Our Mission
The mission of the Long Beach Time Exchange is to build and strengthen relationships within the city of Long Beach by connecting people’s unmet needs and untapped resources.
We Use a System Called “Time Banking”
The idea is simple. When you provide a service for another member, you earn “time credits.” Time is the unit of measurement, so 1 hour equals 1 time credit. Earned time credits can be spent locally (as well as throughout the global time banking community) via a web-based platform called hOurworld.
We Are a Caring and Interconnected Community
We help each other by sharing our skills, talents, and time. By both giving and receiving, we learn to appreciate the value of each and every member and also come to believe in the value of our own contributions. Instead of separating our community into those who need and those who provide, we recognize that we all have needs and gifts to share.
Core Values
- Assets – We are all assets. Every individual has something to contribute to the community.
- Redefining Work – Work has to be redefined to start recognizing traditionally undervalued and unpaid work, from raising healthy children and revitalizing neighborhoods to advancing social justice and living sustainably.
- Reciprocity – Helping works better as a two-way street. In a time bank, the question: “How can I help you?” needs to change so we ask: “How can we help each other build the world we want to live in?”
- Social Networks – We believe that a strong community is built upon growing roots, building trust, and creating networks that are stronger than individuals alone.
- Respect – We must respect where people are in the moment, not where we hope they will be at some future point. If we meet one another where we’re “at,” and respect that position, we can build a network of trust.
Membership Options
Online Members
Online members are those who use the internet-based time banking software to facilitate exchanges. Most members fall into this category and can directly access the hOurworld platform to post offers, make requests, and log exchanges.
Offline Members
While time exchanges must be logged online, it is not necessary for a person to have a computer or regular internet access to become an LBTE member. We will match you up with someone, an “eBuddy”, to help facilitate exchanges and log your hours for you.
Organizational Partners
The LBTE welcomes partnerships with community-based organizations. (Simply select “Organization” as the membership type when you create an account.) Organizations should elect a representative to coordinate exchanges on their behalf and ensure that participants log all time exchanged.
Using the “hOurworld” Time Banking Platform
Joining as a New Member / New Organization
- Go to the LBTE join page and click the “Begin” button to start your online application. (If you do not have access to a computer with an internet connection, call us at (562) 270-3928 and leave a voice mail to arrange for other accommodations.)
- Indicate what kind of membership you want: individual, organization, or business.
- Fill out the application – the platform will guide you through the necessary steps. Keep a record of your username and password. After you’ve provided all the required information, click “Submit.”
- One of our volunteer coordinators will review your information (typically within a week). Once approved, you’ll receive an email notification, and then you can log in.
New members/organizations are granted 2 hours of credit for joining!
Logging In and Setting Up / Updating Your Member / Organization Profile
Add/UPdate Bio/Photo
- Log in to our time banking platform with your username and password
- Click your name, top right, then click “Profile”
- Next to “My Info” click the “Edit” button
- Use the “Browse” button to select and upload a profile image (simple selfie) for an individual membership, or a logo for an organization.
- Scroll down and add a brief bio in the text entry box. For an organization, use the bio field to provide brief details (e.g., Mission, Vision, Values, and Goals)
- Then click the “Save” button near the top left of your screen.
Having a profile image and a bit of info helps us get to know each other better.
Add/Update Your Talents and Interests
- Log in to our time banking platform with your username and password
- Click your name, top right, then click “Profile”
- Click the “Talents and Interests” button
- Click “Edit”
- Toggle the setting to “Yes” for Talents that you may wish to share and Interests with which you may want help.
- Then click “Save” when done
The more timebank members / organizations that indicate their Talents and Interests, the more useful this feature will become.
Note: For context-specific help, click the “? Help” button, top right, below your name.
Configure YOUR Notification Settings (Optional)
- Log in to our time banking platform with your username and password
- Click your name, top right, then click “Profile”
- Click the “Notifications Settings” button
- Click “Edit”
- Toggle the setting to “Yes” for notifications you want to receive. Some have options for how to receive, such as by email or web push
- Then click “Save” when done
Note: For context-specific help, click the “? Help” button, top right, below your name. (There’s also a YouTube playlist of help videos.)
