TimeBanking
New Member Orientation Training Guide
Based on the Arroyo SECO Network of Time Banks New Member Orientation Training Guide.
Congratulations! You have joined the amazing world of TimeBanking! Thank you for being a part of
the ________ (Insert TimeBank Name Here)! You play a very important role as the welcoming
committee. Orientations help new members get acquainted with time banking, set up their profile,
learn the etiquette of giving and receiving and start making exchanges. Below are some points to
address during the orientation.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Welcome and introductions
Elevator Speech
Creating a Membership Handbook
Setting up the Account
Offers and Requests
Welcome and introductions
Introduce yourself and ask them some ice breaker questions such as how did they hear about the
time bank or what kinds of services would they like to give or receive.
Elevator Speech
If the new member hasn’t attended a workshop or doesn’t understand how a time bank works,
give them the quick elevator speech…
A Time Bank is a mutual credit system. It is a group of community members who trade services
with each other using time as currency. If I give you a hair cut, you give me a time credit. I then
can spend that time credit on Bruce to fix my bike. It is a pay it forward system of trade. One hour
equals one time credit. It doesn’t matter if you are a lawyer or a teacher, everyone is valued the
same.
Member Handbook and Core Values
Review the Small Quick Guide To TimeBanks, the Do’s and Dont’s, and core values. We also
recommend developing a member handbook that fits the personality of your TimeBank. Practicing
the five core values is what makes the Time Bank work. We are all assets, redefine work,
reciprocity, social networks and respect. Express to the new member that these values are the
foundation of the Time Bank.
1. Assets: We are all assets.
Every human being has something to contribute.
2. Redefining Work: Some work is beyond price.
Work has to be redefined to value whatever it takes to raise healthy children, build strong families,
revitalize neighborhoods, make democracy work, advance social justice, make the planet sustainable.
That kind of work needs to be honored, recorded and rewarded.
3. Reciprocity: Helping works better as a two-way street.
The question: “How can I help you?” needs to change so we ask: “How can we help each other build
the world we both will live in?”
http://timebanks.org/ 5500 39th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20015 | (202) 686-5200
You can replace this footer with your TimeBanks’ contact information.
TimeBanking
New Member Orientation Training Guide
4. Social Networks: We need each other.
Networks are stronger than individuals. People helping each other reweave communities of support,
strength & trust. Community is built upon sinking roots, building trust, creating networks. Special
relationships are built on commitment.
5. Respect: Every human being matters.
Respect underlies freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and everything we value. Respect supplies
the heart and soul of democracy. When respect is denied to anyone, we all are injured. We must
respect where people are in the moment, not where we hope they will be at some future point.
Some points to emphasize:
1. If a member contacts you, be sure to respond to them even if you can’t perform the service. It’s
OK to say no, but be sure to respond to them.
2. Post offers for services that you enjoy doing. It should be fun.
3. The Time Bank cannot replace the market economy and is not meant to meet all of your
needs. Please be flexible with your community.
4. Give the other members enough advanced notice for an exchange.
5. Be sure to negotiate the terms of the exchange beforehand. Be clear about your skill level and
the amount of time it will take. Clear communication is key!
6. Participation is important! Please make sure to use the TimeBank.
7. You do not need to earn before you start exchanging. Each new member receives a time credit
for attending the orientation.
8. Receiving is just as important as giving. Do not be afraid of debt.
9. The monthly potlucks are a good way to meet your fellow members and find out what they
need and can offer. Check the Community Weaver Calendar for details.
10. When leading or attending a TimeBank class do not pay the teacher directly. Pay one credit
per hour into your local Time Bank account. The Teacher can pay themselves one credit per
hour from the same account. This is how we keep the one for one rule.
11. All members are encouraged to join their local leadership group.
http://timebanks.org/ 5500 39th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20015 | (202) 686-5200
You can replace this footer with your TimeBanks’ contact information.
TimeBanking
New Member Orientation Training Guide
Setting up the Account
If the member hasn’t created an account yet, they can do so by clicking on the following link,
Insert your TimeBank’s Community Waver link here  Ex: http://arroyoseco.timebanks.org/
From the home page, click on “Create a New Account”
After they set up a user name and password, a Primary Coordinator can activate their account
from the control panel. Once the member is activated, they will receive an email letting them know
that they can now log in to Community Weaver and set up their profile. If they don’t see the email
tell them to check their SPAM folder.
How to Set Up Your Profile
1. After your account is active and you login, scroll over My Account in the upper right-hand
corner.
2. Click on My TimeBank Yellow Pages Listing
3. On the My TimeBank Yellow Pages Listing page, please fill this form out to communicate
the types of activities you are willing to offer.
4. Once you check off the skills, they automatically save.
5. Congrats and welcome to the TimeBanks Community!
Posting Ads
Introduce the new member to Community Weaver, help them log in and post at least one offer and
one request. They may want to watch the on-line tutorial at this link, http://youtu.be/Y0mJt8ADyXc
For questions about Orientations contact:
Please write the contact information for your TimeBank Coordinators Here.
Ex:
Dara Gold: dara.gold@timebanks.org
THANK YOU!!!
Once again a special thanks to the Arroyo SECO Network of Time Banks
http://timebanks.org/ 5500 39th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20015 | (202) 686-5200
You can replace this footer with your TimeBanks’ contact information.