From AshevilleLETS
- See below for PDFs of this pamphlet.
Contents |
Cover
AshevilleLETS: local exchange trading system
Inside
Asheville LETS: Beyond Dollars and Debt, There's LETS!
Local Exchange Trading Systems (LETS) break through the limitations of money to unlock the true wealth of community. Attend an Orientation to learn more and join the network. Upcoming orientations are listed at AshevilleLETS.org.
What is Asheville LETS?
Asheville LETS is a mutual credit system that facilitates indirect trading and skill exchange. By providing skills or resources to network members, participants earn credit to spend on the services of others. There is no interest charged – credits are issued by the community to benefit its members, not by a bank to make a profit. Anyone can join and every member is welcome to participate in network decision-making. The directory is visible to the public at AshevilleLETS.org. Check it out and see all the system has to offer!
How Does it Work?
When you join the network, you’ll receive access to members' contact information in the directory. Your skills and needs will be added to the web directory immediately and to the next paper directory (printed quarterly).
When someone sees that you offer something that they need, they’ll contact you to arrange an exchange, or vice versa. After the exchange takes place, the seller’s account receives credits in the amount agreed to by both parties and the buyer’s account receives an equal debit. This debit represents a commitment to provide a future service to someone else in the network.
Unlike being in debt, there is no stigma associated with being in commitment. Within a healthy system, all members spend time in credit and in commitment – the total commitment to the system is always equivalent to the total credit.
Why Use LETS?
LETS are adaptations of age-old community exchange practices. These systems re-localize the economy, keeping more of our resources in the community where they can return to us. Additionally, they give us familiarity with the people who provide us with what we need. There are tons of LETS currently improving lives throughout the world.
Due to high costs of living and low wages many of us are now living in debt. We shouldn't have to depend on companies that profit from our debt. LETS allow us to provide for and receive from the people we know and trust. This strengthened community provides true security: knowing we can obtain our basic necessities even in times of economic stress and uncertainty.
“A bank is a place where they lend you an umbrella in fair weather and ask for it back when it begins to rain.” – Robert Frost
What can be Exchanged?
You may think that you don't have much to offer because you don't have many “marketable” skills; but in reality, your non-professional abilities are valuable, too. You can earn LETS by painting a room, recirculating your old stuff, teaching someone to use their computer, offering vegetables from your garden or giving someone a ride to the airport.
Anything that you are good at or enjoy is a potential exchange. The only limitation is your ingenuity. Categories of “offers” include:
- Child & elder care
- Education
- Food
- Gardening
- Artisan work
- Health & fitness
- Housing
- Technical assistance
- Tool share
- Transportation
- And more... check the directory at AshevilleLETS.org
Inner Fold
Benefits to Members:
- Use LETS even when you are short on cash – you can start trading immediately
- Earn credit for your under-valued talents or explore a whole new field of work
- Extend your purchasing power by saving your dollars
- Meet new people in your community and form lasting relationships with neighbors
Benefits to the Community:
- Keep resources in the community, reduce dependence on imports while boosting local quality of life
- Reduce waste by facilitating repair and recycling, rather than disposal of goods
- Build trust and good will between neighbors
“If people living in an area cannot trade among themselves without using money issued by outsiders, their local economy will always be at the mercy of events elsewhere.” – Richard Douthwaite, Short Circuit
Back Cover
Asheville LETS is a not-for-profit mutual credit-based trading system operated by and for the benefit of its members and the greater-Asheville community. The network utilizes a formal consensus decision-making process in which each member is granted equal voice in determining the policy and direction of the network. A $10 membership contribution covers printing costs, postage, and other cash-only expense.
For an up-to-date schedule of orientations, meetings and events visit
- www.AshevilleLETS.org
For more information call (800) 627-9060 or write to:
- Asheville LETS
- PO BOX 1291
- Asheville, NC 28802
Pamphlet PDF
The following file is of low resolution and should not be used for print.