Browse / Explore
- Log in to our time banking platform with your username and password
- You’ll see listings of the four most recent requests and offers. Click More… to load more.
- You can also click the “Ads” button and then browse by category
hOurworld Home Page
Our hOurworld home page displays recent Announcements, Requests, and Offers.
Click any item to read more.
People Discovery
Click the “People” button, and you will see matches to your talents and interests. (The more timebank members who indicate their Talents and Interests, the more useful this feature will become.)
Ad Discovery
Click the “Ads” button, and you’ll be able to explore offers and requests by category, as well as those that match your interests. (Use the “? Help” feature for context-specific tips. There’s also a YouTube playlist of help videos.)
Posting Requests and/or Offers
Log in to our time banking platform with your username and password
- Click the “+” button next to “Ads” (The platform will then step you through the following steps)
- Select “Offering a service” or “Requesting a service”
- Pick a category and then a subcategory
- Set expiration date
- Provide a short title (while optional, it is highly recommended!)
- Provide a description, being as specific as possible (related skills/experience, info on who would cover material costs, such as ingredients or supplies for a project, etc.)
- Click “Submit”
Contacting Other Members
When you see a service you’d like to receive or a request you’d like to respond to:
- Contact the member via hOurworld using the “Conversation” feature
- Send a message with details, such as available times / date, etc
- If a member is unresponsive, contact a time bank coordinator via email lbtimeexchange@gmail.com for assistance
- If someone contacts you and you cannot provide the service requested, respond promptly to let them know
Setting Up an Exchange
When arranging an exchange:
- Discuss all the details (date, time, materials needed and their cost)
- Ask how much time the person thinks the service will take
- Get accurate directions to the meeting location
- Exchange phone numbers for day-of communication
- Always arrive on time, or let the recipient know if you are running late
Logging Your Exchange
After completing an exchange, both parties should decide who will log the hours. Remember to log exchanges promptly to maintain accurate records.
Log in to our time banking platform with your username and password
Log Time From an Ad (offer or request)
- Locate the relevant ad (offer or request)
- Click “Record Hours” (The platform will step you through the following steps)
- Enter the giver or receiver name
- Enter the date the exchange took place
- Number of hours
- Comments are optional
General Time Exchange Entry
- Click the “+” button next to Hours.
- Select from the options: gave help, received help, gifting hours
- The platform will step you through the necessary steps (names, dates, hours, category, etc.)
Global Timebank
The Global Timebank allows users to reach out and help one another outside their “local” timebank.
No special actions need to be taken to “join” The Global Timebank, simply click on the 3 dots in the upper left corner of the screen, and then click on “The Global Timebank”. (Click on the same 3 dots and then “Long Beach Time Exchange” to return “home”.)
Service ads (offers and requests) are the primary point of interaction and contact in The Global Timebank. Every ad posted makes The Global Timebank more useful and increases the chances of contact with others outside our local timebank.
You can transfer hours from our local timebank to the Global Timebank to use as needed.
Here is a video demo of The Global Timebank, which provides step-by-step details on use, including transferring time credits (hours).
Time Credit Guidelines
How Time Credits Work
- One hour = One time-credit, regardless of the service type
- Time credits can be given in 15-minute increments
- When in doubt, round up when giving time credits
- If travel time to a location is greater than 15 minutes, credit for both directions of travel should be given as part of the exchange
- Members should separately reimburse actual gas costs for longer trips (this is in addition to, not instead of, travel time credits)
Bonus Credit Awards
- When you first join the LBTE, you’ll be awarded 2 time credits
Managing Your Balance
While ideally all members maintain a neutral balance over time, this is a long-term goal. It’s natural and expected that:
- Some members tend to give more than they receive
- Others may need to receive more at certain times
For Frequent Givers: Remember that requesting help allows others to earn time credits while connecting with you. Your needs are gifts to the community!
