Modesto Local Exchange Trading System

Hi fellow Modesto people. I think the issue on everyone's mind is the economy. The mainstream media keeps saying the economy is improving, but I don't see it. At least not here in Modesto. Unemployment in this area is unbearably high, and we're all suffering from spiking food and energy prices.

The bottom line is, it feels like our everyday income is becoming smaller and smaller.

The reasons for this are varied and up for debate. What I'd like to point out is, what it all boils down to is a lack of capital coming into our community. The stimulus programs haven't worked, since we're all still slowly going broke. This means that charitable works in our community are getting harder to fund, and people are having a more difficult time making ends meet.

Recently I discovered Local Exchange Trading Systems (LETS), on the web. No, it's not a company or enterprise trying to get your hard earned money. It is a system of barter designed in England in 1983, and has been successfully implemented in over 900 communities in the world. There is even one working here in the US, and by all accounts it seems to be prospering.

A LET system enables people to unlock capital they didn't know they had. It involves using an alternate currency that can take the form of paper, coins, or debit card. It can even be used over the phone.

I'm posting about this because I'm looking for people who want to discuss implementing one in this area. Starting one here would involve recruiting merchants who would participate by agreeing to raise money for a local charitable work of some kind.

Let's bring a LETS here to Modesto and raise funds for charity, while at the same time create some jobs and spendable income for people.

It might be too much to expect that there are enough people coming to this forum to generate interest in a LET system. But, I'm holding out hope that somethi.g will spark your interest.

The housing crash started the problem we are experiencing. Whatever caused the crash is not what I'm interested in. The crash resulted in people's equity in their homes evaporating. Now, people don't have access to as much capital as they did in 2007. People simply don't have as much money as they used to have.

A LET system helps cure that. It unlocks capital that people already have, and spends it in our local economy. Even if it gained people only 15% more spendable income, that would be a considerable help to many.

Ask questions. I'll be glad to answer them, and provide any information you need in order to help get this off the ground.

!! GREAT IDEA !! Paul Glover started an alternative currency in his hometown of Ithaca, NY some 20+ years ago, and it's still growing!(google Ithaca Hours). They've got 600+ merchants involved as well as the local Credit Union, Hospital, Dental group, etc. Would love to see something like this in your area and mine (Sacramento). GBYA!!