Visions for LETS

Many of you will have heard of 'visioning' as a participative or community planning process. We used it at LLL's re-birth meeting to focus our ideas. First, we took a quiet ten minutes or so for everyone to think and write down what they would like LLL to have achieved 20 years on, five years on, and at the end of next year or as the next steps we need to take. We pooled those ideas onto a flipchart at the front, drawing together similar points. Finally, we asked for offers to make the action happen - grateful thanks for the offers handed in at the meeting. These are the ideas put forward:

In 20 years time:

• Dozens of neighbourhood LETS groups in each borough, with local businesses, arts projects and theatres, and other organisations among their members.

• Using LETS as normal and convenient as the Yellow Pages. Maybe plastic swipe cards, so as convenient as credit cards.

• The LETS economy recognised as a pillar of the social fabric, and having equal status with sterling (or ecu). LETS as a working model for monetary reform.

• At least 10% of Londoners involved in LETS schemes.

• Tax on LETS credits payable in LETS into a 'community benefit' account on every system.

• LLL as a thriving umbrella organisation ? or, LETS so much part of normal life that LLL doesn"t need to exist any more?

In 5 years time:

• LETS part of everyone's normal vocabulary.

• Bartering taught in schools; parents' groups forming/joining LETS systems

• Organisations joining LETS schemes as part of showing a responsible public profile, to show they are putting a stake into the local community and economy.

• A thriving LETS system in every borough.

• LETS widely accepted as matching funding for Lottery and other funding bids ¼ LETS credits disregarded for benefit, and tax implications clarified.

• LLL has a team of 3-5 full-time (equivalent) staff, working with a board elected by all LETS in London, and with active working groups and teams on a range of projects.

• An active monthly newsletter, with a variety of contributors.

• LLL seen as a major green organisation, with good links with other green organisations, and and influence on London and national government.

Action this year:

• A play script and theatre group, as outreach to show dramatically what LETS is and how it can help.

• Briefing on The Benefits of LETS, suitable for local authorities, businesses, government, media, etc.

• Write to leader of every London borough.

• Identify a LETS contact person in each local authority in London.

• Local LETS newsletters running reports on LLL activities.

• Draw together a training team/network, and run at least one course. Identify training needs of local systems, and design a training structure to meet them.

• Hold regular open meetings.

• Hold a well-attended AGM at the end of the year.

• Funding secured at least to employ 2-day-week coordinator and run office. Budget combining sterling and LETS earnings and spending drawn up.

• Effective Internet presence and connections, helping local schemes to network.

• Produce a basic LLL leaflet.

• Draft a business plan, showing what LLL aims to achieve, how, and how it will finance it - including showing what the LETS economy can contribute.

• Draw up bids for funding, and contact shortlist of potential funders

• All London LETS schemes to pay subs to LLL.