Edinburgh Alternative Currency Models Event

The aim of the event is to run through the different alternative currency models that currently exist in Edinburgh and hear what other options there are. We would ask each speaker to explain how their model works and the pros and cons. The ideal outcome of the event would be the formation of a group to look at taking alternative currency ideas forward.

What alternative currency models exist: (see doc)

Local Economy Day Program

Start with Speaker to explain why alternative currency models are a good idea, ie the benefits of local currencies especially in the current economic environment. Then have speakers from the local LETS and Time Bank schemes to explain their projects. We could also invite Greener Leith to speak on their We love Leith bonus bag http://www.greenerleith.org/a-z/s-is-for/shop-local-shop-smart.html and the potential to extent this projects from 10% discount with the bag in 25 shops in Leith to the rest of the city. Could possibly invite Peter North to bridge from these to local paper currencies. Next we could have speakers from relevant local currency projects (so focus on inviting speakers from Scottish and urban local currencies first):

· Jonathan Dawson or Alex Walker, Findhorn, Eko currency
· Transition Town Brixton, Brixton Pound
· Andy Maybury, Greener/Transition Town Hawick, Hawick Pound
· Lewis Pound, Post-Grad student
Could also invite a speaker from the new economic foundation, ideally someone involved with the Brixton Pound.

Could also invite speakers from local no interest or coop banks/credit unions:
· Capital Credit Union, Wendy Reid, Vice Chair, at wendy@dtascot.org.uk - http://www.capitalcreditunion.com/
· Craigmillar Credit Union, Cllr Maureen Child - http://www.craigmillarcreditunion.co.uk/

What is needed to take this idea forward:
· need to form a group of people to plan the event - done
· find out if there is any potential funding available - ?
· prepare program, invite speakers – need to agree on event program, then invite relevant speakers, it is likely we will need to cover speakers expenses
· book a venue possible options - St George’s West Church, Café Camino, MECOPP Room Hire, Pollock Halls, Quaker Meeting House (Victoria Terrace) and the Augustine Church (George IV Bridge), other idea?
· publicise the event – big question here on how much work we do in advertising it. Minimum would be out in email newsletters etc, posters and in the press. Maximum would be do this and contact all independent shops in Edinburgh and invite the owners explaining the benefits of a local currency, also invite relevant people from the Council and from the Chamber of Commerce.
· run the event on the day
· hopefully meet regularly after the event to take ideas forward and maybe form a Business and Livelihoods Group

Full paper here