Table of Contents

1. Mission Statement
2. Principles and Core Values
3. The Membership Process
4. Member Rights & Responsibilities
5. Time Exchange Etiquette
6. Requesting & Completing Exchanges
7. Crediting Hours
8. Inactive Status, Excessive Debt Hours, Transfers, Suspensions, & Removal
9. Events, Projects & Programs
10. Member Directory
11. Liability
12. Privacy

 

 

1. Mission Statement

One Equal Share., a Time Exchange, is a member-based time bank.  We are committed to building a stronger, more vibrant community through time exchange and collaboration with individual, business and non-profit members.  By fully embracing ideas of balance, accountability, reciprocity, and respect, we create and facilitate new networks for members to serve, share and interact with each other, care for our community and environment, and support social justice.

2. Principles and Values

Members must understand, agree to, and reflect the Principals and Core Values of Time Exchange.

 

     One Equal Share, a Time Exchange,

is committed to Building Community –

Member to Member

Neighborhood to Neighborhood

Friend to New Friend

Business and Non-Profit

We act in collaboration to support a strong and vibrant network

Of the People that make up our Home.

We all have talents.

We all have value.

 

We make our community better by helping each other.

              Core Values:

Assets: We all have talents. We all have strengths. Everyone has something to offer that contributes to the strength of our community. We all have value.  We are all assets. 

Equality: Equality is at the heart of every time exchange. One hour of service equals one hour of credit, or one time dollar.

            Reciprocity: Time exchange is a two-way street. Giving and receiving are equally important; there is     no neediness.  Accountability and reciprocity create balance.

Redefining Work: The work of building community is beyond price. Work is redefined to include activities that recognize and support the value of individuals and families, create healthy neighborhoods and communities, make our democracy more effective, and advance social justice. We honor and reward this work through giving and receiving of our time and talents.

Respect: Everyone matters. By engaging with others from an attitude of interest and respect we learn and grow; we develop new friendships and community strengthens.

 

3. The Membership Process

Prospective Members of One Equal Share must complete an Application for Membership (available online.)  One Equal Share reserves the right to decline an applicant for membership at its sole discretion.  

Members must electronically sign an acknowledgment and acceptance of the hOurworld TOS and Privacy upon loggin in. 

An Applicant is not a Member until accepted as a Member by One Equal Share.  One Equal Share reserves the right to refuse membership to anyone for any reason.  Membership or advertising in One Equal Share or through its affiliates shall not be deemed to constitute a joint venture or ownership in One Equal Share.  Membership is provided on an ‘As Is, As Available’ basis. Availability of particular services for exchange is not guaranteed.  Although One Equal Share may regulate activities and transactions, One Equal Share is not responsible for the performance or quality of any transaction or interactions originating or derived through membership.  One Equal Share expressly waives any and all responsibility for any loss, injury, claim, liability, or damage of any kind resulting from, arising out of, or any way related to the activities by you or any other member or user, originating from or derived through transactions or interactions from membership in One Equal Share.

4. Member Rights & Responsibilities

Members have the right to be treated with courtesy and respect at all times.  This means taking the Golden Rule to heart:  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  This ethic of reciprocity is found in cultures all around the world.

Members should always act responsibly and with integrity; and put forth their best efforts in any exchange, activity, or event in connection with One Equal Share. It is our time to shine. Why should we do anything less?

Members should engender trust.  Time Exchange creates and develops supportive, helpful, sharing and caring relationships.  We are creating new social safety networks.  We are building community. 

Members understand that in the course of an exchange they may become privy to personal, confidential, or other information of a private nature regarding a member they are exchanging with.  Examples might include health care exchanges, exchanges involving legal or financial assistance, or operational support service to One Equal Share, and may apply in other exchange situations as well.  Members agree to honor and maintain a high degree of confidentiality in all exchanges, whether or not requested by the recipient of a service, however Members acknowledge and agree that there may not be legally recognized confidentiality and are advised to be discrete with and conceal their private and personal information. 

Members are responsible for maintaining an accurate account. Check your balance periodically and make sure all your exchanges have been properly recorded.  It is also important to maintain current contact information.  Inform your Coordinator about changes in your status.  Updated profiles are imperative for effectively facilitating exchanges. For example we don’t want to refer anyone to an inactive member, or to a member who has moved and is no longer in best proximity for an exchange, or for a service you no longer want to provide. 

It is generally the responsibility of the person providing a service to post the hours agreed to for an exchange.  Exceptions include:

·  The provider does not have convenient internet access or computer capability, so the receiver or your coordinator may post the hours.

·  Hours earned in support of One Equal Share or its sponsored events are posted by One Equal Share staff. 

Any Member offering driving services must be at least 25 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, and proof of automobile insurance as required by law.  Member drivers must have a good driving history and be in good health.  Drivers with serious moving violations or accidents will not be permitted to enter into exchanges offering driving services for time dollar credit. 

A parent, legal guardian, or other adult authorized in writing by the parent or legal guardian, is responsible for and must supervise any exchanges arranged with any minor included in the parent’s or legal guardian’s family membership. There is a Guardian Angel on feature in the software so all communications and content created by a minor from within the software get copied to the Guardian. Ask us to set this up.         

