Where Do I Start?

Creating a Time Bank

The journey of ten thousand miles begins with the first step.
— Lao Tsu

Most people start out by wanting to join a Time Bank. You can check out the Time Bank Directory to see if there is a Time Bank near you. If there isn't, and you want to start your own, or bring Time Banking to your neighborhood, school, church or agency, you will need the Time Banking Start-up Kit, which provides step-by-step guidance for explaining Time Banking, finding members, running orientation meetings, dividing up leadership roles, and more.

For starting a member-led Time Bank, the Start-up Kit has everything you need to get going, including an introductory membership to TimeBanks USA.

If you are in an agency, or are working with a specialized population and seeking to use Time Banking to more effectively achieve your mission, we have an additional Agency How-To Manual to help you explore how your organization and community can best use the amazing tool of Time Banking for social change. We will add the second Agency How-To Manual that includes this added level of information to the Start-up Kit at your request. We also strongly advise that you hold an orientation and training. They are fun, highly participatory, and will help you, your organization, the staff, and the population you serve chart out the journey that’s right for you. TimeBanks USA provides orientations and training on request.

We also can refer you to local, regional, and specialized Time Banking consultants and trainers. But whether your Time Bank will be member-managed or agency-sponsored, the journey for a new Time Bank always begins with the Start-up Kit.