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Local currency: Building Bridges

by Jan Allegretti

Local currency may prove to be an important tool as we seek to refashion our society in days to come. Whether we are preparing for a post-Y2K apocalypse or simply growing a vision for a more compassionate community, shifting from our present federally-based monetary system to one that operates solely within our immediate geographical area will help ensure our survival on many levels.

Local currency is a form of money that is printed and circulated locally. Individuals sign up to offer goods or services, based on their own talents and desire to contribute. When those goods or services are provided in exchange for similar contributions from other members of the community, and paid for with locally printed bills, those bills become a representation of a barter system that helps to define and clarify the value of the exchange.

One of the key benefits of a community monetary system is its ability to foster a greater level of connectedness among people. Because it encourages them to unplug from the federal note system, they are more likely to search out local resources rather than shopping at a corporate giant retail outlet. As explained by Chris McCormick, a member of the steering committee for Ukiah Hours, local currency "helps to bring out those aspects of people that they don't normally think about. They have jobs that are different from what they really dream about. It's a way for the community to get to know what an individual has to offer, a way of offering services that are not easily marketed in other ways.

"Within the federal note system, individual usefulness goes forgotten, so potential becomes devalued. In the framework of a local currency, people get to know one another on a different level, relative to those values. They begin to build bridges, so that ultimately they may not need the bills; they get to know each other and provide for one another without having to plug into a corporate job just to make ends meet."

McCormick goes on to say, "If, indeed, our society is heading for change, local currency will help us to survive upheaval. People will be able to help each other out, know who they can turn to locally for food and other resources when the big corporate sources are gone. If the federal currency collapses, the money won't be in the community. If there is local currency circulating, there will be actual wealth in the community that we can use.

Ukiah Hours is a local currency that is being developed here in the greater Ukiah area. The steering committee is seeking new members, and is ready to start signing up participants and getting the word out about what services are available. If you're interested in joining the steering committee or would like more information, call (707) 462-4543. For information about SEED, a local currency for the Mendocino coast area, call (707) 937-4077 or 937-4412.

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