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Copyright in this f irst edition of “The Mapirst edition of “The Map- How to Out Your Local E- How to Out Your Local Economy”,conomy”, © John © John Rogers, 2014.Rogers, 2014. All rights reserve
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CONTENTS
CONTENTS
Introduction
Introduction
PART 1
PART 1 Austerity:
Austerity: Who Nee
Who Needs It?
ds It?
Austerity
Austerity
–
–
a dangerous idea
a dangerous idea
Sustain-Ability
Sustain-Ability
–
–
a necessary idea
a necessary idea
PART
PART 2
2 The
The Map
Map
What is T
What is T
he Map?
he Map?
Why do w
Why do w
e need a
e need a
map?
map?
Who is on
Who is on
The Map?
The Map?
What doe
What doe
s The Map
s The Map
cover?
cover?
When do
When do
we use T
we use T
he Map’?
he Map’?
PART
PART 3
3 Make T
Make The
he Map
Map
How to make The Map
How to make The Map
Add cur
Add cur
rency an
rency an
d stir
d stir
Add mor
Add mor
e featur
e featur
es
es
PART
PART 4
4 Use
Use The
The Map
Map
How to use The Map
How to use The Map
PART
PART 5
5 Maintain
Maintain The
The Map
Map
How to maintain The Map
How to maintain The Map
Notes
Notes
Glossary
Glossary
Introduction
Introduction
I believe that Austerity is an unfounded, unnecessary and dangerous idea. But it is not going away any I believe that Austerity is an unfounded, unnecessary and dangerous idea. But it is not going away any time soon.
time soon.
On the other side of Austerity is Sustain-Ability, our ability to sustain an abundant life for
On the other side of Austerity is Sustain-Ability, our ability to sustain an abundant life for all. We need toall. We need to pool our collective resources and do more with what we have.
pool our collective resources and do more with what we have.
Too much of our ex
Too much of our existing local econisting local economy remains invisiblomy remains invisible, unknown and not worke, unknown and not working at capacing at capacity. It needsity. It needs ‘outing’.
‘outing’. The ‘sharing’ or ‘col The ‘sharing’ or ‘collaborative’ economy laborative’ economy shows us one way to do this. shows us one way to do this. New New websites websites (1) (1)pop uppop up every week offering a platform for you to buy, sell,
every week offering a platform for you to buy, sell, barter, gift, share, hire, rent, lend or swap.barter, gift, share, hire, rent, lend or swap.
Most of these sites are
Most of these sites are limited to exchanges between consumers and businesses and do not limited to exchanges between consumers and businesses and do not focus on singlefocus on single regions. The Map described here unlocks the whole regional economy with all its players: individuals, regions. The Map described here unlocks the whole regional economy with all its players: individuals, businesses, voluntary groups and local
businesses, voluntary groups and local governmentgovernment..
There are myriad grou
There are myriad groups, strategies, caps, strategies, campaigns and actionmpaigns and actions for sustainability as for sustainability around the world. Thround the world. They actey act like white blood cells protecting the body of humanity, securing the future. But there is not enough like white blood cells protecting the body of humanity, securing the future. But there is not enough cross-sectoral collaboration between business, government and non-governmental groups. Many
sectoral collaboration between business, government and non-governmental groups. Many small-scalesmall-scale ‘‘alternativesalternatives’’ are just not joining up the are just not joining up the dots fast enough to save the planet from humanity.dots fast enough to save the planet from humanity.
The Map can help us
The Map can help us to grow a socto grow a society and economy iety and economy far superior to the narfar superior to the narrow-minded, cramped vrow-minded, cramped view ofiew of Austerity and help u
Austerity and help us realise the goal os realise the goal of Sustain-Ability.f Sustain-Ability.
This pamphlet is w
This pamphlet is written primarily for ritten primarily for a UK audience. If you liva UK audience. If you live elsewhere, I hope e elsewhere, I hope you will be inspired tyou will be inspired too apply this vision to your own region. F
apply this vision to your own region. Feel free to ‘mash up’, improve and share the ideas. Send me storieseel free to ‘mash up’, improve and share the ideas. Send me stories of The Map for
of The Map for future editions or enquire future editions or enquire about training, consulting and speaking services here:about training, consulting and speaking services here: www.valueforpeople.co.uk
www.valueforpeople.co.uk
All names and storie
All names and stories are invented. Cs are invented. Check out the gloheck out the glossary at the bacssary at the back for explanationk for explanations of key terms.s of key terms.
