Tools for Community-led Economies
The problem
In our global financial system, "normal" money (such as New Zealand Dollars) is created as interest-bearing debt. This exacerbates inequality, weakens community ties, and destroys the planet.
TimeBanks
TimeBank members earn hours of credits by providing services and spend credits by receiving help from others.
LETS
Local Exchange Trading Systems are membership-based mutual credit system, where trades are made using points rather than money.
Local money
Local money--also known as local currency or complementary currency--is a way to promote local trade through a non-dollar alternative.
Savings pools
Also known as the genuine wealth system, savings pools are informal private groups where members support each other through interest-free savings and loans.
Co-ops
Co-operatives are businesses that are owned and run by and for members, using democratic processes to give all members a say.
Social enterprise
Social enterprises use a commercial model for the primary purpose of having a positive social and/or environmental impact.