ArmLETS: A Gem of an Idea!

LETS is  active in Armidale again and is looking for new members!

Local Energy Trading Systems (LETS) are locally initiated, democratically organised, not-for-profit community enterprises which provide a community information service and record transactions of members exchanging goods and services by using the currency of locally created LETS Credits.

In traditional bartering I do something for or give something to you and you likewise in return; whereas, in LETS networks we use interest-free local credit so direct swaps do not need to be made. For instance, a member may earn credit by doing childcare for one person and spend it later on carpentry with another person in the same network.

LETS is being used in various parts of the world, often with great success. For example, Central Coast LETS has 300 members who help each other and trade between themselves, enhancing their lifestyles in ways that may not be possible otherwise. LETS supports community building, skill sharing and development and is a great social outlet. LETS was active in Armidale during the 80’s and the 90’s and is being revived under the Sustainable Living Armidale umbrella. A LETS action group has been formed and ArmLETS has been chosen as our new name, with Gems as the name of our new local currency.

Would you like help getting your vegetable garden going, chook pen built, a hand on the farm, babysitting, or house painted for example?

Can you teach a foreign language, make and or decorate cakes, tutor children, write resumes, walk a dog or anything at all that people might find helpful? It may just be that you are a good listener and can make a good cup of tea – this can be as valued as any other service in a LETS system.

Whatever your needs and wants and whatever skills you have, LETS is worth looking into. You can join ArmLETS now by going to www.slarmidale.org and clicking on ‘ACTION GROUPS’ then ‘ARMLETS’. You will be taken to the homepage of our newest SLA action group,  and on this page you will find a great deal of information about LETS as well as a registration link at the bottom of the page. There is no cost to join so why not go ahead and join this fantastic local trading system!