Many thanks for helping me
Many thanks for helping me to improve this text: Annette de Grandis, to improve this text: Annette de Grandis, Bruce Dickson, Kevin Parcell, JohnBruce Dickson, Kevin Parcell, John Waters. Thanks
Waters. Thanks to Helen Douglato Helen Douglas for professional es for professional editing.diting.
This pamphlet is de
This pamphlet is dedicated to my motdicated to my mother, Sheila Rogers, and her, Sheila Rogers, and to all our mothers to all our mothers who knew how twho knew how to doo do more with less.
PART 1
PART 1
Austerity
Austerity
- W
Austerity
Austerity
–
–
a dangerous idea
a dangerous idea
Austerity says: BritAusterity says: Britain is broke; w ain is broke; w e’ve maxed oute’ve maxed out our credit card. Everyone our credit card. Everyone – – both people and the both people and the government
government – – has borrowed too much, taken on too many debts. Now we have to pay the price. has borrowed too much, taken on too many debts. Now we have to pay the price. We haveWe have to cut spending and pay off our debts
to cut spending and pay off our debts before we can get the before we can get the economy back to normal. It’s tough medicineeconomy back to normal. It’s tough medicine,, but we have no
but we have no choice. Right?choice. Right?
Austerity’s
Austerity’s story contains some truth, which is why many people buy it. story contains some truth, which is why many people buy it. The word ‘austerit The word ‘austerity’ has the ringy’ has the ring of wartime: tighten our belts, dig for victory, we are all
of wartime: tighten our belts, dig for victory, we are all in this together. It sounds virtuous.in this together. It sounds virtuous.
Austerity is a sto
Austerity is a story pushed by thry pushed by the government. It e government. It wants to reducwants to reduce government e government deficits and cut spenddeficits and cut spendinging on public services to reduce its
on public services to reduce its‘burden’ on the economy ‘burden’ on the economy . It could raise taxes, but that is not high on . It could raise taxes, but that is not high on thethe agenda. It tells us that the national debt is unprecedented and we c
agenda. It tells us that the national debt is unprecedented and we can’t afford it.an’t afford it.
Mark Blyth tells a
Mark Blyth tells a different story in this short hard-hitting different story in this short hard-hitting video video..(2)(2)He says that the financial crisis wasHe says that the financial crisis was created by gamblers in the
created by gamblers in the casino economy of speculators. Theycasino economy of speculators. They‘‘punched a two-trillion-dollar hole inpunched a two-trillion-dollar hole in financial space-time
financial space-time’’, but no one wants to pay for that hole, especially the , but no one wants to pay for that hole, especially the banks. Both individuals andbanks. Both individuals and nations need to pay off their debts. But it is
nations need to pay off their debts. But it is a disaster when we all try to do a disaster when we all try to do that at the same time. In fact,that at the same time. In fact, the ratio of
the ratio of national debt to GDP (the normal measure of national debt to GDP (the normal measure of economic activity) was much bigger after everyeconomic activity) was much bigger after every major war than it is now and the
major war than it is now and the economy still grew.economy still grew.
Professor Blyth tells us that the
Professor Blyth tells us that the poorest 40% pay the biggest price poorest 40% pay the biggest price for the boom-bust economy, with nofor the boom-bust economy, with no pay-rise in real terms for decades. All they got before the financial
pay-rise in real terms for decades. All they got before the financial crisis was debt and an illusion ofcrisis was debt and an illusion of prosperity. Now all they have is debt and increasing poverty. We have a more unstable and unequal prosperity. Now all they have is debt and increasing poverty. We have a more unstable and unequal economy than ever before. Austerity is not the ‘common sense’ i
economy than ever before. Austerity is not the ‘common sense’ it is promoted to be. It is promoted to be. It’s dangeroust’s dangerous nonsense that can lead to
nonsense that can lead to unnecessary conflict.unnecessary conflict.
The Austerity st
The Austerity story might be mory might be more persuasive if it were ore persuasive if it were based on good ecbased on good economics. But itonomics. But itisn’t. Blythisn’t. Blyth
claims that the more you cut, the bigger the debt gets: there are no cases where austerity measures have led claims that the more you cut, the bigger the debt gets: there are no cases where austerity measures have led to lower levels of
to lower levels of national debt. Even the mathematics backing the theory of national debt. Even the mathematics backing the theory of Austerity isAusterity is riddled withriddled with
errors
errors.(3).(3)
So why do so many people believe the Austerity story? So why do so many people believe the Austerity story?