5. Time Exchange Etiquette

            We are creating community.  Through our time exchanges we are creating a network of new friends and                       support that were previously missing in our lives.  It is important that we keep this in mind as we initiate and                 respond to exchange requests. 

·  Respond to all requests within 48 hours, even if it is to say you are unavailable to make the exchange.  This allows the other party to move on to another option.  If an exchange can’t be completed as arranged, the parties should contact each other as soon as possible.  This includes being late, or the need to change or postpone an exchange for cause. 

·  Post exchanges promptly after an exchange is completed.

·  Post your comments about the success of an exchange.  This will help other members when they are deciding whom to exchange with.

·  If an exchange has been unsatisfactory, try first to discuss it with the party involved. If that is unsuccessful, contact your Coordinator to assist with a resolution that is agreeable to both the giver and receiver. Remember we offer exchanges in a neighborly fashion with the idea of sharing our time and talents.  No one intends to offer inferior service; what one member considers ‘unsatisfactory’ may simply be a preference in style, or may have been a bad day for the provider. You may use the [Dispute] link in the email you receive recounting any transaction that another member records with you.

·  It is not acceptable to bad-mouth, gossip, threaten, act in a disrespectful or violent manner towards another member, or intentionally take or damage another member’s property.  Such behavior may be grounds for immediate suspension or removal from One Equal Share.

6. Requesting & Completing Exchanges

Most exchanges are made through our website and the Time and Talents software.  Members may also meet at a One Equal Share event, or arrange exchanges through connections made on our FaceBook or LinkedIn pages, or through Twitter.  Once possible matches are found members connect via phone, email, or other preferred contact method to discuss the exchange.  It is important to include any particular requirements such as who will pay for and provide any related supplies, number of anticipated hours, and any mobility, language, or transportation issues, allergies, or other concerns.  Where a member does not have computer access or capability to initiate an exchange, the member may contact their Coordinator who can suggest exchange contacts.  It is still the member’s responsibility to contact the other parties potential to the exchange. 

It is highly recommended that members attend One Equal Share ‘Getting-to-Know-You’ potlucks and events, and support projects offered by our Sustaining Business and Non-Profit Members.  Use these opportunities to get to know other members personally.  We are about building friendships and support systems for ourselves and our families, creating sustainable neighborhoods, and strengthening community.  The One Equal Share web site, software, and social media resources are tools, but it is our members who are our real assets.  It is important for us all to step up and engage.  Getting to know other members personally will make for stronger exchanges and empower our community. 

What if we have an idea for an exchange that is not listed in the Time and Talents software?  As membership grows, so will the scope and availability of exchange opportunities between members.  If a type or category of exchange is not currently listed in our exchange software, contact your Coordinator at Info@1EqualShare.com.  Some new ideas can be approved and quickly added to the system, others will require the consideration of management.  Sustaining Business and Non-Profit Members should contact us to recommend or offer projects or programs for member participation and exchange.  One Equal Share reserves the right to deny certain types of exchanges for time dollar credit at its sole discretion. 

Exchanges must be legal in the community where they occur.  Any exchanges found to be improper or illegal will be reviewed and may be grounds for suspension or immediate removal from One Equal Share.   One Equal Share reserves the right to report any suspected illegal activity to authorities. 

7. Crediting Hours

Hours are credited on the members-only exchange site at: http://hourworld.org/bank/?hw=1021 .  The rule of thumb in a time exchange is 1=1.  One hour of service = One hour of credit.  Hours may be broken down into 15 minute intervals (enter .25 / .5 / .75).  Once an exchange is agreed to and completed, it is typically the provider who reports the exchange in the Time and Talents software.  Where a providing member does not have computer access or capability, and when agreed to in advance, the recipient may post the hours exchanged after completion of the service.  If necessary, arrangements can also be made with your Coordinator to post the transaction.

Occasionally the question of how many hours to exchange is not clear cut. 

Example 1:
A member requests pet care services while they are out of town for 3 days.  Does the provider then receive a full 72 hours for the service or is something less more reasonable for the actual amount of time spent in the care of the pet?  This is something that needs to be agreed upon in advance of the care.  If the situation were a child, would 72 hours be exchanged; or allowing for sleep time or time in school, would something less be agreed to?  Again, this should be clearly determined before the exchange begins. 

Example 2:
What about teaching a class or leading a group project?  Does the teacher or leader receive 1 hour from every participant when they are only leading the class or project for 1 hour?   One Equal Share has adopted a policy on this matter that follows protocol from other time exchanges.  In such cases the teacher/leader can receive 1 time dollar for hours involved in preparation, class/project time, and transportation to and from the class/project ie. a 1 hour class could net the teacher/leader 4 time dollars.  If the teacher/leader as 4 attendees the exchange is even – each student is offering 1 hour to the teacher.  If the teacher/leader has 3 attendees, the teacher/leader receives 3 time dollars.  If the teacher/leader has 6 attendees, the additional 2 hours are credited to One Equal Share.  One Equal Share then uses the hours to balance hours paid to members who help in the office, with technical support or other business services needed to keep our organization running smoothly.  Members who want to teach a class or lead a group project should discuss the arrangement with One Equal Share in advance of the project. This way the number of hours can be agreed upon and the class or project approved for offer to the membership. 

