Isn’t this just bartering?

Nope. With Timebank SD you do not need to work out an equitable trade. You provide your time and bank the credit earned for later use. Then, you decide how and when you want to exchange your earned credit. Bartering is not allowed (taxable) per IRS regulations for time banking.

But, I don’t have any “special talents”… Can I participate?

YES and we believe every person has something to give including simply just their presence; no special skills required! There are many people in our community experiencing loneliness, it is an epidemic. The World Health Organization and US Surgeon General both recently recognized that loneliness and social disconnection are urgent health issues. Timebank SD connects people, creating a richer social safety net that is reactive, in real time, to community needs. Your “special talent” is your desire to build community, something every Timebank SD member has oodles of.

Can I earn time credits by helping someone with errands, gardening, or basic tech support?

Yes, and these supports are extremely valuable. Much of unpaid labor used to be performed by family and community members. As our communities have become corporatized and modernized, much of this support is now paid labor and those with less resources are priced out from these supports. Our goal is to connect our community to share resources and a build stronger community safety net.

How does a time bank work if I want to get help with small tasks and also volunteer my own skills?

Each Timebank SD member starts with 3 Timebank SD Credits (TBC). You can exchange those credits for offers that members post. If you would like to earn more TBC, you can post an offer of a skill or service on the exchange. It is a circular economy.

Which San Diego Community Programs help people exchange services fairly when money is tight?

Timebank SD’s mission is to create a better social safety net that relies on neighbors helping neighbors instead of the exchange of money. If money is tight, no problem at Timebank SD. The community exchanges time to grow greater community and more access to shared resources.

Is time banking safe?

Timebank SD is a community that values safety as well as maintaining a mindset of abundance. Most members are trustworthy, however, we do not screen members. If you have any doubts, please do not accept the person’s offer to help.

It is up to each member to get to know and feel comfortable with another member. One way to do this is to look at a member’s profile to review comments about prior exchanges. You are also welcome to attend a Timebank SD event to get to know other members in a public group setting.

Still a bit hesitant to exchange with strangers? We’ve got you covered! Start a private group with your friends, family, and trusted neighbors to facilitate exchanges. The tool of timebanking works for the macro community as well as your personal micro-community. Large or small, by collaborating more, we make steps towards a better social safety net.

What is the Honor Principle?

It is our collective responsibility to keep each other safe. The Honor Principle basically is that any action that causes unnecessary pain or discomfort to any member of Timebank SD community, group within the community, or to the community as a whole, is a violation of the Honor Principle. Violations of the honor principle are processed by the Timebank SD Board of Directors and any crimes will be directed to applicable law enforcement agency.

Is a background or fingerprinting required?

For general membership? No.

For specialized exchanges with vulnerable populations? Yes. Any additional requirements can be discussed between members as the exchange dictates. Specialized exchanges may include working with populations unable to self protect or who are reliant on others for care such as children or elders. Our goal is a community of safety and care.

Have more questions?

Please email us!