Austerity tells us
Austerity tells us things are scthings are scarce;arce;there isn’t enough to go there isn’t enough to go round. This soundsround. This soundsreasonable. People havereasonable. People have unlimited wants but resources are limited. There are more of some things and less of others. There are unlimited wants but resources are limited. There are more of some things and less of others. There are good times and bad times. So we have to allocate scarce resources efficiently. The whole of economics is good times and bad times. So we have to allocate scarce resources efficiently. The whole of economics is
based on these assumptions. We use the
based on these assumptions. We use the mechanism of money to balance the mechanism of money to balance the demand for resources withdemand for resources with their supply. But what happens when money itself is scarce? Food can be scarce, but
their supply. But what happens when money itself is scarce? Food can be scarce, buthow can money be scarce how can money be scarce ??
Imagine a map of your community showing all the work that needs doing. It also shows the people, Imagine a map of your community showing all the work that needs doing. It also shows the people, businesses and factories willing and ready to work. The same map shows where all the money is. In businesses and factories willing and ready to work. The same map shows where all the money is. In thethe good times, it just grows and grows, like Alice in Wonderland when she eats the cake. Then there is good times, it just grows and grows, like Alice in Wonderland when she eats the cake. Then there is aa financial crisis and a lot of
financial crisis and a lot of the money disappears off the map, taking jobs and businesses with it. The samethe money disappears off the map, taking jobs and businesses with it. The same people and resources are still there, but we think
people and resources are still there, but we think we can’t do the we can’t do the same things any same things any more because thmore because the moneye money has disappeared. Everyone is waiting for
has disappeared. Everyone is waiting for money. It’smoney. It’sabsurd.absurd.
When money is
When money is scarce, it is because pscarce, it is because people have decided teople have decided to keep it scarce. Ao keep it scarce. After the financial crisis, mfter the financial crisis, manyany banks stopped creating new loans
banks stopped creating new loans ( ( new money new money ) )..(4)(4) The money ava The money available to run businesseilable to run businesses, pay salaries ors, pay salaries or invest in new enterpr
invest in new enterprises ‘dried up’. That was a decision, not ises ‘dried up’. That was a decision, not a natural process like a river drying up.a natural process like a river drying up. Actually, the world is a
Actually, the world is awash with money. wash with money. Trillions of dollars changTrillions of dollars change hands daily in the e hands daily in the world’s moneyworld’s money markets while other people are losing their
markets while other people are losing their jobs and homes because thejobs and homes because there isn’t enough money in the realre isn’t enough money in the real economy. Society pays the price for
economy. Society pays the price for the recklessness of the banks. Government presents Austerity asthe recklessness of the banks. Government presents Austerity as something natural, part of an ‘economic cycle’
something natural, part of an ‘economic cycle’, but it is really the result of deliberate policies. Money is not, but it is really the result of deliberate policies. Money is not really scarce: it is kept scarce.
really scarce: it is kept scarce.
The governmen
The government then adds anott then adds another twist to the Aher twist to the Austerity stusterity story. It tells us theory. It tells us there is are is a‘‘hard-workinhard-working’g’ majority and a
majority and a‘‘scrounging scrounging ’’ minority of people minority of people who sit around living off benefits t who sit around living off benefits they don’t deserve.hey don’t deserve. This This story is repeated in the media every day. It is
story is repeated in the media every day. It is used to blame the poor and to justify even more cuts. Theused to blame the poor and to justify even more cuts. The government says that you will achieve wealth and independence if you are ambitious, work hard and government says that you will achieve wealth and independence if you are ambitious, work hard and discipline yourself. Because many people share these values, they believe the story that the cuts are a discipline yourself. Because many people share these values, they believe the story that the cuts are a ‘necessary evil’ and hope
‘necessary evil’ and hope that they and their families w that they and their families w on’ton’tbe affected.be affected.
But the government has clearly stated that the job of cutting is not yet
But the government has clearly stated that the job of cutting is not yet ““even half doneeven half done””..(5)(5)Sooner orSooner or later, the public services you rely on will
later, the public services you rely on will be affected, maybe just when you most need them.be affected, maybe just when you most need them.
