Andover Community Time Bank

If you want to build a network of support within your neighborhood or community, Time Banking can help you do exactly that. Instead of paying professionals to look after your children, care for your aging parents, and do the work that family and neighbors used to do for one another, the members of your Time Bank can do those things for each other. Time Banking creates connections through sharing skills.

If you are a social services professional and/or an individual committed to social change and social justice, Time Banking can help you involve the groups you are working with and give them a way to give back to each other and shape the outcome of their program.

Why should I care and what is so special about Time Banking?

Many folks are looking up from their busy lives and wondering if something essential hasn’t gone missing. Is the nuclear family enough to feel fully alive.

Some of us can remember a time when family members lived close by each other and we knew most of the people living in our neighborhoods. Some of us have only heard about it.

Helping each other out was a given, something we did for each other every day. From watching someone’s kids for a few hours, dropping off meals for a sickly neighbor to potluck suppers and barn raisings, communities were full of exchanges and mutually supportive networks of family and friends.

Few people would disagree that times have changed, that these networks are gradually disappearing and few of us have family members nearby or neighbors we know well enough to turn to for support. There are so many things we do that would be more efficient, fun, and meaningful when shared.

Feel free to browse our site and find out how you can get started sharing with others and creating your own networks of support.

What services can I buy with Time Dollars and what can I do to earn Time Dollars?

The list of possibilities is endless.

From walking a neighbor's dog, oiling a squeaky door, raking leaves, stuffing envelopes, braiding hair, cooking meals, giving music lessons, running errands to lending professional advice, everyone in a Time Bank has a valuable skill to share. Ask the coordinator if you are stuck on ideas.

What if I don't have time for volunteering? Isn't this just one more thing that's going to eat up my extra time?

Not unless you want to give extra time!

Many of the services people exchange in a Time Bank are the types of things they are already doing every day. For example, those of us who have children are already cooking for them, driving them to activities, and helping them with their schoolwork—among other things.

ooking an extra portion of food for someone down the street who is housebound, picking up your neighbor's kids on the way to soccer practice, or helping the child down the street with his homework don't add work to your day. Or, if you have a dog and take it for a walk every day, why not pick up your neighbor's dog along the way.

For professionals like doctors, lawyers and business people, Time Banking is a way to give back to your community without having to go someplace else on someone else's schedule. For example, you can just set aside 10% of your appointment calendar for Time Bank members.
Even better, Time Banking helps you gain extra time because down the road, you can spend the Time Dollars you've earned and have someone else do something for you that you can't fit into your schedule or simply don't know how to do!

How exactly does it work?

When you spend an hour to do something for an individual or group, you earn a Time Dollar. Then you can use that Time Dollar to buy an hour of a neighbor’s time or engage in a group activity offered by a neighbor.

Why is everyone's time given the same value?

At first glance, it seems crazy that someone is paid the same for web design and pulling weeds, but this turns out to be the core of what makes Time Dollars really work. In the “Yin” or “caring economy” everyone’s time is valued equally – just like it is inside a family. You wouldn't ask your cousin to give you two hours of dog walking for every hour you spend fixing his computer.

Putting a price on people's time separates us by making some people more valuable than others. Time Dollars excel in building relationships because they place an equal value on everyone’s time.

Time Dollars aren’t meant to replace standard dollars. They are designed to counterbalance the market economy where people may have invested in special training to make their time more valuable. There’s nothing wrong with that, it’s just taken over too much of our experience of the world. Almost everything is monetized. We are building a parallel economy where people take care of each other as families. We build extended families by geography, not bloodlines.

Isn't Time Banking like bartering?

It is, but the big difference is that you don’t have to pay back the person who does you a favor. It is a “pay-it-forward” system. That’s one of the reasons why people find it so much easier to do things for others in a Time Banking system. You don’t have to figure out what to give back to the person who helped you. You can choose how to pay it forward doing what you want, when you want.

Are Time Dollar exchanges tax-exempt?

Yes, and this is another reason why Time Banking is different than bartering: it is not taxable. In normal bartering, you have to declare the value of the good and services you receive to the IRS. We have an IRS private letter ruling that Time Dollar exchanges are tax-exempt.

Can you buy or sell things with Time Dollars?

Yes, and many Time Banks do sell things.

In general, most Time Banks follow a simple formula for selling things. You charge for the hours it takes to produce something in Time Dollars, and charge the cost of the materials in regular dollars.

The important thing to remember, however, is that in order to maintain the Time Dollar tax exempt status, you can never make an equivalency between a Time Dollar and regular dollar.

Who runs the Time Bank?

Most Time Banks have a part-time or full-time Coordinator who helps set up exchanges and runs the day-to-day business of administering the Time Banks.

How do people connect to each other?

People either connect to each other online via our Time Banks web software or through their Coordinator. You can post a request for services online or call your Coordinator to ask them to make a match for you.

How do you keep track of the exchanges?

There are two ways to keep track of the exchanges.

