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Calgary Dollars is a grassroots currency system established in January of 1996. (that´s 12 years in operation!) In an effort build a more sustainable local economy the Calgary Dollar has harnessed a pool of local resources & talent. Some might call it, "Reliance On Self". Participants in the Calgary area recognize that each person in the community has something of worth and can add value to the world. They recognize local skills, talents and capabilities as reliable cohesive assets. It is known by all participants that each neighbor has value. A strong local economy builds a healthy ecosystem and a better community.
"Calgary Dollars was created to complement Canadian dollars, creating an interest-free, non-debt-based currency backed by the goods and services of Calgarians" * http://calgarydollars.ca
Circulating a local currency increases a community´s economic activity. Calgary Dollars creates an effective everyday solutions to problems which develop from a slowing national economy. Local dollars are not hurt by a national economic slow downs. This grassroots money system encourages the sharing of underused assets, skills and provides support to locally run establishments which are in direct completion with the huge chain outlets.
One Calgary Dollar is equal to one CAD, however the C$s are not exchangeable through any local bank, the currency is pegged simply for customer convenience. While Calgary Dollars are actual local currency, their transaction value can always be negotiated and their value is determined exclusively through the buyer and seller. One Calgary Dollar translates to CDN$1 by general consent.
Way back in 1999, the City Hall alderman voted in support of Calgary Dollars. This decision paved the way for Calgary´s Transit tickets and recreation centre tickets both to be sold in exchange for local Calgary Dollars. City acceptance is a sure boost for any private currency.
The Calgary Dollar system is eager to provide local grants for Grassroots Community Initiatives. Small actions can make a big difference for any local community. Items like beautification of the area, environmental projects and even just fixing up the local newspaper boxes can all add up to more local pride...everyone benefits! Calgary Dollars is a Project of the Arusha Centre
"Arusha is a collectively run, membership supported organization dedicated to facilitating understanding of and action around local and global social justice issues. We strive for a world composed of co-existing communities which share a commitment to social justice, self-determination, to peace and human and ecological health" * http://calgarydollars.ca
The online Calgary Dollar Listings Classified (http://listings.calgarydollars.ca) currently boasts over 1000 listings. These listings also appear in the local Calgary Dollars Newspaper every few months.
It´s easy to start using Calgary Dollars and anyone can join, there are no sign up fees. In fact, when you join online and they will send you C$20 to start you on the way spending Calgary Dollars. Once you have signed up online, you can even enter classified ads and support the local economy.
A major hub of activity for participants are the Calgary Dollars Potluck dinners. These dinner meet ups are a great place to promote your products or services and meet other users. If you are accepting C$´s in your local business, the Potluck Dinners are easy place to find ways to spend your dollars. Like any community currency, when more users circulate the notes, buying and selling, the currency becomes stronger making it easier to use. Potlucks happen on the second Wednesday of every month and you can even set up a table for item sales if you would like, just give them a ring ahead of time.
The Calgary Dollars Community is best described by one of its members in an open letter to the organization. This is perhaps the best description of a community currency online.
"It is more than just a club or a networking opportunity, it is a COMMUNITY. It is warm, caring, & safe. It supports the under-dog. It helps to breathe life into causes not cared about or ignored by present society. It is holistic, political, spiritual & lots of other things. To me, it has been a major vehicle of change, making me look closely at where I was spending my money, why I was spending my money, and the effects of my purchases. I realized that spending money is about a lot more than a simple transaction of goods for fancy paper." Sheri Blaylock * http://calgarydollars.ca
What About Tax?
The Canada Revenue Agency has also been very open with their recognition of barter systems, which would include Calgary Dollars. A short document named the "Tax Interpretation Bulletin" which outlines the Department´s views on the income tax implications arising from bartering is available online. http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca
DGCmagazine
"Calgary Dollars was created to complement Canadian dollars, creating an interest-free, non-debt-based currency backed by the goods and services of Calgarians" * http://calgarydollars.ca
Circulating a local currency increases a community´s economic activity. Calgary Dollars creates an effective everyday solutions to problems which develop from a slowing national economy. Local dollars are not hurt by a national economic slow downs. This grassroots money system encourages the sharing of underused assets, skills and provides support to locally run establishments which are in direct completion with the huge chain outlets.
One Calgary Dollar is equal to one CAD, however the C$s are not exchangeable through any local bank, the currency is pegged simply for customer convenience. While Calgary Dollars are actual local currency, their transaction value can always be negotiated and their value is determined exclusively through the buyer and seller. One Calgary Dollar translates to CDN$1 by general consent.
Way back in 1999, the City Hall alderman voted in support of Calgary Dollars. This decision paved the way for Calgary´s Transit tickets and recreation centre tickets both to be sold in exchange for local Calgary Dollars. City acceptance is a sure boost for any private currency.
The Calgary Dollar system is eager to provide local grants for Grassroots Community Initiatives. Small actions can make a big difference for any local community. Items like beautification of the area, environmental projects and even just fixing up the local newspaper boxes can all add up to more local pride...everyone benefits! Calgary Dollars is a Project of the Arusha Centre
"Arusha is a collectively run, membership supported organization dedicated to facilitating understanding of and action around local and global social justice issues. We strive for a world composed of co-existing communities which share a commitment to social justice, self-determination, to peace and human and ecological health" * http://calgarydollars.ca
The online Calgary Dollar Listings Classified (http://listings.calgarydollars.ca) currently boasts over 1000 listings. These listings also appear in the local Calgary Dollars Newspaper every few months.
It´s easy to start using Calgary Dollars and anyone can join, there are no sign up fees. In fact, when you join online and they will send you C$20 to start you on the way spending Calgary Dollars. Once you have signed up online, you can even enter classified ads and support the local economy.
A major hub of activity for participants are the Calgary Dollars Potluck dinners. These dinner meet ups are a great place to promote your products or services and meet other users. If you are accepting C$´s in your local business, the Potluck Dinners are easy place to find ways to spend your dollars. Like any community currency, when more users circulate the notes, buying and selling, the currency becomes stronger making it easier to use. Potlucks happen on the second Wednesday of every month and you can even set up a table for item sales if you would like, just give them a ring ahead of time.
The Calgary Dollars Community is best described by one of its members in an open letter to the organization. This is perhaps the best description of a community currency online.
"It is more than just a club or a networking opportunity, it is a COMMUNITY. It is warm, caring, & safe. It supports the under-dog. It helps to breathe life into causes not cared about or ignored by present society. It is holistic, political, spiritual & lots of other things. To me, it has been a major vehicle of change, making me look closely at where I was spending my money, why I was spending my money, and the effects of my purchases. I realized that spending money is about a lot more than a simple transaction of goods for fancy paper." Sheri Blaylock * http://calgarydollars.ca
What About Tax?
The Canada Revenue Agency has also been very open with their recognition of barter systems, which would include Calgary Dollars. A short document named the "Tax Interpretation Bulletin" which outlines the Department´s views on the income tax implications arising from bartering is available online. http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca
DGCmagazine
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