Time Exchange Policies
Materials & Supplies: The person providing the service must clearly communicate if materials are needed before the exchange takes place. Unless otherwise agreed upon, the person receiving the service is responsible for providing or paying for necessary materials.
Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel or reschedule a planned exchange, please give at least 24 Times notice whenever possible. Emergencies happen, but consistent last-minute cancellations may affect your standing in the network.
Responsiveness: Members should respond to service requests within 48 hours, even if the response is to decline. Maintaining clear communication helps build trust within our community.
Active Participation: To keep the Time Exchange vibrant, we ask that all members participate in at least one exchange every six months. Members who haven't been active for over six months will be contacted to confirm their continued interest.
Service Quality: All members are expected to provide their best effort when offering services. While professional certification isn't required, honesty about your skill level is essential before agreeing to an exchange.
Safety & Respect: All members deserve to feel safe and respected during exchanges. Any harassment, discrimination, or unsafe behavior will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the Time Exchange.
Common Current Time Exchange is a time bank system where members exchange services with one another using time as currency. One hour of your time equals one time credit-regardless of what service you provide. These credits can then be used to receive services from other members.
Unlike the traditional economy where certain skills are valued higher than others, in our Time Exchange, everyone's time is equal. An hour of legal advice is worth the same as an hour of garden help, childcare, or home repairs.
FAQ:
What if I don't think I have any valuable skills to offer? Everyone has something valuable to offer! Skills that may seem ordinary to you can be extremely helpful to others. This includes transportation, cooking, computer help, pet sitting, gardening, organizing, tutoring, or simply providing companionship. During orientation, we'll help you identify skills you might not have considered valuable.
How does the Time Exchange track time? We use an online platform that allows members to log their hours, search for services, and manage their time bank accounts. After each exchange, both the provider and recipient confirm the hours spent, which are then credited accordingly.
Can I go into "time debt" if I need services before earning Times? Yes, new members can begin with a small negative balance to get started. We understand that sometimes you need help before you've had a chance to provide services. The expectation is that you'll provide services to others over time to balance your account.
What about services that require materials or supplies? Time credits cover only the service time, not materials. If materials are needed (like ingredients for cooking or parts for repairs), members should discuss this before the exchange. The person receiving the service typically covers the cost of materials, or members may work out another arrangement.
Is there a membership fee? The Time Exchange operates on a sliding scale basis. We suggest a small annual contribution to help cover administrative costs, but no one is turned away due to inability to pay. You can also contribute time instead by helping with Time Exchange operations. Any access funds will go toward building our tool library.
What if I'm not satisfied with a service I received? We encourage open communication between members. If there's an issue with a service, first try to discuss it directly with the provider. If that doesn't resolve the matter, our Time Exchange coordinators can help mediate. Our goal is to ensure that all exchanges are satisfactory for everyone involved
How often do I need to participate? To maintain active membership, we ask that members engage in at least one exchange (either providing or receiving) every six months. This keeps the network active and ensures that everyone remains engaged with the community.