Even if you
Even if you swallow the government’sswallow the government’s reasons for its Austerity policies reasons for its Austerity policies, shouldn’t you be queasy about its, shouldn’t you be queasy about its effects? About people with disabilities
effects? About people with disabilities committing suicidecommitting suicide(6)(6)because their benefits were cut after falsebecause their benefits were cut after false assessments
assessments? About the record ? About the record numbers of people using numbers of people using food banksfood banks??(7)(7)
We can call Auster
Austerity is
Austerity is really bad ereally bad economics fraconomics framed in genuinmed in genuine values and die values and distorted fostorted for politicalr political reasons.
Sustain-Ability
Sustain-Ability
–
–
a necessary idea
a necessary idea
What is really scarceWhat is really scarce? What is truly a? What is truly abundant? Austbundant? Austerity subjects peoerity subjects people, communitiesple, communities, jobs, businesses, jobs, businesses and the natural environment to the whims of money, which is artificially scarce.
and the natural environment to the whims of money, which is artificially scarce.
But Austerity can also help us to refocus on other important issues, like Sustain-Ability, our ability to But Austerity can also help us to refocus on other important issues, like Sustain-Ability, our ability to sustain life on earth.
sustain life on earth.
FACT ONE. We can do much more with what we already have FACT ONE. We can do much more with what we already have Our lifestyle is
Our lifestyle is very wasteful. We turn natural abundance into very wasteful. We turn natural abundance into scarcity. Supermarkets and restaurants in thescarcity. Supermarkets and restaurants in the UK annually throw away
UK annually throw away 400,000 tonnes of food400,000 tonnes of food (9)(9),, with only 2% of that surplus redistributed to food with only 2% of that surplus redistributed to food banks. That’s a huge waste of the energy needed to produce the food in the first place.
banks. That’s a huge waste of the energy needed to produce the food in the first place. We are wasting We are wasting food, energy and people.
food, energy and people. We are causing unnecessary austerityWe are causing unnecessary austerityand and not becoming sustainable. But not becoming sustainable. But foodfood
poverty and food waste
poverty and food waste(10)(10) can cancel each other out. All that’s needed is to match need with surplus.can cancel each other out. All that’s needed is to match need with surplus. What we need is a
What we need is a good map to shogood map to show us where the unw us where the underused resources derused resources and unmet needs and unmet needs are.are.
FACT TWO. We must do more with FACT TWO. We must do more with lessless
Some resources are actually limited. There are only so many fish in the sea
Some resources are actually limited. There are only so many fish in the sea to supply all the people whoto supply all the people who want to eat fish.
want to eat fish. If we overfish, we dIf we overfish, we destroy the resoestroy the resource for the future. Some surce for the future. Some say we are alreadyay we are already consuming one-and-a-half times the
consuming one-and-a-half times theplanet’s worth of resources each year.planet’s worth of resources each year. We must do mo We must do more with less.re with less. We have no cho
We have no choice. The world may soon ice. The world may soon have nine billion mouthhave nine billion mouths to feed. Each of us cs to feed. Each of us can do our bit toan do our bit to create a fairer future where we help each other
create a fairer future where we help each other to sustain our living environment with 100% recycling andto sustain our living environment with 100% recycling and zero waste
zero waste – – including zero waste of people. We can take action as individuals and together. Other including zero waste of people. We can take action as individuals and together. Other resources are naturally abundant: skills, ideas,
resources are naturally abundant: skills, ideas, creativity. They can help us creativity. They can help us manage the other things that aremanage the other things that are truly scarce. Let’s put them on a map so
truly scarce. Let’s put them on a map sothat we can coordinate them better.that we can coordinate them better.
FACT THREE.
FACT THREE. More stuff doesn’t always make us happierMore stuff doesn’t always make us happier What’s the poin
What’s the point of all our economic at of all our economic activity? People ctivity? People will give various anwill give various answers: surswers: sur vival, feed the family, vival, feed the family, status, security, power and control. Beyond this, most people would say they simply want to be happy. status, security, power and control. Beyond this, most people would say they simply want to be happy. Some governments have started trying to measure happiness. Having paid work is
Some governments have started trying to measure happiness. Having paid work is an important source ofan important source of happiness, but economists agree that most people do
happiness, but economists agree that most people do not get much happier beyond a not get much happier beyond a certain level ofcertain level of income. Just as important as money for our happiness are the quality of
income. Just as important as money for our happiness are the quality of our relationships with others, ourour relationships with others, our mental health and the quality
mental health and the quality of the environment. If our economic activity desof the environment. If our economic activity destroys the environment, thentroys the environment, then it is insane.
it is insane.
