Frequently Asked Questions
How does it work?
The SWEL Timebank has a service website for members, where you list what you would like to do for other members, and what services you would like to receive. You look up timebank services online, and arrange with another member to provide or receive a service. Or, you can call a community coordinator to do it for you. You earn Time Hours after each service you perform, and then you can spend it on whatever you want from the listings. In general, each member gives and receives in equal measure, keeping their account balanced. There are also opportunities to donate hours earned to local charities. See the membership policies for more information on our processes, fees, and policies.
What are Time Hours?
When you spend an hour helping another Timebank member, one Time Hour is added to your account and subtracted from the account of the member who received the service (quarter- and half-hours can also be recorded.) Time Hours can be exchanged at the rate of one per hour for anything offered by another member of the Timebank, provided the person is willing and available.
Does a Time Hour have a monetary value?
No. Time Hours operate outside the market economy, and only track services people provide for each other.
Are Time Hours taxable?
Time Hours have been ruled tax-exempt by the IRS because an hour is always valued at one hour, there is no legal responsibility on anyone's part to redeem a Time Hour, and the primary purpose of Time Hours is charitable. For businesses participating in the Timebank, please check with your tax consultant.
Are there units smaller than one Time Hour/one hour?
The SWEL Timebank uses units as small as 1/4 Time Hour, or 1/4 hour. And we always round up.
What kind of services are typically offered by Timebank members?
Timebank services encompass many forms of services, skills, and assistance: animal care, life coaching, tutoring, teaching crafts and hobbies (knitting, fishing, etc.), running errands, cooking, reading aloud, housecleaning, sewing, taxi service, hair cutting, computer help, gardening, yard work, and more...
What are the benefits of joining?
Joining the SWEL Timebank gives you access to the talents, time, and skills of your neighbors, while giving you an opportunity to help others in meaningful ways. It's a great way to get connected with others in your community.
How do I join?
See the How to Join page for more information.
What does it cost to join?
Households and Individuals:
$75 for household
$40 for individuals
$15 for college students, seniors, or income under $25,000
$5 for high school students
You may pay your membership fee online. Membership fees are used to pay for the operation of the Timebank. For more information about joining, see the How to Join page.
Do I have to live in Shoreline, Woodway, Edmonds, or Lake Forest Park to join?
We are initially focusing on Shoreline, Woodway, Edmonds, and Lake Forest Park. If you live outside that area, you are welcome to join, however the distance may limit your exchanges.
What about safety?
All Timebank applicants undergo a basic level of screening. A Washington State criminal background check is conducted through Washington State Patrol, and at least one personal reference is contacted.
Each Timebank member is responsible for determining whether they are comfortable interacting with another member, prior to arranging an exchange. We encourage members to personally meet other members in a public location (such as at one of our potlucks) prior to meeting privately.
Individuals with criminal records are generally excluded from the Timebank, with potential exceptions for minor offenses. See the Screening Guidelines.
What if I don't have computer access, or don't want to use a computer?
If you don't have access to a computer, or don't want to use a computer, contact the SWEL Timebank Coordinator at sweltimebank@gmail.com for assistance.
What are the member policies?
See the Member Policies page.
Our orientation presentation also has very useful information.