Community Currencies

Detroit business owners launch their own money

2009-05-10T14:49:00.000-07:00

Detroit Cheers were launched in May 2009 by three business owners who chose to take charge of the city's economic woes and strengthen their local economy.

Consumers who use the scrip are making a defacto pledge to buy local, since only businesses within the city accept it. And that's the point, says Greg
Gedda, the owner of Union Street in Midtown, one of the businesses that will accept Cheers. "Because it's the city, it's for everyone, and this is our town to promote," he says. "This is the Detroit economic stimulus package."Cheers 101Put plainly, Cheers are locally issued currency accepted at select local businesses. Belanger, Tharp and Linardos each put up $1,500 to back the $4,500 worth of Cheers in circulation.
The backing money is held in reserve at a bank. As backers are added, they'll release more Cheers. So one Cheers equals one dollar. "It's as good as the U.S. dollar … ironically, it's no better," Belanger says.
Reported by ModelD Media 10 May 2009 http://www.modeldmedia.com/features/detroitcheers18809.aspx

Ruscombe Green: Why we need the Stroud pound

2009-05-05T01:03:00.000-07:00

Ruscombe Green: Why we need the Stroud pound
Yet another community currency in development. Congratulations!

Brixton Pound Launching September 2009

2009-04-19T21:29:00.000-07:00

The Brixton Pound (B£) is a local currency launching in September 2009. This is a practical way for local people to vote with our wallets for a strong and diverse Brixton economy. It will be a complementary currency, working alongside (not replacing) pounds sterling, for use by independent local businesses and individuals trading within Brixton.
Brixton will be the third Transition Town to have its own currency, following the Totnes Pound in Devon and Lewes Pound in Sussex both of which have been very successful and received national media coverage. Brixton will be the first part of London to have its own currency and the first urban area in the UK.

First Complementary Currency for Australia

2009-04-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

The Baroon Dollar ($B) is a local currency launching in June 2009 in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in Queensland. It is Australia's first paper-based community currency that is backed by the national currency. The Baroon Dollar is the brainchild of the Australian Institute for Community Currencies Inc. and Sustainable Maleny.

The Baroon Dollar is a creative yet practical way for local people to make money work for the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Money spent locally circulates within and benefits the local economy. Money spent in national chains doesn’t. The Baroon Dollar encourages demand for local goods and services. In turn this builds resilience against the rising costs of energy, transport and food.

How does it work?
· Buy Baroon Dollars at distribution centres
· Spend Baroon Dollars with participating businesses
· Ask for Baroon Dollars in your change
· Accept Baroon Dollars yourself for gifts, goods and services
· Keep them circulating!

Community currencies are a simple but effective strategy to GO LOCAL by:

strengthening the local economy by increasing local buying
keeping your money working and circulating locally
creating new opportunities for employment and innovation
supporting community projects from a central fund
bringing decision-making back into the community
growing our sense of community and well-being