Sustain-Ability, our ability to sustain life, is mostly a local affair.
Sustain-Ability, our ability to sustain life, is mostly a local affair. It is decided in every river, field, forest,It is decided in every river, field, forest, house, garden, street, village, town and city. It is decided by everything we purchase, every lifestyle choice. house, garden, street, village, town and city. It is decided by everything we purchase, every lifestyle choice.
PART 2
PART 2
The Map
The Map
What is The M
What is The M
ap?
ap?
Imagine an online map
Imagine an online map of your region that shows of your region that shows households, businesses, voluntary organisathouseholds, businesses, voluntary organisations andions and government agencies. It shows what they need and
government agencies. It shows what they need and what they want to share.what they want to share.
Imagine Google Search plus Google Maps
Imagine Google Search plus Google Maps meets Facebook, with eBay mashed up meets Facebook, with eBay mashed up with Kickstarter andwith Kickstarter and Loyalty Points, available online and on the move, all focussed on your home region. It is
Loyalty Points, available online and on the move, all focussed on your home region. It is a social anda social and economic network that can scale down to a single postcode and up to regional level.
economic network that can scale down to a single postcode and up to regional level.
Although it doesn’
Although it doesn’t yet exist as dt yet exist as described here, it is caescribed here, it is called The Map.lled The Map.
Imagine you’re looking for a babysitter. You log o
Imagine you’re looking for a babysitter. You log on to the Map n to the Map App on your smartphone that connectsApp on your smartphone that connects you to The Map. It quickly shows you where the babysitters are in your area.
you to The Map. It quickly shows you where the babysitters are in your area.
Imagine your small business is looking for part-time help. The Map App helps you find reliable workers Imagine your small business is looking for part-time help. The Map App helps you find reliable workers when you need them
when you need them..
Imagine you are an amateur football club looking for coaches. You can find volunteers via the Map App. Imagine you are an amateur football club looking for coaches. You can find volunteers via the Map App.
Every person and every group needs
Every person and every group needs something and has something to give.something and has something to give.
The Map allows people
The Map allows people to show up, show ofto show up, show off, connect, cooperatf, connect, cooperate, compete, give, se, compete, give, share, borrow, lend,hare, borrow, lend, swap, tip, buy, sell, raise funds, review, complain, criticise, rate, recommend, praise…
swap, tip, buy, sell, raise funds, review, complain, criticise, rate, recommend, praise…
The Map provides
The Map provides a network for a network for the good times, a the good times, a safety net for tsafety net for the bad times and a he bad times and a permanently openpermanently open space for all to contribute. It creates a true
space for all to contribute. It creates a true ‘free market’ that is local and cross‘free market’ that is local and cross-sectoral.-sectoral.
The world is gett
The world is getting ever more coing ever more connected. Entreprenennected. Entrepreneurs are creating nurs are creating new applications tew applications to bring uso bring us
together and share every day. Smartphone use in the UK may reach nearly 100% by 2018. More and more together and share every day. Smartphone use in the UK may reach nearly 100% by 2018. More and more gadgets will be able to talk to each other via the Internet. We will programme our devices to automatically gadgets will be able to talk to each other via the Internet. We will programme our devices to automatically find best offers and to order goods and services such as taxis, books, etc.
find best offers and to order goods and services such as taxis, books, etc.
The Map uses thi
The Map uses this connectivity ts connectivity to enhance existio enhance existing regional networng regional networks. It provides incks. It provides incentives for people entives for people toto share what they have to benefit everyone, to do more with less.
The Map can help us
The Map can help us to realise this grto realise this grand ambition. And and ambition. And it can only do that it can only do that if it:if it: - enables investment in everyone and their
- enables investment in everyone and their ideas, talents and energyideas, talents and energy - creates new sources of local production
- creates new sources of local production
- brings out the best that everyone has to give to others. - brings out the best that everyone has to give to others.
Here are some invented stories showing how The
Here are some invented stories showing how The Map could help Map could help us to combat austerity and promoteus to combat austerity and promote sustain-ability, our ability to sustain life.
sustain-ability, our ability to sustain life.
