Community Currencies

[dgridley]

I mentioned this in passing in another thread but thought I might start a new thread discussing local currencies.

I first became aware of Ithaca Hours (local currency backed by man hours of work) a few years ago... you might check into their website here:

http://www.ithacahours.com

For other communities adopting their own monetary systems, check here:

http://www.ithacahours.com/otherhours.html

Which brings me to an organization I was looking into in the 60's, Technocracy, Inc., an organization that believes scientists and economists should run the world, not politicians... they also believe money should be backed by a real resource, and not something as arbitrary as gold (might as well be ice cream).

http://www.technocracyinc.org/


Any comments?

 

[Lord]

Im confused, how does ithacahours actually work?

Like do I get paid for living...? or ......??? im really confused their site isn't very helpful

 

[dgridley]

I recall it used to work that you'd initially get $40 Ithaca Hours for every $10 US... these HOurs were divided into incremental units of "time" that could be used with participating members or merchants to pay for service or goods either in part or as a whole (depending on the accepting party).

I agree the site isn't that helpful but the concept is kinda neat..