Keweenaw Time Bank

What is a Time Bank?

Time Banks are an organized way for anyone to jump in and offer help, and in turn, receive help from other members. It is a community-based system that allows people to exchange time for services instead of money. This system helps to foster strong community ties, build new relationships and improves the overall quality of life for locals here in the Keweenaw.

How does it work?

Members share their talents and skills and then 'spend' them later on services others provide. Every hour of skill share equals 1 hour of credit in the bank. Everyone's time has equal value while they provide friendly neighborly favors. If you fulfill a member’s request for gardening help for 2 hours, you’ll have 2 hours of credits to trade for a skill or service that you personally need.

View our Guiding Principles & Organizational Structure

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did you form a Time Bank?

We are forming a Time Bank to connect people in our community to be able to help each other on a larger scale and also be able to track and get value for the volunteer time they contribute. If your neighbors are already helping each other we encourage them to sign up and track their hours. Who knows, they might be able to benefit from someone in the larger community that they haven’t yet met. It also is a way to acknowledge volunteerism that is already going on but might not get appreciated.

What kind of services do people exchange?

Common exchanges involve things that are already done by neighbors. For example, a ride to the doctor, help in the garden, tutoring, or cooking meals. More specialized skills are welcome. For example: teaching guitar, helping with a small business’ books, or building cabinets. Under a time bank any work is accepted and everyone has something to offer. Giving advice and sharing knowledge are welcomed exchanges.

Can I receive services before I earn hours?

Yes, you can - negative hours are not a bad thing. We acknowledge that some people are going to need more help and might not have a lot to give back right away. Admins will encourage a balanced system of exchange by participants within the Time Bank. We have no overdraft fees. ;)

Are businesses and organizations allowed to join?

Yes, we invite organizations to join and make an account. This would allow any volunteer work done for that organization to be charged against the organizational account. The more negative hours accrued by the organization, the more volunteer work that would be done in our community.

Can a family sign up as an organization?

Yes, families are welcome to sign up under one account.

Are kids able to join and participate on their own?

Yes, under 18 individuals are able to join if they get permission from their parents/guardian and submit a consent form. Otherwise, a family would be able to make an account together as an organization and the account could be shared.

Do my hours need to be reported to the IRS?

No, as long as 1 hour of time equals 1 hour of time in exchange, and no hours are given for free, then we aren't required to interface with the IRS. The IRS has viewed time banking as "the provision of friendly neighborly favors" in exchange for nothing. Members are, in effect, simply tracking their volunteering. There are no contracts. No binding agreements. Only a moral obligation to reciprocity to the community. See the USA Tax Ruling for the language to describe Time Banking (https://hourworld.org/pdf/IRS_Rulings.pdf) and why it is not taxable.

I’ve banked a lot of hours but my requests aren’t receiving responses - what should I do?

Browse the offers! You may find something available that surprises you. Otherwise: be patient, revise your request, or invite people you know who have the skills you need to join the time bank. This will enrich available services for everyone in your exchange, as well as the new providers themselves.

Can I get more value for specialized work?

No, all work has the same value. One hour in the time bank spent (from work accrued) always equals one in the time bank saved (from work completed).

I have had to travel quite a distance for my request, can I log this time?

Yes, include any time traveled or preparation time for exchange activities. You may be surprised how much time and effort someone will go through to provide you a service.

Do I have to pay for materials for a service I’m offering?

Generally no, the person receiving the service pays for materials. For example if someone needs their walls painted, they should supply you with the paint, tarps, brushes, etc. that are required to get the job done. This applies to gas money for a ride, or ingredients to bake cookies. For any exchange, it is the responsibility of the two parties that are exchanging the work to discuss and agree upon this beforehand. If you have extra materials you are willing to gift that could help someone complete the work they are requesting, talk about this with them before the work is started and come to an agreement.

What if I don’t like the result of the service provided? e.g. I got a bad haircut

Talk to the provider. Express your opinion, work out a solution. Remember that you are both members of the community and should treat each other with respect. However if it’s unresolved please reach out to the Keweenaw Time Bank Administration email below.

What happens if I have a bad experience with someone during an exchange?

Our code of conduct promotes ideas of ethical behavior and respect. If you feel someone is violating this code please contact the Keweenaw Time Bank Administration email below.

How does the Time Bank treat liability?

Some exchanges have inherent risk involved in them. It is up to the people in the exchange to assess your comfortability with the work you are doing and assess the risk. Set boundaries, do your due diligence, and communicate these with the person you are exchanging with.

Do you have any other questions for us?

Please submit them to keweenawtb[@]tutamail.com