The Junkster The Junksterss
Here is a story that is
Here is a story that is common in many communities. Something isn’t working in community lifecommon in many communities. Something isn’t working in community life, or there, or there is a problem that neither business nor government is solving. An individual or a group takes action to do is a problem that neither business nor government is solving. An individual or a group takes action to do something about it. They are often driven by strong feelings like anger or compassion rather than by clear something about it. They are often driven by strong feelings like anger or compassion rather than by clear planning. Sooner or later they decide to ‘go professional’. They get into the world of business plans, planning. Sooner or later they decide to ‘go professional’. They get into the world of business plans, funding, reports and paid staff. Sometimes this helps them to meet the original need or solve the problem funding, reports and paid staff. Sometimes this helps them to meet the original need or solve the problem better. Sometimes it distracts them from the original
better. Sometimes it distracts them from the original intention and their main intention and their main aim becomes keeping theaim becomes keeping the organisation in business.
organisation in business.
The Junksters i
The Junksters is a group that ws a group that went through thient through this learning curve and s learning curve and then found the rigthen found the right balance by usinght balance by using the resources of The Map.
the resources of The Map.
It all started with 12-year-old Emma. She wanted a steel drum that she saw
It all started with 12-year-old Emma. She wanted a steel drum that she saw on TV but had no money. Sheon TV but had no money. She found an empty oil drum and her dad
found an empty oil drum and her dad had the tools to turn it into her dream instrument. Soon Emma washad the tools to turn it into her dream instrument. Soon Emma was bashing away happily in the garage. Her friends wanted to play,
bashing away happily in the garage. Her friends wanted to play,too, so Emma’s dad helped them to maketoo, so Emma’s dad helped them to make more drums. The local
more drums. The local music teacher got involved and helped the music teacher got involved and helped the girls organise themselves into a realgirls organise themselves into a real junk band: The Junksters.
junk band: The Junksters.
Emma and her friends
Emma and her friends wanted to help other kids lwanted to help other kids like them. What other instruments could they make?ike them. What other instruments could they make? They were inspired by
They were inspired by thethe Recycled OrchestraRecycled Orchestra(11)(11)in Paraguay, where they make orchestral instrumentsin Paraguay, where they make orchestral instruments from all kinds of material taken from landfill sites
from all kinds of material taken from landfill sites. . Emma’s music teEmma’s music teacher helped them acher helped them set up their ownset up their own charity, Trash Tunes, with their parents as
charity, Trash Tunes, with their parents as trustees. The trustees employed an executive director with atrustees. The trustees employed an executive director with a background in the music business and hoped he would now run the show. All went well
background in the music business and hoped he would now run the show. All went well for a couple offor a couple of years. The charity thrived, attracted funding and
years. The charity thrived, attracted funding and expanded to employ more staff. It opened expanded to employ more staff. It opened new centresnew centres for recycling instruments. The whole idea really ‘struck a chord’ with the public.
for recycling instruments. The whole idea really ‘struck a chord’ with the public.
Then the funding
Then the funding dried up, the charity hdried up, the charity had debts and the ad debts and the trustees starttrustees started arguing with ed arguing with the executivethe executive director. Things finally came to a head and the trustees fired him. Half the trustees walked away because director. Things finally came to a head and the trustees fired him. Half the trustees walked away because
they had had enough. For a time, it l
they had had enough. For a time, it looked like the remaining trustees would have to bring Emma’sooked like the remaining trustees would have to bring Emma’sdreamdream to an end.
to an end.
Then along came
Then along came The Map. The group The Map. The group went back to twent back to the volunteer ethhe volunteer ethic that started tic that started the charity in the firsthe charity in the first place. They used The Map to attract new volunteers from all over the region. They placed free adverts place. They used The Map to attract new volunteers from all over the region. They placed free adverts asking people to donate second-hand musical instruments. They asked local companies to
asking people to donate second-hand musical instruments. They asked local companies to give them usedgive them used metals and plastics to make new
metals and plastics to make new instruments. They started a crowd-funding campaign on The Map instruments. They started a crowd-funding campaign on The Map to raiseto raise funds for new tools.
funds for new tools.
They dumped the b
They dumped the bureaucratic language ureaucratic language of funding, targetof funding, targets and reports. Now ts and reports. Now they told stories ohey told stories of kidsf kids whose lives were cha
whose lives were changed by playing mnged by playing music with their new usic with their new instruments. All of tinstruments. All of this turned the chhis turned the charityarity around. Now they have just one
around. Now they have just one paid part-time coordinator to keep everything bubbling along and makepaid part-time coordinator to keep everything bubbling along and make sure the volunteers all know what they are doing.
sure the volunteers all know what they are doing.
