In the heart of our community lies a dream:
A connected society where no one stands alone.

We envision a world where everyone, young and old, feels the warmth of belonging, and where each smile, every shared story, and every helping hand bridges the isolation gap and creates bonds of friendship.

The scenes above show a warm and inviting environment where seniors and volunteers of all ages are actively engaged in activities, such as learning new skills and participating in communal projects. The images capture the atmosphere of warmth, inclusivity, and active participation, emphasizing the positive impact of Timebanking on the lives of seniors.

Timebanking inspires people to connect, cooperate, communicate, and contribute across the community.

About Timebanking
The original narrative from Edgar Cahn, the Founder of Timebanking

Podcast: Timebankers' stories of exchanges in time, stories read by Chris Gray, with reflections by Edgar Cahn on the meanings he saw in them.

"Every day, somewhere on the globe, untold thousands of people are actually earning 'time credits' helping other human beings and, in different ways, advancing social justice."

... Edgar S. Cahn, Founder of Timebanking
(in the book 'No More Throw-Away People')

Timebanking offers a way for people to connect with one another, support each other, and build stronger, more resilient communities. This approach to exchange and support can help members of a community to connect and improve their overall well-being. Here are some of the benefits.

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Timebanking stories & articles ...

Story 13: Harmony Across Generations: The Symphony of Caring and Sharing In a close-knit community brought together by Timebanking, a …

Story 12: Bridging Communities: The Timebanking-Community Organization Partnership Once upon a time, in the small town of Harmonyville, a thriving …

A local community service organization in a diverse neighborhood aims to celebrate the talents and skills of its residents while …

A local community service organization in an aging community recognizes the importance of addressing the isolation and loneliness of seniors. …

A local community service organization in a suburban neighborhood decides to tackle the issue of litter and waste management. They …

A local community service organization in a suburban neighborhood decides to tackle the issue of litter and waste management. They …

Timebanking Activity - Roles

The community people can participate in Timebanking activities in one or more of the following roles.

Member

All Timebank participants must be registered as members of a community Timebank. Members can only meet in a public place.

Full Member

If Members want to meet at anyone's home, both must be upgraded to Full Membership for the protection of vulnerable Members.

Organization Member

Non-profit organizations, businesses, and community groups can sign up as an Organization member in a Timebank.

Coordinator

Coordinator is a Member upgrade and supports members in their activities. Coordinators also engage in community outreach activity.

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee manages the affairs of Timebanking Canada and oversees the Timebank operations.

Timebanking Value Statements

Your Value Proposition to Join Timebanking

Overall, the value proposition of Timebanking is the opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient community where people can connect, support one another, and improve their well-being. This can be a valuable resource for people of all ages and backgrounds, providing a way to give back to the community, learn new skills, and build meaningful relationships.

"Timebanking is not just about exchanging services, it's about building relationships. It's about connecting with others in the community and creating a culture of mutual support and collaboration."
"Timebanking provides a way for people to give back to their community while also receiving support when needed. It's a win-win situation, where everyone benefits."
"Timebanking offers a unique opportunity for people to learn new skills, improve existing ones, and feel valued and connected. It's about exchanging time, not just services, and building a community based on trust and mutual respect."
"Timebanking helps to reduce social isolation and build stronger, more resilient communities. It connects people who may be facing similar challenges and provides a way for them to support one another."

Edgar Cahn, the founder of TimeBanks.org, has given these five core values that stand at the heart of successful timebanking and have stood the test of time.

  • Asset – Every one of us has something of value to share with someone else.
  • Redefining Work – Money will not quickly pay for some forms of work, like building strong families, revitalizing neighborhoods, making democracy work, and advancing social justice. Time credits were designed to reward, recognize and honor that work.
  • Reciprocity – “How can I help you?” needs to change, so we ask: “Will you help someone too?” Paying it forward ensures that we help each other build the world we all will live in.
  • Community/Social Networks – Helping each other, we reweave communities of support, strength & trust. Community is built by sinking roots, building trust, and creating networks.
  • Respect – The heart and soul of democracy lies in respect for others. We strive to respect where people are in the moment, not where we hope they will be at some future point.

