What is a TimeBank?

A TimeBank is an organized community of people that creates and manages its own micro-economy. A TimeBank is more than a business, it is a vibrant tool for building a strong and resilient community.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

A TimeBank Member provides an hour of community service to another member. The TimeBank records the hour of service and credits the contributing member. Then, that contributing member can spend that hour credited for a service that anyone else in the community offers.

WHAT ARE TIME DOLLARS?

TimeBanking creates value by creating a marketplace for skills and labor. It also creates value by creating a market for extra and unwanted things. TimeBank Hours — called TimeDollars – can be transferred or used not only locally, but also in any of the 600 TimeBanking Communities with any of the 40,000 members in the Hourworld.org platform.

WHO CAN JOIN?

Anybody over 18 who is a member can accept and trade the currency: health care providers, mechanics, plumbers, tutors, massage therapists, accountants, baby-sitters, dog-walkers, website developers, cooks, organizers and many, many more.

DO YOU HAVE A SKILL YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE (OR LEARN)?

Do you need help with something you can’t afford (or don’t want) to do?
Do you represent an organization that needs volunteers?
Are you a business owner that’s open to taking part in the time bank economy?
Trade your time at the Time Bank with other Boulder County residents.

Below are just a few ideas of the kinds of exchanges that are made.  We enjoy a wide range of services from simple neighborly assistance to professional services!

Massage
Home repair and construction
Babysitting
Errands and transportation
Appliance repair

Yard and garden help
Computer help
Business startup help
Health and wellness services
Arts and crafts

Special events

Classes/Lessons/Tutor
Writing/Research/Publishing
Help in the home
Sewing
Housing/lodging/accommodations
Items for free, sale, or trade

Elder and companionship
Fitness/outdoor/nature
Moving and Hauling
Entertainment/Performance
Cooking and Entertaining

A Sharing Economy

What is the Sharing Economy?

The Sharing Economy is an alternative socio-economic system created by the sharing of resources – human, physical, and intellectual. It includes goods and services by different people and organization. Its heart is the people who are sharing and collaborating across all aspects of social and economic life.

How does the Sharing Economy work?

The Sharing Economy can include things like swapping, exchanging, collective purchasing, shared ownership, recycling, upcycling, borrowing and lending. Some commercial examples include AirBNB, Lyft, MicroFinancing, and Uber. A nonprofit example is TimeBank Boulder (where no money is exchanged).

How can participating in TimeBanking change and enhance my life?

  • I have a lot of skills but until I joined TimeBanking, I haven’t had any place to offer them.
  • I don’t have a lot of cash, and TimeBanking can help me make ends meet.
  • I’d like to volunteer to help others, and I can’t take on a structured volunteer opportunity because I travel or my schedule changes. TimeBanking provides total flexibility for volunteering.
  • My car doesn’t qualify for Uber or Lyft because it is too old. With TimeBanking, I can give rides to people for TimeDollars.
  • I live alone, and I would like to have a support network. TimeBanking can provide assistance in many areas of life.
  • I just moved here and I’d like to find a great way to meet others. TimeBank Boulder is a vibrant community with some really, really great people.
  • I could use help with things around the house. Many skills are available at a TimeBank.
  • I want to get off the economic grid as much as possible. The Sharing Economy of a TimeBank does not require payment of income taxes.
  • I don’t think I have any skills to offer anyone. TimeBank Boulder will help you know what your skills are. Everybody has skills! We hope you will join us!

PART OF THE TIME BANKING MOVEMENT

TimeBank Boulder is a member of hOurworld (a national TimeBanking software system) and part of the international TimeBanking movement, now in 22 countries and six continents, which is creating new ways of sharing resources based on cooperation and mutual aid.

Time Banks run on a “no-cash economy,” recognizing the importance of every individual and creating systems where everyone benefits and everyone’s skills are equally valued.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TIME BANKING

HourWorld
TimeBanks.org
Time Banks Help Spaniards Weather the Financial Crisis