Nappy Happy Nappy Happy Anna and Jack were
Anna and Jack were well aware of the conwell aware of the constantly negativstantly negative news about damage e news about damage to the enviroto the environment. Then,nment. Then, after their first baby came along, they both lost their jobs at the same time. One day,
after their first baby came along, they both lost their jobs at the same time. One day, they were changingthey were changing their son’s nappy when they fell about laughing. ‘Isn’t this crazy? Millions of parents like us do
their son’s nappy when they fell about laughing. ‘Isn’t this crazy? Millions of parents like us do this everythis every day, then chuck the nappies away and hope someone else will sort out the mess.
day, then chuck the nappies away and hope someone else will sort out the mess.’’ What if there was an easy What if there was an easy solution that was good for
solution that was good for the environment? Jack had worked in the municipal the environment? Jack had worked in the municipal waste industry and Annawaste industry and Anna as a sales manager, so they put their knowledge together and came up with a bright idea: Nappy Happy. as a sales manager, so they put their knowledge together and came up with a bright idea: Nappy Happy.
The average baby
The average baby uses 4.14 nauses 4.14 nappies per dayppies per day – – that’sthat’s about 4,000 nappies before they are about 4,000 nappies before they are potty-trained.potty-trained. Nappies are a £700-million-a-year business and parents buy 3 billion of them a year in the
Nappies are a £700-million-a-year business and parents buy 3 billion of them a year in the UK aloneUK alone.(12).(12)
Disposable nappies are made of virgin wood fibre with plastic and make up 4% to 7% of black bin
Disposable nappies are made of virgin wood fibre with plastic and make up 4% to 7% of black bin waste.waste. Nappies from a single child can fill
Nappies from a single child can fill 40 black sacks per year. Disposable nappies can take up to 500 years to40 black sacks per year. Disposable nappies can take up to 500 years to decompose due to the harsh plastics used in their production. Each nappy that goes to landfill is both a decompose due to the harsh plastics used in their production. Each nappy that goes to landfill is both a waste disposal pro
waste disposal problem for local authoritblem for local authorities and an environies and an environmental problem for umental problem for us all. After some locas all. After some locall authorities introduced alternate weekly collections, there were stories of nappies festering in
authorities introduced alternate weekly collections, there were stories of nappies festering in bins for twobins for two weeks. One surv
weeks. One survey showed that ey showed that 84% of parent84% of parents would prefer to diss would prefer to dispose of nappy waspose of nappy waste by recyclingte by recycling rather than incineration.
rather than incineration.
Technologies now e
Technologies now exist to recxist to recycle all absorbent hygiene ycle all absorbent hygiene productsproducts – – not just nappies not just nappies – – from households, from households, hospitals and nursing homes. The plastic parts can
hospitals and nursing homes. The plastic parts can be turned into pellets or be turned into pellets or new products, from deckingnew products, from decking to bicycle helmets to roof tiles. The fibre content can be recycled into cardboard, and the bio-solids are to bicycle helmets to roof tiles. The fibre content can be recycled into cardboard, and the bio-solids are put down the drains or used as a
Anna and Jack
Anna and Jack ’s idea of a’s idea of a recycling service for disposable hygiene products recycling service for disposable hygiene products faced several challenges. Plentyfaced several challenges. Plenty of sceptical friends told them not
of sceptical friends told them not to bother.to bother.
One pioneering company had piloted a
One pioneering company had piloted a centralised recycling facility, to which used centralised recycling facility, to which used hygiene items werehygiene items were trucked in from all over the country. The economics of the transport costs were against them and it trucked in from all over the country. The economics of the transport costs were against them and it closed, but it had
closed, but it had demonstrademonstrated the recycling technology and the ted the recycling technology and the market for the recycled products. Othersmarket for the recycled products. Others proposed localised solutions to make the process cheaper. Anna
proposed localised solutions to make the process cheaper. Anna and Jack turned to The and Jack turned to The Map to helpMap to help them.
them.
