The Global Table

In times of economic hardship, bartering is used to sustain the essentials of life. Local Exchange Trading Schemes (LETS) do this by means of local currencies. They encourage good use of resources, and enhance neighbourly relationships. Following "green dollar" experiments in Canada, the first Local Exchange Trading Scheme in the UK began in Norwich in 1985 and there are now hundreds of schemes. Some have survived well, others have fallen by the wayside. New ones are being set up incorporating web-based technology. Running a LETS is a complex, co-operative undertaking, and can be done in many different ways. We will consider what factors can help to make LETS more sustainable. Please call Mary Fee on 07966-216891 in advance as numbers are limited and also to confirm venue.

What kind of society will lead to sustainability?

We all know we need to reduce our consumption, and we know what concrete measures are needed but we don’t discuss how we will achieve this socially. In our competitive society, encouraged by advertising, people think largely of themselves, and are often insecure and financially stretched, which does not make the ideal atmosphere for asking them to consume less, think of others and accept the true costs of their lifestyle. It is not just the obvious things such as declining to save water for privatised utilities or needing to use cars because public transport is so bad. It is whether they actually feel obliged to consider others in their use of resources. In this workshop, Ian Brown will explore the kind of supportive social relationships we need, and our models of ownership, of citizenship and co-operation. The Network Project aims to bring together people and ideas to form a base of thinking that can challenge the dominance of the neo-liberal model.

MONETARY REFORM DEBATE IN LONDON - June 2006

As initiatives in monetary reform advance on a number of fronts there have emerged Four London Fora where this work is appraised and supported.

This is brief hint at the value and contact point for each so you can be clear that you are linked with those that help you in your contribution to this urgent and vital issue.

Reports on the work of each Forum will be made available to all whenever the convenors seek that opportunity.

The Forum for Stable Currencies – is designed to support Sabine McNeill's pioneering work - contact > Sabine@3dmetrics.co.uk
The E-list is kept by Sabine who will organise meetings at critical points in development.

There are 88 members of the Table receiving a notice each week of 'Matters in the Air'

To join this list or to ask to be removed from it contact Peterchallen@gmail.com

Each week a list of 'matters in the air' is offered in advance for consideration.

All are welcome to join the list receiving such notifications and to submit to peterchallen@gmail.com matters to be aired.