One day we must
come to see that peace is not merely a distant goal we seek, but
that it is a means by which we arrive at that goal. We must pursue
peaceful ends through peaceful means.
--Martin Luther King Jr.
http://www.oneworld.org/letslinklondon/
A Local Exchange Trading System or Scheme (LETS) is an arrangement
between a group of people, whereby they agree to exchange goods
and services, not as one-to-one bartering but with a pooled
system of credits and debits. Thus they create a local currency,
usually equivalent to sterling values, which can only be spent
within this group.
http://www.ex.ac.uk/~RDavies/arian/local.html
This page of links to resources on microcredit systems, local
and interest-free currencies is one of a number of pages on
Money - Past, Present and Future maintained by Roy Davies.
http://progress.org/archive/currency.htm
If you are concerned about monetary monopoly, you will find
this list both useful and encouraging. Homegrown currency systems
are flourishing. Naturally, they have a long way to go before
they make a serious difference and attract government intrusion,
but meanwhile they are helping people who want improved ways
to exchange value for value.
http://www.newciv.org/ncn/moneyteam.html
This NCN Alternative Money System team was created to collect
information on what schemes already exist, to discuss the prospects
of doing away with money systems and using a resource-based
system instead, and ways of financing new civilization projects,
implementing experimental schemes, and more.
http://www.newciv.org/ncn/moneyteam.html
The National Center for Economic and Security Alternatives is
an independent, politically progressive, nonprofit institute
providing research, education and consultation on innovative
solutions to problems facing America and the global political-economy.
Since its establishment in 1977, the National Center has undertaken
research and policy development projects for foundations, federal
agencies, state governments and nongovernmental organizations.
http://www.mtdn.org/
Main Time Dollar Network is not just another good idea. This
revolutionary, grassroots movement is breathing new life into
communities from the US to England and Japan! Time Dollar programs
are connecting neighbors and helping to bridge the growing disparities
in education, economic opportunity and quality of life. The
concept is simple. Members help themselves by helping others.
http://www.futurenet.org/
The Positive Futures Network was founded in March 1996 based
on the belief that humanity is in the midst of an historic transition.
The Network publishes YES! A Journal of Positive Futures, which
combines analysis of key problems with news of actions people
are taking in the United States and around the world to create
a more positive future. Stories commonly report on similar actions
in many places that reveal patterns that show the potential
for significant social change.
Imagine all the
people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not
the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live
as one.
--John Lennon