A Case for Time Banking as a Social Cause - Sarah Bird

An Example of a Time Bank - Members talk

Timebanking for
Communities

Strengthening Connections across the community, One Hour at a Time.

"Timebanking for Communities" encapsulates the essence of a grassroots movement that nurtures the spirit of people bonding together.

In an era marked by rapid change and increasing digital interactions, this concept harks back to the heart of what makes communities thrive: genuine human connection.

By emphasizing the value of time, Timebanking encourages neighbors to come together, bridging generations and backgrounds as they share their skills and passions.

As members exchange services and experiences, a sense of belonging takes root, turning neighborhoods into tight-knit families.

Timebanking rekindles the spirit of unity, where every moment dedicated by an individual to another fuels a ripple effect of positive impact. Each community becomes more potent and resilient, one hour at a time.

Timebanking for
Volunteers

People volunteer to share skills with one another and shape their Community.

"Timebanking for Volunteers" is an invitation to channel personal talents into meaningful actions, transforming passion into purpose. In a world bustling with diverse skills, Timebanking emphasizes the power of every individual to shape their community through their unique abilities.

Volunteers become architects of change by dedicating time to teach, assist, or lend a hand to others in the community.

Timebanking recognizes that each volunteer's contribution extends beyond the act itself, resonating with those who benefit and inspiring others to join the movement. It is a call to leverage the richness within, to weave threads of positive transformation that connect volunteers to the fabric of their community, all while experiencing personal growth and fulfillment.

Timebanking for Organizations

Organizations collaborate, grow, and make a difference together.

"Timebanking for Organizations" unveils a realm where businesses, nonprofits, and institutions unite in a tapestry of collective impact.

In a landscape of innovation and collaboration, Timebanking beckons organizations to pool their resources, skills, and expertise for the betterment of society.

By participating in Timebanking, organizations gain more than just a platform – they gain a community. Through reciprocal exchange, they find the solutions they seek and the opportunity to foster partnerships that transcend traditional boundaries.

Timebanking nurtures a collaborative spirit, where shared missions amplify the growth potential, leaving a lasting imprint that transforms organizations into pillars of positive change.

Story 13: Harmony Across Generations: The Symphony of Caring and Sharing

In a close-knit community brought together by Timebanking, a unique story unfolds. It’s a story where vibrant volunteers, from bustling students to energetic retirees, step forward to “care for seniors and caregivers.” They offer companionship, support, and a sense of community, transforming the lives of seniors who once faced the shadows of loneliness and isolation.

Among them is Mrs. Eleanor, a spirited 80-year-old with stories that span decades. With her wisdom and wit, she becomes not just a recipient of care but a mentor, imparting lessons from her life to a young volunteer, Sarah, a university student studying history. Sarah, who initially joined the program to earn volunteer credits, finds herself drawn into the depth of Eleanor’s experiences, gaining insights that textbooks could never offer.

Across town, there’s Mr. Jacobs, a retired teacher, who finds new purpose as he spends time with Mark, a high school student struggling with confidence. Their weekly chess games become more than just a pastime; they’re sessions of life coaching, where Mr. Jacobs shares his wisdom, helping Mark navigate the complexities of growing up.

Meanwhile, caregivers like Maria, who tirelessly looks after her aging mother, find respite and support in this community. Volunteers step in to give Maria much-needed breaks, ensuring her mother is in safe, caring hands. This cycle of support not only rejuvenates Maria but also enriches the lives of those who step in to help.

In this tapestry woven by Timebanking, every thread – be it a story shared, a lesson imparted, or a hand extended in help – strengthens the fabric of the community. It’s a place where intergenerational bonds are not just a concept but a living, breathing reality. Here, seniors and caregivers give as much as they receive, mentoring and guiding, while volunteers find fulfillment and growth.

This story of Timebanking is a testament to the power of shared humanity, where the act of giving and receiving blurs, leaving behind a community united, enriched, and ever so strong.

Timebanking Seminar Registration
(No dates are presently scheduled. We can conduct seminars on demand.)

