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Starting
Your Own LETS...
Send for a copy of the
LETS INFO PACK (7th ed.), at £10 (incl post) from
LETSLINK UK. This is the essential practical guide used
by most UK LETS groups - containing the UK LETS model
rules, guidelines, templates and a host of other
materials to make starting a LETS easy.
A LETS can easily
be started by any group of local residents. It needs a
core group of at least 6 people, all living within easy
travelling distance. Once a local scheme is set up, the
simple administration requires about two days input
every two months (depending on equipment and resources)
to run a network of 100 members. Networks of between 50
and 800 members are being organised successfully by a
wide variety of groups - including local clubs,
residents associations, voluntary agencies, mental
health user groups, churches, unemployed groups,
community development agencies, co-ops, credit unions,
self-employed businesses and local government.
LETS Cut Costs
A LETS can be set up by any group, regardless of
income. The only essential equipment is access to a home
computer and a photocopier. Each LETS is independent,
self-supporting, and run on a nonprofit basis. Running
costs are covered by annual membership fees of between
£3 and £10 per person, and small charges on accounts in
the local unit.
Support For Local Groups
Full information and back-up for LETS groups in
Britain and Europe is available from LETSLINK UK, the
world's first LETS Development Agency. Since it was
founded in 1991, LETSLINK has led the spectacular
development and growth of UK model LETS to well over 400
networks in 1997, and introduced LETS into 16 European
countries.
LETSLINK produces
tested and approved model rules and guidelines and
offers the most comprehensive range of information,
materials, advice and support services including
national network membership, conferences, consultancy
and research.
Local Authorities and LETS
A national information exchange for Local
Authorities involved in LETS has been formed, working in
collaboration with LETSLINK UK. A growing number of
Local Authorities are joining, or supporting, existing
LETS with grants or in kind support. Some are employing
LETS development workers (under the Anti Poverty
Initiative or Local Agenda 21) to start new groups,
especially in low income areas. For an overview and
details of UK Local Authority involvement in LETS,
please send £2.50 for Issue 3 of letslink!
magazine.
Resources
For a list of main LETS and other local currency
resources and archive materials, please send an SAE to:
LETSLINK UK
54 Campbell Road
SOUTHSEA
Hants. P05 1RW
tel +44 (0)1705 730 639 |
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