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West Seattle Timebank

Terms of Service

TimeBanks USA Terms of Service

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.

  1. Assets: Everyone has something to offer;
  2. Redefining Work: Building home, family and community is valued work;
  3. Reciprocity: Encouraging givers to receive – and receivers to give – builds trust and resiliency and sharing;
  4. Community: We are stronger together;
  5. Respect: Respect is the root of equality.

I understand that the function of West Seattle Timebank is to facilitate the exchange of services within the community in the spirit of the core values of TimeBanking. It is my responsibility to use the same caution I would in other circumstances to get to know a person, make reference checks, and use my instincts before engaging with another TimeBank participant - especially for babysitting, elder care, and driving.

I understand that any agreements shall be made solely by and between parties involved in this transaction. TimeBanks USA and West Seattle Timebank will not be held responsible and will not assume any liability for claims, damages, or any other consequences which may arise from this arrangement.

I understand that TimeBanks USA and West Seattle Timebank shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by information contained on this web site or any other TimeBank resources. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless all parties who facilitate or participate in TimeBank exchanges.

I agree that this site is not to be used for buying and selling and trading in illegal goods and services.

This site provides information that may reveal aspects of members’ lives that they wish to keep private. For that reason, I pledge not to reveal any of the contents of this site that are associated with any members’ personal information.

I understand that I will receive messages from other members of my TimeBank through this web site. Notification of such messages will be sent to the email address I have registered with. I also understand that I will receive newsletters, broadcasts and alerts for my TimeBank from my Coordinator(s) through this web site.

I have read these guidelines and agreements and I agree to abide by these core values, rules, and guidelines provided by TimeBanks USA and West Seattle Timebank for proper and courteous behavior. I pledge to proceed with good intent towards being of service to others in my community and treat others in the TimeBank with respect and kindness.

Terms of Service - Member Guidlines

Member Guidelines

 

  1. Understand the Timebank Goal: To Build a Non-Monetary Community of Support.
    Timebanking builds a community of support between individuals, families and neighborhoods. Exchanging services is a means of building sustainable communities in a modern, urban society.

 

  1. Using TimeBank’s Community Weaver:  Communicating with members through personal emails and phone numbers is best, but Community Weaver, our messaging service, is available to those who wish to keep their contact information private.

 

  1. Excepting or Declining an Exchange:  If 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.

 

  1. Give Timely Responses:
    We expect our members to respond to each other in less than 3 days, 5 days max.
    Give other members enough advance notice for an exchange.

 

  1. TimeBanking should be Fun:
    Post offers for services that you enjoy doing.

 

  1. Be Respectful and Courteous:
    Be flexible in your expectations of member’s varying abilities and manage those desires accordingly.
    Our TimeBank cannot replace the money economy, and is not meant to meet all of your needs.

 

  1. Clear Communication is Vital:
    Be sure to negotiate the terms of the 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 Time Credits (hours) that will be reported.

 

  1. Monetary Expenses for Materials and Supplies:
    They are the responsibility of the recipient. Both parties should discuss this ahead of time so no one is caught by surprise.

 

  1. Recording an Exchange:
    The service provider should round up to the nearest quarter hour, and, if appropriate, include transportation time in the total. The recipient of the service (person paying) generally posts the service exchange, unless both parties agree to do it differently.

 

  1. Confidentiality:
    If a member is experiencing a difficult situation, please don’t share confidential information with other members. If there’s a reason to believe that this member’s situation may negatively impact other members, please notify a coordinator.

 

  1. Begin Right Away:
    You do not need to earn credits before you start exchanging. Each new member receives 1 Time Credit after their account is activated, in recognition of joining the TimeBank.

Receiving is just as important as giving. Do not be afraid of this kind of debt.

 

  1. Attend Timebank Meetings and events:
    The potluck events are a good way to meet your fellow members and find out what they need and can offer. This can be the best and most rewarding way to build relationships for making exchanges.

 

  1. Contact a Coordinator if you Experience any Difficulties with:
    1. The TimeBank’s Community Weaver computer system
    2. members who do not return calls or respond to emails
    3. not enough or too many requests
    4. you believe another members exchange practices are inappropriate
    5. you will be unavailable or move out of our area.

 

Participation is IMPORTANT! If you are not actively making transactions, both giving and receiving, you are not accessing the true power of TimeBanking. We don’t want to lose you due to inactivity. Our community thrives on active involvement. Enjoy your Timebank!

 

Ongoing Use of the TimeBank:

  • Don't hesitate to respond to an offer or request. This is exactly how new sharing and relationships are built to strengthen our community.
  • Please respond in a timely manner to calls or emails you receive from your neighbors about the requests or offers you've posted.
  • After you've communicated with a neighbor and determined that a service exchange is appropriate, make specific arrangements (date and time) for the exchange.
  • Fulfill the exchange and save a record of it in your hours account in the Timebank data base call Community Weaver.
  • Come back and review offers and requests from other members.

Do this again and again to help keep our community alive and flourishing.