From AshevilleLETS

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                          A s h e v i l l e L E T S
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                                                          September 24, 2007

It's fall and the trading is good! The Asheville Local Exchange Trading
System now has over 130 members and, as of this week, over 1,400 LETS have
been exchanged!

Next month we'll be kicking-off the first in a series of exciting new LETS
events with a Fall Trade Fair - Sunday 10/14 at the Courtyard Gallery, 9
Walnut St. (entrances are on Lexington by Cornerstone Minerals or through
the iron gates on Carolina Lane). There will be an orientation at 1pm and
trading will begin at 2pm. Bring finger food to share!

We would like to do LETS trade fairs at least quarterly, and would love
member help in organizing them. This is a chance to come meet other LETS
members, bring things you'd like to trade and find new resources and
services you need.


== Contents ==

- System Clarifications
  + Goods, Services and Recirculation
  + Introducing LETS "Vouchers"
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Upcoming Events
- Organizer's Meeting Agenda


== System Clarifications ==

I. Goods, Services and Recirculation

Since launching in June, our consultation with an attorney has impressed
upon us the necessity for a clarification on the exchange of goods. Some
members have expressed confusion around this topic and we apologize for any
ambiguity.

The Asheville Local Exchange Trading System is operated solely for the
informal trade of similar services on a noncommercial basis. It is not
designed for the exchange of goods; however, there are two circumstances
under which goods can be exchanged through LETS as a service:

A. The creation of goods as a service - The labor that you put forward to
   create a resource that you intend to exchange may be traded as a service.
   For instance a LETS member may offer the service of baking a birthday
   cake.

B. The recirculation of goods as a service - The labor that you put
   forward to salvage, prepare and deliver goods may be traded as a service.
   For example a LETS member may offer the service of recirculating used
   clothing. You should charge in accordance with the energy you spend
   recirculated these resources - not the market value of the goods. For
   this type of exchange, please begin the title of your listing with the
   word recirculation (eg. "Recirculation: Two used tables").

Please help us ensure that all goods listed in the directory fall into one
of the above categories. It is important that we make it clear that this
system has nothing in common with commercial barter networks, arrangements
that are heavily regulated by the IRS.


II. Introducing LETS "Vouchers"

Be advised that the exchange slips previously referred to as "LETS
receipts" are now called "LETS vouchers." Using the word receipt proved to
be too confusing.

Our new LETS vouchers look very similar to checks. Hopefully this will help
you to remember that they are used like checks - the individual issuing
payment writes the voucher. It is then the responsibility of whoever is
receiving payment to record the transaction, just as the recipient of a
check would be responsible for depositing it in her bank account.

You can still use your receipt book, just be aware that we are
beginning to use the word "voucher" instead. If you are doing an
exchange and don't have your voucher book, any piece of paper with the
appropriate info and a signature will do.


== Volunteer Opportunities ==

We are seeking more organizers to assist with putting together trade fairs.
Please contact members_ashevillelets.org to volunteer for the October fair.


== Upcoming Events ==

Come to an Asheville LETS Orientation to learn more about the network
& sign up!

Member Orientation
  Monday, October 1, 7-8:00pm
  Grey Eagle Tavern & Music Hall
  185 Clingman Ave. Asheville

Member Orientation
  6-7pm Tuesday, October 2
  Reid Center (Media Room)
  133 Livingston St. Asheville

Fall Trade Fair
  Sunday, October 14
  1:00pm : orientation for prospective members
  2:00pm : exchange extravaganza!
  Courtyard Gallery (9 Walnut St. Downtown Asheville)
  Bring things you want to trade for LETS (with a table if possible) and
  snack food to share.


== Organizer's Meeting Agenda ==

Please attend the upcoming October organizational meeting if you would like
to contribute to decision making for the LETS network.

Tuesday, October 2nd, 7:00pm
- Introductions
- New Meeting Space?
- Trade Fair
  + promotion
  + food, tables, other activities?
- Updating Language on Pamphlet