Short Summary
Isn’t it ironic that, despite the tremendous scientific and technological advancements and the massive increases in material production that have been achieved over the past two centuries, the world finds itself in the grips of an acute multidimensional crisis with one quarter of the world's population still living in poverty and squalor?
As the global mega-crisis deepens, major structural changes are urgently needed, especially in the realm of money, credit and finance. That's the realm in which I have unique knowledge and expertise and in which there are major leverage points for community empowerment.
As a leading "community economist" my mission in life is to help create a just and peaceful world that works for everyone. I've been at it for almost four decades--researching, speaking, writing, and assisting people on their own journeys toward our shared goals. Today I need your help to continue this work for the common good.
Community currencies and cashless exchange networks have been proliferating around the world, but as in the early days of aviation, their impact has so far been modest. With the application of advanced knowledge and expertise, and supported by adequate resources, these systems can be greatly improved to provide a real solution to the global crisis.
I'm headed off on a tour of Europe and the UK to meet with thought leaders, small business people, and local officials about bringing these ideas to life in their communities. The anchor event and first stop on this tour will be the 2nd International Conference on Complementary Currency Systems (CCS), 19 – 23 June 2013 in The Hague, Netherlands. I will both present individually and appear on two panels there. The organizers of that event will be providing a travel allowance, but it will not be enough to cover even the trans-Atlantic flight, much less living expenses and travel to other stops on my tour.
I have already made definite commitments to go to Sweden, England, and Greece, but my itinerary is still evolving and I expect to make several additional stops throughout the region to give talks, workshops and consultations. Quite often, the groups that need my help are unable to pay even my travel expenses, but with your help we can make meaningful change a reality for these communities.
During a similar tour that I made last October, I gave a total of 15 presentations and workshops to various groups in three different countries. You can read a brief report of that tour at http://beyondmoney.net/2012/11/30/newsletter-november-2012/.
Civilization is going through an exciting and necessary metamorphic ch
ange from destructive competition, growth, and consumption, toward a regenerative, steady-state, more mature mode of living. The key to the successful completion of that metamorphosis is the transcendence of outmoded mechanisms of money, banking, and finance and the emergence of true economic democracy. The devolution of power to the people can only move forward by reclaiming the "credit commons" through the creation decentralized currencies and exchange mechanisms. That is where I can make a difference and that is what I am asking you to help me achieve.
As Swami Beyondananda says, “It’s time to shift our karma out of reverse and get our assets in gear.”
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Other Ways You Can Help
Even if you are unable to contribute financially you can still help by:
Spreading the word about our work, the tour, and this campaign by using the share buttons on this page!
Connect me with your EU/UK contacts who may be able to provide lodging or transportation along the way.
Thank you very much for helping in this important work.