9 Steps to Creating your Time Bank

1. First thoughts:
What do you want to achieve with your TimeBank?
Who do you see joining?
Who can you ask for help and support?

2. Learn about TimeBanking and brainstorm:
Call up existing groups and talk to them.
Brainstorm with your friends and supporters.
Take a Time Bank training and learn how you can shape your Time Bank to fulfill your goals and your mission.
Think about your long term goals and potential legal structure (non-profit, co-op, volunteer run, fiscal agent, etc)

3. Select which software you want to use:
Time Banks USA Community Weaver
hOurWorld Time and Talents
Community Forge
OS Currency

4. Get ready to organize:
Form your advisory group
Get buy-in from those who will help your TimeBanks succeed
Think about who will take on the coordinating roles: a paid coordinator? A small team of members?
Create an action plan with an operating budget and start date
Begin looking into funding sources
Think about your legal structure, will you partner with a fiscal agent or start your own non-profit?

5. Set up a base for your TimeBank:
Find an office or community space (a place where people can gather).
Religious institutions, libraries and community centers may offer space for mixers, meetings and potlucks.
Have your Time Bank coordinator/s begin

6. Start your outreach work
Create a brochure for new members and do outreach.
Prepare a members’ handbook and orientation materials.
Send out invitations to your first new members’ gathering.

7. Hold your first meeting:
Hold an orientation for new members.
Sign up your first new members.

8. Set up the first exchanges:
Help members set up their exchanges.
Seek out opportunities for targeted group activities.
Celebrate success!

9. Keep Going and Growing:
Turn to your members for ongoing ideas, support and energy.
Remember: Small is beautiful

Ten Tips for Time Bank Success

1. Bring members together at regular social events. Food is a great way to boost attendance!

2. Encourage members to help with the administration and decision-making roles of the Time Bank. This gives the Exchange energy, makes local connections, and shares valuable knowledge.

3. An effective paid Time Bank Coordinator is a key factor in ensuring the successful growth of a Time Bank.

4. Be creative! Time Banks thrive through exchanges that join together needs and strengths of people, organizations, businesses and agencies in ways where everyone wins. Group projects and celebrations will bring a special energy to your Time Bank.

5. Maintain a limited geographic area. This makes it easier to bring members together and exchange services.

6. Encourage members to request services. The tradition of relying on each other has been lost in many communities, and people find it hard to ask. Try this: Give an award monthly for the member with a positive balance who has spent the most.

7. Provide opportunities for members to contribute as soon after they join as possible. Be sure that new members who offer help are called on within the week – this is VERY important!

8. Make user-friendly forms and materials

9. TimeBanks thrive when members can dream together of group projects that strengthen the community and bring support for the Time Bank.

10. Make plans for sustainability from the outset. Member support – through contributions of time, energy, or dues – is key for success.

If you are interested in starting a Time Bank in California, please contact:

Autumn Rooney or Janine Christiano at catimebankfederation@gmail.com 213-973-BANK (2265)

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