This document outlines a local currency program called Columbia Community Dollars that is being launched in several communities in British Columbia. The program aims to keep money circulating locally, increase spending power and local business revenue. It will use a model called Community Way that has been successfully used elsewhere. Individuals and businesses can exchange Canadian dollars for local currency, and businesses pledge to accept a certain percentage of local currency. The program is intended to benefit local businesses, community groups, and the overall community by promoting local spending.

1. Columbia Community Dollars communitydollars.ca

2. Why local currency? Keeps money in our communities Increases overall spending power Increases local business revenue Encourages collaboration Brings us together to build a stronger, more resilient Basin economy

3. Why the Community Way model? Building on success. This system has been successfully running in the Comox Valley since 2008. Created by Michael Linton, designer of the LETSystem, who is mentoring the Columbia Community Dollar Development Group. Built-in mechanism to ensure sustainability Based on Open Money principles

4. Open Money We believe that the problems that come from conventional money can be resolved with open money systems. Where conventional money is scarce and expensive, the new money is sufficient and free. Where conventional money is created by central banks, new money is issued by us, as promises to redeem - our money is our word. Where conventional money flows erratically in and out of our communities, creating dependencies that are harmful to the economy, society and nature, the new complementary money re-circulates, enabling business and trade.

6. Transition Nelson

7. FERNS

8. Open Money (Community Way)The Community Dollars Development Group consists of community currency advocates from throughout B.C..

10. Fernie

11. NelsonOther Basin communities have expressed interest, including: Invermere, Cranbrook, Kaslo, Creston, Rossland, Nakusp and Valemount. Eventually, Community Dollars will be Basin-wide!

12. The Money C$1 = CDN$1 Features images of local mountains and wildlife from local photographers Includes security features C$250,000 will be available April 2011 Valid at participating businesses in communities throughout the Basin

13. So how does it work?

18. Receiving the money Any community group – be it a local charity, a school, a sports team, a non-profit or community event planning committee can register They will be the first beneficiaries of C$ Active community groups may solicit donations from businesses in C$, rather than CAD$ C$ may be withdrawn from accounts by visiting Change Agents

19. Moving the money Community Groups C$ makes it easier than ever to raise funds locally Community groups can then: Spend C$ at participating businesses Reward volunteers with C$ to thank them for their time and commitment, and top up staff salaries or offer bonuses Exchange C$ for CAD$ with the public

21. Offer C$ as change to customers

22. Re-donate C$ to another community group

23. Employ local people to do things your business needs: that new paint job, a professional website, a snazzy new logo

25. Accepting C$ as a bonus, or as a portion of or top-up to wages

26. Accepting C$ as a reward for volunteer workBut, the best wayis by:

27. Exchanging CAD$ for C$ Individuals can exchange CDN$ for C$ with groups they’d like to support, and then spend those C$ at participating businesses. This gives community groups the CDN$ they need to do their vital work, and allows individuals to support their favourite group while getting C$ in return, which they can then spend locally. Visit a Change Agent in your community to make an exchange. Making a commitment to exchange CDN$ for C$ each month is an investment in the well-being of your community. Individual pledges to exchange CDN$ for C$ can be made at CommunityDollars.ca

29. Are people and businesses paying their taxes?

30. Are people and businesses paying their taxes?Community currencies are not a new concept. The CRA has clarified their position on barter systems and community currencies, and there is no issue, provided that all applicable taxes are paid.

33. Increases sales from existing customers

34. Encourages customer loyalty

35. Contractor and employee wages can be topped up or paid partially in C$

36. Makes charitable giving easier

38. Increases individual and business donations

39. Increases the spending power of your group

40. C$ donations may be used as matching funds in grant applications

41. Builds strong community relationships

43. The overall purchasing power of individuals in the community increases

44. People support businesses owned by, or employing friends and neighbours

45. Brings us together to build a stronger, more resilient Basin economy

47. Continue registering businesses and community groups

48. Provide training on software and more information sessions – weekly online workshops available

49. C$ will be at the Kimberley Market all summerStart using Community Dollars!

50. Thanks for coming! For more information or to register, visit CommunityDollars.ca Questions?