2. Why local currency? Keeps money in our communities Increases overall spending power Increases local business revenue Encourages collaboration Brings us together to build a stronger, more resilient Basin economy
3. Why the Community Way model? Building on success. This system has been successfully running in the Comox Valley since 2008. Created by Michael Linton, designer of the LETSystem, who is mentoring the Columbia Community Dollar Development Group. Built-in mechanism to ensure sustainability Based on Open Money principles
4. Open Money We believe that the problems that come from conventional money can be resolved with open money systems. Where conventional money is scarce and expensive, the new money is sufficient and free. Where conventional money is created by central banks, new money is issued by us, as promises to redeem - our money is our word. Where conventional money flows erratically in and out of our communities, creating dependencies that are harmful to the economy, society and nature, the new complementary money re-circulates, enabling business and trade.
11. NelsonOther Basin communities have expressed interest, including: Invermere, Cranbrook, Kaslo, Creston, Rossland, Nakusp and Valemount. Eventually, Community Dollars will be Basin-wide!
12. The Money C$1 = CDN$1 Features images of local mountains and wildlife from local photographers Includes security features C$250,000 will be available April 2011 Valid at participating businesses in communities throughout the Basin
18. Receiving the money Any community group – be it a local charity, a school, a sports team, a non-profit or community event planning committee can register They will be the first beneficiaries of C$ Active community groups may solicit donations from businesses in C$, rather than CAD$ C$ may be withdrawn from accounts by visiting Change Agents
19. Moving the money Community Groups C$ makes it easier than ever to raise funds locally Community groups can then: Spend C$ at participating businesses Reward volunteers with C$ to thank them for their time and commitment, and top up staff salaries or offer bonuses Exchange C$ for CAD$ with the public
23. Employ local people to do things your business needs: that new paint job, a professional website, a snazzy new logo
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25. Accepting C$ as a bonus, or as a portion of or top-up to wages
26. Accepting C$ as a reward for volunteer workBut, the best wayis by:
27. Exchanging CAD$ for C$ Individuals can exchange CDN$ for C$ with groups they’d like to support, and then spend those C$ at participating businesses. This gives community groups the CDN$ they need to do their vital work, and allows individuals to support their favourite group while getting C$ in return, which they can then spend locally. Visit a Change Agent in your community to make an exchange. Making a commitment to exchange CDN$ for C$ each month is an investment in the well-being of your community. Individual pledges to exchange CDN$ for C$ can be made at CommunityDollars.ca
30. Are people and businesses paying their taxes?Community currencies are not a new concept. The CRA has clarified their position on barter systems and community currencies, and there is no issue, provided that all applicable taxes are paid.
