Organization helps people trade time in exchange for services

10/13/09Time Trade Circle (TTC), a program through which people trade their time in exchange for services, has become very popular in Cambridge, where one can find the nation's largest chapter. Cambridge's circle has grown from 20 members in 2007 to 400 today.

"It's all about time. It's not about money," Carol Moses, circle outreach director, said. Moses is a volunteer who earns "time dollars" through the banking system for her work. Cambridge's TTC is entirely volunteer-run.

"The great thing about [time banking] is that everyone's hours are treated equally," Moses said. Rather than paying for a service, lesson or class with money, hours of time are transferred from one account to another as a method of payment. Since time dollars do not translate into US dollars, the "dollars" accumulated are not taxable.

Moses said TTC is beneficial to those who are always helping others or always are in need of help. Hours earned can be spent on a variety of services, from dance lessons to babysitting.

Within the circle, there are also subgroups, such as a childcare group and dog care group. The groups are tailored to users who might feel uncomfortable leaving their children or dogs with just anyone. They organize periodic meetings so those in need of the service can meet with a pool of prospective babysitters or dog walkers.

Moses said one of the most interesting services offered recently were lessons in stained glass making. Housecleaning is one of the most requested services. Goods can be traded as well if they're "made with time," such as artwork, she said.

The greatest benefits of the program are community building, saving money and meeting new people, Moses said. Getting involved is as simple as registering online and attending an orientation. "You get five time dollars just for coming to orientation, so you can start trading right away," she said.