Best Practices for Successful Exchanges
Communication Tips
- Be clear and specific about what you need or offer
- Respond to messages within 24-48 hours
- If plans change, communicate as soon as possible
- Confirm exchanges the day before
Safety Reminders
- Meet in public places when first connecting with a member
- Trust your instincts – if something feels off, it’s okay to cancel
- Never share financial information with other members
- Verify relevant skills, licenses, or certifications when needed
- Keep personal boundaries clear and respected
Building Trust
- Start with small exchanges to build relationships
- Be honest about your skill level and limitations
- Follow through on your commitments
- Provide feedback to help improve the community
Exchanges with Organizations
Organizations are permitted to carry a negative balance as “good neighbors” who help keep the time exchange going. Organizations are encouraged to reciprocate through:
- Hosting workshops and community events
- Providing meeting or activity spaces
- Making in-kind donations to LBTE
- Offering group activities or classes
When receiving services from an organization, feel free to contact an LBTE coordinator via email lbtimeexchange@gmail.com to discuss how to determine a fair exchange.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If You Can’t Find the Service You Need
- Post a specific request with details
- Contact a coordinator via email for help with matching: lbtimeexchange@gmail.com
- Consider breaking down large requests into smaller tasks
- Attend LBTE events to meet more members
If You’re Not Getting Responses
- Check that your contact information is current
- Make your offers and requests more specific
- Contact a coordinator via email lbtimeexchange@gmail.com for assistance
If There’s a Problem with an Exchange
- Try to resolve issues directly with the member first
- Document any concerns in writing
- Contact a coordinator via email lbtimeexchange@gmail.com if you need mediation
- Remember that all services are voluntary
Community Resources
LBTE Coordinators
Our volunteer coordinators are here to help with:
- Getting started with time banking
- Finding exchange partners
- Resolving issues or concerns
- Organizing community events
- Answering questions about the hOurWorld platform
Contact Information
Email: lbtimeexchange@gmail.com
Phone: (562) 270-3928 (please leave a voicemail)
Website: https://timeexchangelb.com/
Regular Events
LBTE’s will post announcements for:
- Orientation sessions for new members
- Potlucks and social gatherings
- Skill-sharing workshops
- Special community projects
These announcements will be visible on the hOurworld platform, as well as shared via an email newsletter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the “Do’s and Don’ts” Policies?
See the Long Beach Time Exchange Terms of Use.
Do I need to have a skill to join?
Everyone has something to offer! Common exchanges include friendly visits, dog walking, help with technology, rides to appointments, gardening assistance, and much more. Your time and presence are valuable.
What if I can’t use a computer?
No problem! We have offline membership options. Call us at (562) 270-3928 (leave a voicemail) and we’ll pair you with someone who can help log your exchanges.
Can I exchange with family members?
Time banking is designed to build community beyond existing relationships. While you can’t earn time credits for things you’d normally do for family, you could earn credits by teaching your skill to other members.
What about taxes?
Time credits are not taxable income when exchanged between individuals for non-commercial services. However, consult a tax professional if you have specific concerns.
Can I request or accept a combination of money and time credits for services?
No. Time exchanges are purely based on time credits – we never mix cash payments with time credits for the service itself.
However, members should reimburse each other for actual out-of-pocket expenses like:
- Materials and supplies for a project
- Ingredients for cooking/baking
- Gas money for transportation beyond 15 minutes
- Parts for repairs
Example: If someone helps you move furniture for 2 hours:
✅ Correct: Request 2 time credits for the service + reimburse $10 for gas
❌ Incorrect: Request 1 time credit + $20 cash for the moving service
These expense reimbursements are separate from the time exchange and are simply covering the helper’s actual costs – not payment for their time or labor.
Can I donate my time credits?
Yes! You can transfer time credits to other members or to the community pool to help members in need. Log in to the hOurWorld platform and use the “+” button next to Hours and choose “I am gifting hours.”
I’m having trouble with the hOurWorld platform…
hOurworld includes built-in, context-specific help. When available, you’ll see the “? Help” button. Click it for details related to the page you are viewing.
There’s also a YouTube playlist of help videos.
If you’re still stuck, contact a coordinator via email lbtimeexchange@gmail.com