FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What are time dollars?
Why are there two different Time Trade Circle websites?
I don't live in Cambridge. Can I still join?
Are time dollars taxable?
How do Time Trade Circle members get to know each other?
What can I do to help the TTC organization?
I created an account at timebanks.org, why can't I browse the site?
If you have a question that is not answered here or anywhere else on the site, let us know so we can add it. Email your question to Louisa: louisa.rosenheck@gmail.com
What are time dollars?
Time Dollars represent that amount of time one Timebank member has spent in the exchange of a service with another member. When you spend an hour helping another member, one Time dollar gets added to your account and subtracted from the account of the member who received the service.
Why are there two different Time Trade Circle websites?
We do have two websites. This one (timetradecircle.org) is a public site - it provides information about the group before you become a member as well as some resources for current members. The internal site (community.timebanks.org) is a database of members profiles that only active members can access. If you need help using either site or getting started with the Time Trade Circle online, contact Louisa: louisa.rosenheck@gmail.com
I don't live in Cambridge. Can I still join?
Yes, you can join if you live anywhere in the greater Boston area. If you live far from other members, your exchanges might start slowly, but you can encourage your neighbors to join and then you'll have Time Trade Circle members who live near you!
Are time dollars taxable?
The IRS has determined that 1) because an hour is always an hour, regardless of what is offered, 2) because they are backed only by a moral obligation and 3) because they are intended for a charitable purpose, Time Dollars are not taxable.
How do Time Trade Circle members get to know each other?
Time Trade Circle meetings, pot-luck dinners and other gatherings are a great way to get to know one another. Of course when you arrange time trades with other members you also meet new people then.
What can I do to help the TTC organization?
We are always looking for volunteers to help with various aspects of the Time Trade Circle, such as outreach, marketing, membership, event planning, newsletters, etc. There's bound to be something you'll be good at and enjoy, plus you'll meet great people and earn time dollars while you do it. Contact Katherine if you're interested in helping out.
I created an account at timebanks.org, why can't I browse the site?
We're glad you created an account but before we activate it, we'd like you to come to an orientation meeting. Since time banking is all about community, it's important for us to meet new members and explain how it all works before they start browsing other members' offers and requests. We can't let everyone look at profiles right away because they contain members' personal contact information.