Privacy?

I can easily find the phone number, e-mail address, and home address of almost any other Dane County Timebank member. They can also access that information about me, except that I listed my work address instead of my home address because that is where I meet with Timebank members.

Timebank members can always view each others’ offers and requests. Under “Complementary Therapies”, members’ requests sometimes include personal information such as their physical or mental health issues.

Personally, none of this really bothered me.

Then, about two weeks after I had started my membership with Timebank, I got a message from a coordinator who was interested in one of my offers. After describing his availability he added,

“Also, it's great to see your listings of so many awesome offers Ali, thanks! (I get notice of all new ads). Spanish speaking partner.....Javier* comes to mind (a bit older than you....but young in my eyes!), and Melinda* (don't know her, but fairly active TB member). Otherwise, you can do a search for Spanish speakers on the site by doing 'advanced search' under member directory and clicking the 'Spanish' button and see who pops up.”

I had not realized how actively the coordinators were monitoring my activity on the site! At first, it made me feel a little uncomfortable at first to know that I was being watched. Still, part of his job description is to “help members make meaningful connections” and I did end up getting in touch with Javier*, as he suggested. It was a great match! Also, I felt comforted to know that the coordinators ensure that members use the Timebank responsibly. That would not be the last time that a coordinator connected me with another Timebank member.

(*name changed to protect privacy)