Select Your Community Timebank

Ottawa
Timebank
Ottawa-Centretown Timebank
Ottawa-Orleans Timebank
Ottawa-Kanata Timebank
Ottawa-South Timebank
Ottawa-Barrhaven Timebank

About Timebank Membership

Timebanking vs volunteering

Timebanking is not traditional volunteering. Volunteers typically provide a one-way service, getting nothing in return. Timebank members are all volunteers helping/serving one another on a pay-it-back or pay-it-forward basis.

Time is the currency of exchange. That is, you earn ‘time credits’ when you ‘give’ service. Similarly, you would spend the ‘time credits’ earned to receive service from anyone in the community. Everyone has an equal opportunity to give and receive and make a  difference in the community.

Timebank Membership defined:

Any individual (18+) or an organization (non-profit, business, or a community group) from communities across Ottawa may register as a member (Individual or Organization) of a community Timebank. A member coordinator approves all member registrations.

Membership is for one Timebank only: Membership is for one Timebank only with a unique user id/email address across all Timebanks.

Sharing of services across multiple communities – Passporting feature:  The ‘offers’ and ‘requests’  on one Timebank may be linked (made available) to, and be visible on, other linked Timebanks. This will allow members from linked Timebanks to respond to the offers and requests across Timebanks and create exchanges in another community.

Member Documents: Click the buttons below to refer to the member documents.

BASIC and FULL memberships:

All Members join as ‘Basic’ members. The Basic members can only meet other members in a public place.

To meet in someone’s home, both the ‘giver’ and the ‘receiver’ of service must be ‘Full’ members.

FULL Membership is an UPGRADE: For the safety and protection of all members, especially the vulnerable ones, membership upgrade requires the following steps:

  • Police Record Check: Apply online  (Vulnerable Sector Check) – It’s FREE for volunteers.
  • Documents review: Review the member documents [see the buttons above.]
  • Membership Upgrade: Click the button below, fill out and submit the information to upgrade from Basic to Full Member.
  • Membership Agreement: Click the button below and sign the agreement form to complete your Membership upgrade.

Full Membership Information

BASIC and FULL memberships:

The Basic members can only meet other members in a public place. To meet in someone’s home, both the ‘giver’ and the ‘receiver’ of service must be Full members.

FULL Membership is an UPGRADE: For the safety and protection of all members, especially the vulnerable ones, membership upgrade requires the following steps:

  • Police Record Check: Apply online  (Vulnerable Sector Check) – It’s FREE for volunteers.

     

  • Documents review: Read the Member Handbook (see the button below).

  • Membership Upgrade: Click the button below and fill out and submit the information to upgrade from Basic to Full Member.

     

  • Membership Agreement: Click the button below and sign the agreement form to complete your Membership upgrade.

Timebank Organization Membership (PDF)

Timebank Coordinator Functions (PDF)

Contact Steering Committee

If you have a question or suggestion for the Steering Committee, please fill out the form below. We will contact you as soon as possible!

Timebanking - Member Terms and Conditions (PDF)
Review and accept during your member registration.

Member Training Video
[See the Slides below]

Chapters (See the video timeline):

0:00 Introduction
02:00 Getting started in Timebanking
03:45 Community Timebanks
08:30 Join-Member Registration
11:40 Data Policy document
13:55 Terms and Conditions document
15:45 Not accepting a document
16:25
Registration done
16:55 Confirmation Email
19:30 Training Slides Review
20:40 Email confirmation
21:10 Login – Change Password
24:40 Login
25:30 Questionnaires
33:40 Update your profile
39:15 Approval of Account
40:00 Login to the approved account
40:30 Member Guide
41:30 Preferences/Approval email
42:56 Edit Preferences
44:40 Registering 2nd Member with a shared email
50:30 Coordinator handling account with dummy email
54:30 Member with dummy email logs in
1:00:35 Offers, Requests, Messages & Exchanges
1:34:55 FULL Membership Upgrade
1:39:01 Coordinator Approvals
1:39:37 Networking of Members
1:40:15 Conclusion

Memberhip Upgrade - Basic to FULL

Please fill out the form below for Membership upgrade:

REMINDER: After you submit this form, please apply for Police Record Check (Vulnerable Sector Check). Thank you.

Timebank Membership - Agreement (PDF)
(Please print, sign, and submit Agreement to your Coordinator)
Click on >> in upper right corner and print it out.