Positive News US is a free, not for profit newspaper published four times a year in Ithaca, NY. We report on successful projects around the world in the areas of sustainability, social equality, education and happiness, with a clear message that "another world is possible."
more...
| a part of Positive News International |
Local Currency Adventure |
by Carl Feuer
"I got this huge book," said Christian Zahler, 9, lugging around C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia. "It's really adventurous, it's really exciting, and after you start, it sucks you right in." Christian purchased his "huge" book not with dollars but with Ithaca HOURS, a local currency circulating in Ithaca, New York, USA. Nineteen fourth grade students at Fall Creek Elementary were each able to purchase 3-4 books of their choice at local bookstores as a result of a unique grant and local development program sponsored by Ithaca HOURS.
The school's reading teacher, Carol Cedarholm, wrote a grant to the organization seeking 30 HOURS, worth US $300. Ms Cedarholm saw the use of local currency as an opportunity to reinforce the lessons and skills the children were developing in class while at the same time allowing them to build their personal libraries.
Ithaca HOURS is the oldest and largest local currency system in the United States. Since 1991 it has issued $120,000 worth of HOURS. Each HOUR is valued at US $10. Many hundreds of local businesses, nonprofits, service providers, workers and individuals participate in the system.
"Ithaca HOURS keeps money local, building our local economy," says Steve Burke, President of the HOURS board. It also builds community pride and connections, and publishes an "alternative yellow pages" of businesses accepting at least some Ithaca HOURS for the goods or services they provide.
In addition to the grants it offers to local non-profits, it also provides no-interest loans to member businesses seeking to expand, develop or support their employees. One recent loan, for example, went to ABC Cafe to allow it to provide each of its employees with a unique health benefit, memberships in the Ithaca Health Alliance.
Contact: Ithaca HOURS
Tel: 607-272-3738
Web: www.ithacahours.org
"I got this huge book," said Christian Zahler, 9, lugging around C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia. "It's really adventurous, it's really exciting, and after you start, it sucks you right in." Christian purchased his "huge" book not with dollars but with Ithaca HOURS, a local currency circulating in Ithaca, New York, USA. Nineteen fourth grade students at Fall Creek Elementary were each able to purchase 3-4 books of their choice at local bookstores as a result of a unique grant and local development program sponsored by Ithaca HOURS.
The school's reading teacher, Carol Cedarholm, wrote a grant to the organization seeking 30 HOURS, worth US $300. Ms Cedarholm saw the use of local currency as an opportunity to reinforce the lessons and skills the children were developing in class while at the same time allowing them to build their personal libraries.
Ithaca HOURS is the oldest and largest local currency system in the United States. Since 1991 it has issued $120,000 worth of HOURS. Each HOUR is valued at US $10. Many hundreds of local businesses, nonprofits, service providers, workers and individuals participate in the system.
"Ithaca HOURS keeps money local, building our local economy," says Steve Burke, President of the HOURS board. It also builds community pride and connections, and publishes an "alternative yellow pages" of businesses accepting at least some Ithaca HOURS for the goods or services they provide.
In addition to the grants it offers to local non-profits, it also provides no-interest loans to member businesses seeking to expand, develop or support their employees. One recent loan, for example, went to ABC Cafe to allow it to provide each of its employees with a unique health benefit, memberships in the Ithaca Health Alliance.
Contact: Ithaca HOURS
Tel: 607-272-3738
Web: www.ithacahours.org
Announcements
What do You find hopeful in the world today? Please contribute a short paragraph and be published in Positive News. We are currently selecting...
more >
The California Edition of Positive News is well on the way! We are looking for volunteers to help make it happen. To join our team contact...
more >
