Q. What is Time2Connect?
A. Time2Connect is a free community program based on hubs of social activity in different locations. Each hub is unique, reflecting the needs, interests and capacity of its own community. One of the activities that the hubs will support is called ‘timebanking’. It‘s as simple as give an hour, receive an hour. Like others, you have time, talents or skills that someone else will value. In turn, you can receive the benefit of someone else‘s talents or time.
Q. What can Time2Connect do for me?
A. If you like to make new friends, volunteer, or give time to your community, Time2Connect is for you! Time2Connect creates connections through local events and sharing skills. You can just come along to local events and enjoy the company. You can also earn time ‘credits’ for giving your time and sharing your skills to help another member. You can then use these credits to receive services that are useful and valuable to you.
Q. Isn't Timebanking the same as volunteering?
A. Yes and no! Timebanking is a system of informal volunteering based on reciprocity. Within this system, every member has the opportunity to contribute their skills and time, and to request assistance in kind from others. It is completely flexible around your life schedule and no money is exchanged, just time, skills and fun!
Q. What if I don't have any 'skills' to share through the Timebank?
A. Everyone has a unique contribution to give! It’s often the smallest acts of kindness that can profoundly affect the well-being of others. Simple actions such as engaging in conversation, reading aloud, running errands, taking a dog for a walk, or tending to a garden can make an enormous difference to someone’s life.
Q. How does it work?
A. Members post offers and needs on the website, and other members can then take up those offers or potentially fulfil the needs. An example of this would be that you may post an offer on to do some baking or perhaps gardening, another member may take up one of these offers and you would earn a time credit for completing each of these activities. You can then use your time credits to receive something that is of value to you, such as someone washing your car or perhaps teaching you how to use your new phone.
Q. What types of services can I request?
A. The possibilities are endless when it comes to the variety of time and talents on offer through timebanking. These range from practical services like transportation, gardening, cooking, flat pack construction to more personal offerings such as companionship, mentorship and tutoring. We value the individual nature of each member’s contributions.
Q. What if I don't want anything?
A. Please come along to our events and enjoy the company anyway! If you don’t use the hours you earn, you can donate them to another Time2Connect member (an individual or an organisation).
Q. What is expected of me as a member?
A. We encourage members to make their first exchange within a couple of weeks of joining and take part in 5-6 (or more) activities during the course of year. Please return any messages with requests or offers for service within a few days of receiving them.
Q. How can I become a member?
A. You simply need to register to become a member on the website. You will create a username and password, and once logged in you will be able to see events, news and the offers and needs from other members.
Q. I don't have access to a computer or internet. How can I join?
A. We have friendly volunteer coordinators in each of our hub locations who can assist with registration or, alternatively, please reach out to the Project Coordinator.
Q. Further questions?
A. We would be pleased to answer any other questions you may have. Please reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator at your Hub or contact the Project Coordinator, Sarah Marris, time2connect@anglicaresq.org.au
