Questions from organizations regarding timebanking

1. I love the idea but really don't have time to figure it out (i. e. software).

Chances are good that there is already a timebanker that is in your organization who would be willing to be the administrator for the account.  If not, we may be able to help find someone for you, and will reach out to you.

2. I love the idea but I still don't really understand how it works (or the software).

The orientations we hold  are informative and exciting.  We explain the concept of timebanking amd what we are doing and then we give a live, detailed software tutorial.  Most people who attend the meeting have NO trouble with the software.  If you love the idea, I would urge you, a board member or someone in your organization to attend the next meeting.

3. I am having trouble figuring out how to reciprocate and don't want to go in the negative.

If you could only see that going in the negative is actually a positive notion, this wouldn't be an issue!  We expect some organizations to be in the negative and there are ways to ask for time donations to your account.  The amazing thing is, like everyone else in the timebank, you probably have some really valuable assets and they just haven't appeared yet.  Consider some of these ways that other organizations reciprocate: marketing shout outs, in-kind support, printing, space usage. While we wait for those ideas to come to fruition, why not use the system?

Remember, when you receive in the timebank, you help the timebank succeed the same as when you give

1. I really don't understand why we would pay Time Credits for something that's supposed to be volunteer.

You're right in that we don't consider timebanking to be a volunteering type exchange. Timebank members do receive something other than an intrinsic feeling of good will. That being said, I think it's important that you consider the following facts about timebanking vs. volunteerism:
1. While timebankers do receive something, it's not U.S. cash currency.
2. The timebank is all inclusive to EVERYONE and is free to join, [imagine if we were an exclusive club that cost money to join, that wouldn't be fair!]
3. When a timebanker receives Time Credits, it is actually helping out many, many more people. It is much more than a one-on-one exchange, [see barrier #2.]
4. Research shows that timebanking actually promotes volunteerism. As I am sure you know, volunteerism is down.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2013/04/01/can-we-qet-some-volunteersplease/

Most timebankers have actually never volunteered before timebanking and wind up sharing their skills and resources more widely and volunteering more in their community because it gives the same good feeling.

1. Research also shows that volunteering has a "shelf life" for many individuals. Many people burn out and do not wish to make volunteering a priority.  Gifting those who do help with time credits creates a whole new world of priority.
2. Conversely, being on the receiving end of volunteering, participants begin to feel shame and loss of self worth. The timebank system gives those who have been receiving a voice and an ability to prove that they, too, have assets that are valuable.
3. One can easily switch the language from "paying" time credits to "donating" or "gifting" time credits. These words may help to incentivize more volunteers.
4. Timebanking is working. People are struggling. They are using time credits to get things that they cannot afford. In addition, we are building community and creating job opportunities.  When you award people with time credits, you are "paying it forward" to the entire system.