If your Time Bank uses the web software, all you have to do is record the exchange and the number of hours, and it will be credited to your account. If your Time Bank has a Coordinator who organizes the exchanges for you, you can just call up your Coordinator when the exchange is completed, and she or he will record the hours and Time Dollars you earned.

How many people are in a Time Bank?

Time Banks can range anywhere from 5 to 10 people to several hundred. In our experience, however, the optimal size for a Time Banks community is less than 150 members.

Are there different types of Time Banks?

Yes, there are, but regardless of your ultimate goals, most Time Banks start off with Neighbor-to-Neighbor Exchanges. Once you get going, you can tailor the exchanges of your Time Bank to suit the more specific needs of your community or the types of populations your agency or volunteer organization is working with.

What kinds of people join Time Banks?

Everyone can join a Time Bank and all kinds of people do.

Can social service agencies use Time Banking to deliver services for less?

Certainly they can, and many agencies have found that Time Banking does help them reduce costs because their clients become active participants and service providers for one another. But, even more importantly, the reciprocity that is naturally built into every Time Bank helps clients to become more engaged in directing and creating positive outcomes for themselves and all the members of the program. This sense of ownership and empowerment is often of far greater value to an agency than delivering services at a lower cost because their clients are creating their own path toward meeting the program's goals.

Can I trust the people in a Time Bank to come into my home?

Each Time Bank establishes its own criteria for screening and interviewing potential members before they join. If you have any doubts, you can contact your Coordinator to find out what the criteria for your Time Bank are or to learn more about another member's background. For individuals who are offering driving or child care services, most Time Banks require a full background check.

What if someone falsely bills me?

Time Banks are built on mutual respect and trust and this type of thing is very rare. In fact, we can't recall a single incident except when someone has made a mistake and debited the wrong member's account. If you think that that someone has falsely billed you for services, all you have to do is call your Coordinator who will straighten things out.

Can people cheat?

Theoretically, it is possible that someone could cheat, but, again, we can't remember anyone doing it. Whether your Time Bank uses the web software or a Coordinator to keep track of the exchanges, whenever one person earns Time Dollars, there is a corresponding debit for the same amount in someone else's account. This makes it pretty easy to know if someone is cheating or not. No one is anonymous in a Time Bank, so people don't cheat.

What happens if you go into debt?

Having a negative balance is not a big deal in a Time Dollar account. After all, people have to receive in order for others to give.

Each Time Bank sets up its own limits on how far a member's account can go into debt, and it is explained in their Member Handbook. People who have a history of earning lots of Time Dollars are generally allowed a bigger debt limit.

Generally, not much will happen other than a call from your Coordinator to remind you that you will need to earn some Time Dollars before you can start spending them again. And, for members in need, many Time Banks have special Time Dollar funds contributed by individual members that are set aside for community projects or to help members who are going through a difficult period.

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Andover Specific Information

Becoming a Member

To join ACTB you must submit a completed Membership Application Form, and complete a scheduled in person interview with a member of the Core Team. Phone interviews can also be arranged, but in person is preferred. Please come to the meeting prepared with the application filled to the best of your ability, and any questions you have on the handbook. The application, handbook, and quick start manual can be found under Downloadable Forms on the website. After you have attended orientation and you submit a signed agreement, you are ready to set up your first exchange! Exchanges will start once there are 15 registered members.

When You Want to Receive a Service

Go to the Market Place on the website and find the appropriate section for your need. (e.g. look under Child Care for a Babysitter). You may want to look at several applicable areas. If there is an appropriate offer, message the member.
If no offers apply, make a request by clicking “Add Your Request” in the appropriate section. Answer the questions to the fullest of your information to find a match sooner.
Make a request in advance of when you need the service
Agree with the other member on:

Date, time and location of service to be provided;

The amount of time the member will spend providing the service as well as time spent traveling to and from where the service will be provided;

Parts, supplies or ingredients needed. The member who is receiving the service is responsible for paying for parts, supplies or ingredients;

Tools required to complete the service. You and the other member must decide which of you will provide those tools.
If your presence is required for the service, be sure to be there and on time. If you will be late, be sure to notify the other member as soon as possible;
Then have the work done!

If you have questions about arranging your exchange or need assistance, call the Time Bank Coordinator.

How do you Provide a Service?

When you receive a message from a member requesting a service, discuss and write down all the necessary information:

date, time and location of service to be provided;

the amount of time that you will spend providing the service;

parts, supplies or ingredients needed. The member who is receiving the service is responsible for paying for parts, supplies or ingredients;

tools required to complete the service. You and the other member must decide which of you will provide those tools.
Know the recipient’s name and be sure he or she knows yours.
Keep the scheduled appointment. Be on time; 5-10 minutes early is even better. If you are going to be late or cannot make it, notify the other member immediately and, if necessary, make other arrangements.
Request information you feel is necessary while in the recipient’s home such as the location of telephones, emergency phone numbers, and any safety risks
When you have completed the service, record the number of Time Dollars earned on your Community Weaver account. Go to “My Account”, then “My Hours” and click “Add Time”. Remember, it is the provider of the service who reports theTtime Dollars earned. Contact the Core Team at andovertimebank@yahoo.com with any questions.
To respond to a request ad, view the full request, write your response (be sure to give the above information) and click “reply now”
To make an offerclick“Add Your Offer” in the appropriate section. Answer the questions to the fullest of your information to find a match sooner.

