I've been interested in the concept of local barter currencies ever since I first heard of the Ithaca Hours Coop in the early 90's. Seems the concept has continued a slow but sure spread across the country, including the Madison (Wisconsin) Hours Cooperative.
From the site:
The primary mission of the co-op is to create and sustain a local currency in order to promote economic equity and well-being and to promote cooperation among community members. Cooperative philosophy and values are an essential part of our enterprise.
FAQ
Hours are based on the barter system, you barter your services or products for an equivalent, partial, or otherwise compensatory amount of Hours. Typically each Hour is eqivalent to $10 in Federal dollars. Hours are a completely legal form of currency.
As an example, you might purchase an initial $50 of Hours from a Coop for $30 or $40 Federal dollars. You place your service or product in the registry for which you agree to receive payment either in part or in full in Hours. You can use your Hours to purchase goods or services from other Coop members.
More info:
www.madisonhours.org
The original Ithaca Hours:
www.ithacahours.com
Why not introduce an Hours barter currency into your community?
Local Currencies: Madison Hours Cooperative
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