Example 3:
What about exchanging items for time dollars?  Some time banks do allow this type of exchange.  Examples include a community ‘sale’ where items are exchanged for time dollars, or where businesses have offered rebuilt computers to students who successfully mentored a younger student through the school year, or where a bag of groceries was offered in addition to time dollars for helping with the packing and distribution of food to those in need.  One Equal Share has taken the position that some of these exchanges are in a gray area, perhaps more closely aligned to a barter situation.  While we are not opposed to members receiving a gift, such as the computer or bag of groceries examples, it should be in addition to the sharing of time and talents, rather than the sole purpose of the exchange. 

Barter is legally and technically different than Time Banking. Time banking is "the provision of friendly neighborly favors." We put a monetary value on any services provided.  There is also no requirement that because I provide a service to you, that you provide a service for me.

8. Transfer:  What if I move?  If you move to an area where there is another time exchange your accrued time dollars will be accepted for credit in your new community. 

Suspension: A Member’s status may be changed to ‘Suspended’ for illegal or inappropriate behaviors, or for taking actions not in accordance with One Equal Share’s Policies and Procedures, as determined by One Equal Share, in its sole and absolute discretion.  Any hours credited to the Member will be returned to One Equal Share.

Removal:  A Member’s status may be changed to ‘Removed’ for more serious illegal or inappropriate behaviors, or for not acting in accordance with One Equal Share’s Policies and Procedures, as determined by One Equal Share, in its sole and absolute discretion, or for excessive periods of Inactive or Suspended status, or at the request of the Member for any reason.  Any hours credited to the Member will be returned to One Equal Share.

9. Events, Projects & Programs

             One Equal Share intends to add value towards the goal of building community by hosting and coordinating a                variety of events, projects, and programs for Member participation.  Events may include such items as                        monthly ‘Getting-to-Know-You’ potlucks, Orientation meetings, holiday parties, and fundraisers.  Projects may              include community outreach, a community garden, or clean up campaigns, and projects posted by our                          Sustaining Business and Non-Profit Members. Programs may include classes and collaborative efforts for the              betterment of our community designed with our Sustaining Business and Non-Profit Members. 

10.  Member Directory

All Members will have access to a Member Directory through the Time and Talent software.  Use is restricted to arranging member exchanges and for use by One Equal Share for member business.  Members may not use information in the Membership Directory for commercial solicitation or marketing purposes without express permission of One Equal Share or the other member(s) involved.  Any outside sales, solicitation, or marketing arrangement made with another member may not suggest endorsement or agreement by One Equal Share. Members may not use the Membership Directory for spam or malicious activity under any circumstance.  Sustaining Business and Non-Profit Members may contact Members who have participated in collaborative projects with those businesses where the Member has agreed to such outside contact. 

11.   Liability

Members requiring extra assurances as to another members’ character and/or capabilities are encouraged to ask any and all questions that are important to them in advance of an exchange.  Members are also encouraged to meet other members in person at One Equal Share events; and use discernment and proper judgment when determining which members offer the best exchange opportunities for their needs. One Equal Share does not guarantee the quality of any member exchange or the number of exchanges a member may receive in the course of their membership.  However where an exchange is considered unsatisfactory by a member, reasonable efforts will be made to rectify the situation to the satisfaction of both parties.

Members understand and agree that exchanges are made voluntarily, in a ‘neighborly’ fashion, and in good faith.  One Equal Share, Inc., its owners, officers, employees and/or staff (collectively ‘Staff’) are not responsible for any bodily injury, accident, or property damage that may occur during the course of a member exchange or event.  Members agree that for themselves, their next of kin, heirs, administrators, and executors (collectively ‘Releasors’) to release, hold harmless, and covenant not to file suit, countersuit, claim or any other action against One Equal Share, Inc. or its Staff for any injuries or damage suffered in connection with member exchanges and/or activities associated with One Equal Share.  This includes, but is not limited to, personal injury or damage suffered by Members whether such losses, liabilities, or claims are caused by contact with and/or the actions of other persons, contact with fixed or non-fixed objects, negligence of the releasees, risks not known to the Member or not reasonably foreseeable at the time, or otherwise.  In the event any claim or action is threatened or filed against One Equal Share or its Staff, Member hereby indemnifies One Equal Share and its Staff for all costs to defend such claim or action, including, without limitation, the attorney’s fees and costs.

 

12.  Privacy

Member contact and other information is provided for the sole use of One Equal Share, and to enable exchanges between its members.  Member information will not be sold.  Certain information gathered as part of the application process (such as age, sex, ethnicity, general income levels), and certain types of exchanges may be used for data gathering and grant applications.  Individual names are not referenced in such cases.  

Social security numbers and specific financial information are not requested for participation in One Equal Share

 

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