From AshevilleLETS

by Xpress Staff in Vol. 13 / Iss. 45 on 06/06/2007

Members of Asheville’s Local Exchange Trading System can learn how to salsa, brush up on HTML programming, receive physical therapy or get fresh, organic greens—all without paying a dime.

But each member does have to donate an item or offer a service of his or her own in return. What’s given in exchange is determined by each individual set of skills, scheduling flexibility and specialization. Massage, construction work, furniture or homemade crafts are common examples.

Simply put, LETS is a fledgling effort to facilitate the exchange of goods and services without the use of money. The system operates through “indirect trade,” meaning it is organized around a pool of “credits” and “commitments” rather than a one-to-one bartering system.

“This region has an amazing diversity of skills and resources, but has always been cash poor,” says Scott Evans, a Haywood County native and one of several organizers who spent eight months fine-tuning the exchange system. “LETS offers a whole new way for us to exchange goods and services outside the constraints of the existing dollar-economy.”

Upon joining, LETS members receive a receipt book and a directory listing of other members’ “offers” and “wants.” It’s up to individuals to contact one another to arrange trades and work out the value of credits (or “LETS") exchanged. In order to “spend” or receive LETS for goods or services, members use the directory to find the right fit.

The organizers say the intention is to build trust and familiarity among community members, relocalize the economy and reduce reliance on foreign imports. The group charges no interest on accounts, and for now, there’s no membership fee. “Somewhere down the line, there might be a $10-a-year membership fee,” Evans says. “But as of now, it is entirely free to join.”

The concept is based on an international model. Local organizer Kila Donovan first encountered LETS six years ago while traveling in Scotland.

At press time, there were 76 Asheville LETS members, and some 300 offers and wants posted in the member directory. For now, the system remains on the fringe, but participants hope to generate more interest and diversify the range of goods and services that can be exchanged using LETS.

To learn more, visit the Web site (http://www.ashevillelets.org) or attend the LETS kick-off party and cookout on Saturday, June 9, in Asheville’s Aston Park. There will be an orientation at 1 p.m. for anyone interested in joining, and a cookout from 2 to 5 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring something to grill or a potluck dish to share.