Developing new economic possibilities: Community developmant and local currencies

The new normal for the economy is brining to the forefront many approaches and strategies that have formerly been developed and utilized by economically marginalized communities. But in response to the weakening of the overall U.S. economy widespread adoption of similar strategies are increasingly emerging.

Local currencies as an alternative to standard currency is being adopted around the world. This moves us one step past barter by creating abstract value that is transferable and fungible. In a Wall Street Journal article (September 20, 2011, pA1) titled "In pockets of booming Brazil, a mint idea gains currency" the efforts of the citizens of Silva Jardim, Brazil to use a local currency to monetize the skills of residents and nurture the local economy. While this does not create hard currency it does provide exchange.

The persistent presence of unemployment and the deindustrialization of the American economy requires us to rethink what constitutes livelihood. A reordering of the societal values that define and determine the nature and relationship of individuals and the economy is in order.