both parties should discuss expenses before the exchange so no one is surprised.
Complete an exchange
The service provider rounds up to the nearest quarter hour including transportation time in the total. The recipient visits the dashboard to log the hours unless both parties agree otherwise.
Confidentiality
Please don’t share confidential information with anyone. If there’s a reason to believe that a member’s situation may negatively impact other members, please notify your Timebank coordinator.
Begin right away
Each new member receives 2 credits. 1 hour = 1 credit. Do not be afraid if there is TimeBank "debt." Just keep exchanges flowing.
Our programs are a good way to meet fellow members and build relationships.
Contact your coordinator if you:
- experience difficulties with your TimeBanks.Org online system;
- experience members who do not return calls or respond to emails;
- find you are getting too many requests (or not enough);
- believe another member's practices are inappropriate;
- become unavailable or move.