Earning Time Dollars and Spending Time Dollars: Guidelines and Definitions

Time Dollar: One hour of service equals one Time Dollar, regardless of the service. The smallest fraction that can be reported is 0.25 or ¼ Time Dollar. All exchanges less that 0.25 or ¼ should be rounded up to the next 0.25 or ¼ Time Dollar.

Preparation Time: Time Dollars can be earned for the time used preparing to provide the service.

Travel Time: Time Dollars can be earned for travel time by the provider to and from a recipient’s home or any other place the service will be provided.

Services to Many: Members may teach a skill to several members at one time earning Time Dollars for preparation and teaching. The Time Dollar is debited to the recipients on a pro-rated basis. For example, a one-hour of prep time plus a 3-hour class taught to 4 members would result in 1 Time Dollar debited from each member and 4 Time Dollars earned by the member teaching the class.

Can you Join Without Internet or Email?

It is possible to be an offline member. You will make transactions through a Core Team member. Call them with any offers you would like to make or requests you would like to receive. They will receive all of your messages and emails and relate them in entirety to you. Your offline member status will be posted in your profile.

Policies and Procedures—PLEASE READ!

No Guarantees of Performance: ACTB does not guarantee the quality and appropriateness of services provided by members. Nor does ACTB do background checks on any of its members. The decision to provide a service and receive a service is the responsibility of the member based on a relationship of trust, mutual support and respect.

Receiving Baby Sitting or Companion Care for an Elderly or Disabled Person:Choosing the right baby sitter or companion care provider for a loved one is a very important decision. If you are a ACTB member who wants to receive these services from another member, you need to know that ACTB does not do background checks on any of its members. Like any of the other services provided by members, ACTB does not guarantee the quality or appropriateness of the work or service. The decision to provide a service and receive a service is the responsibility of the member, based on a relationship of trust, mutual support and respect. ACTB members seeking baby-sitting services may wish to consider only exchanging with those members who can provide their own background check. Members are encouraged to order their own background check and keep a copy in the Time Bank office for referral.

Receiving Transportation Services: If you are a ACTB member who wants to get a ride from another member you need to know that ACTB does not do background checks or check driving records on any of its members. Like any of the other services provided by members, ACTB does not guarantee the quality or appropriateness of the work or service. The decision to provide a service and receive a service is the responsibility of the member, based on a relationship of trust, mutual support, and respect.

Providing Transportation Services: ACTB members who want to provide transportation services must:

have a valid driver’s license;
have a safe, dependable vehicle that is registered, insured and inspected according to Massachusetts Law;
observe all speed limits and driving laws;
wear seat belts at all times while driving and require passengers to wear seat belts.;
observe all laws regarding the installation and use of child safety seats;
never drive a vehicle when tired or taking medication that causes drowsiness.

Transporting Children: For the child’s safety, children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by his or her parent or guardian when getting a ride from a ACTB member. The parent or guardian is responsible for the proper installation of the car seat in the vehicle and the child in the car seat.

Time Dollars and For Profits: At this time if you are a member who owns a business, you cannot use Time Dollars you earned to benefit your business. In the future we plan to create opportunities for businesses to participate in ACTB.

Home Maintenance on Rental Property: If you are a landlord, you cannot use Time Dollars you earned to have maintenance done on the rental property as this would be considered benefiting a business. Contact the ACTB Coordinator if you would like more information about this policy.

Exchanges with Members of Other Time Banks: Exchanges with members of other Time Banks is possible, especially if the service you need is not provided by a ACTB member. Exchanges with members of other Time Banks need to be coordinated by the ACTB Coordinator.

Members Under 18 Years Old: Young people are welcome and encouraged to join ACTB. Like any other member he or she must complete the member information form and meet with a member of the ACTB Core Team. However, any member who is less than 18 and not emancipated must also have their parent or guardian sign the Member Acknowledgment and Agreement. If member is under 13, the parent and/ or guardian must be present during the information meeting. We encourage members under 18, and require members under 13, to join the Guardian Angel option of the website. Ask the Coordinator for more details.

Debt

All members start with two Time Dollars, but debt is possible and not necessarily a bad thing. For some people to earn Time Dollars, other must be debited. Members are encouraged to actively look for opportunities to give help and earn Time Dollars, but if debt does occur, all that will happen is that the Coordinator will be notified and will give you a call to check in, and possibly suggest a service match.

ACTB Website

The ACTB website, www.andovertimebank.org is currently up and running.

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