Each of The Map’s core functions was critical to help the couple get their
Each of The Map’s core functions was critical to help the couple get their business off the ground. Firstbusiness off the ground. First,, they used The Map’s data research too
they used The Map’s data research tools to find the ls to find the number of households, hospitals and nursing homesnumber of households, hospitals and nursing homes in their region. This allowed them to reach out to potential suppliers of their raw materials and make in their region. This allowed them to reach out to potential suppliers of their raw materials and make initial calculations about the business. The first challenge was to raise the £2 million needed to build a initial calculations about the business. The first challenge was to raise the £2 million needed to build a state-of-the-art facility.
state-of-the-art facility.
Then they approac
Then they approached the local authed the local authority’s waste managhority’s waste management divisioement division. New governn. New government recycling targement recycling targetsts and higher landfill taxes are pushing local authorities to recycle more waste and driving the emergence of a and higher landfill taxes are pushing local authorities to recycle more waste and driving the emergence of a new market. Their timing was perfect. The local authority became a business partner in their new
new market. Their timing was perfect. The local authority became a business partner in their new enterprise, alongside a couple of
enterprise, alongside a couple of private investors. Then they turned to The Map’s users private investors. Then they turned to The Map’s users for the extrafor the extra finance needed. A crowd-funding campaign raised three times what they had asked for and they were able finance needed. A crowd-funding campaign raised three times what they had asked for and they were able to budget for even better technology. Detailed market research showed them
to budget for even better technology. Detailed market research showed them a thriving market fora thriving market for recycled products both in the region and beyond.
recycled products both in the region and beyond.
All that remained was
All that remained was to persuade thto persuade the public to use the e public to use the service. Many people predservice. Many people predicted that conicted that consumerssumers would not put out
would not put out their nappies and their nappies and other personal hother personal hygiene products foygiene products for recycling because or recycling because of the ‘yuk’f the ‘yuk’ factor. But that had already been proved wrong when food recycling was introduced a few years earlier. factor. But that had already been proved wrong when food recycling was introduced a few years earlier. Then came the fina
Then came the final clincher: people who recyl clincher: people who recycled their hygiene itcled their hygiene items earned Trade ems earned Trade Points, which gavePoints, which gave them discounts on recycled products from the
them discounts on recycled products from the same company. Tradesame company. TradePoints were the business’s ‘thank Points were the business’s ‘thank you’ to consumers for supplying the
you’ to consumers for supplying the raw materials essential toraw materials essential to its success. Voluntary groups were its success. Voluntary groups were mobilised to tell their
mobilised to tell their members about the service. Hospitals solved part of their members about the service. Hospitals solved part of their waste problem. The localwaste problem. The local authority avoided higher landfill charges and met
authority avoided higher landfill charges and met one of its recycling one of its recycling targets. Everyone was Nappy Happy.targets. Everyone was Nappy Happy.
Cook and Chat Cook and Chat
Elderly people have many needs. Two of the greatest are cooking and company. Elderly people have many needs. Two of the greatest are cooking and company.
After Moira’s husban
After Moira’s husband died, she lived indeped died, she lived independently for sevndently for several years. But then eral years. But then she began eatshe began eating too muching too much processed food, her health deteriorated, and finally the worry of maintaining a house got a bit much for processed food, her health deteriorated, and finally the worry of maintaining a house got a bit much for her.
her. She was She was also lonely. also lonely. HHer son proposed that she live with his family. It was a great move. Moira’s dieter son proposed that she live with his family. It was a great move. Moira’s diet improved and she was much happier to have some company. But her son and his wife also needed breaks. improved and she was much happier to have some company. But her son and his wife also needed breaks.
It was then they had an idea. They advertised on The Map for
It was then they had an idea. They advertised on The Map for volunteers tovolunteers to‘‘cook and chatcook and chat’’ with Moira with Moira once a week. They got a string of really
once a week. They got a string of really good volunteers who enjoyed swapping recipgood volunteers who enjoyed swapping recipes and stories withes and stories with Moira. Then the idea took off and soon there were Cook and Chat groups and parties springing up all Moira. Then the idea took off and soon there were Cook and Chat groups and parties springing up all over The Map.
over The Map.
Some people use Cook and Chat to help elderly people, others use it to help non-native speakers to learn Some people use Cook and Chat to help elderly people, others use it to help non-native speakers to learn English while cooking together, others use it
Why do we nee
Why do we nee
d a map?
d a map?
The main purpose oThe main purpose of The Map is to cof The Map is to connect people in ordennect people in order to bring underused r to bring underused resources to unmresources to unmetet needs.
needs.
Many needs can be
Many needs can be met if we connect and met if we connect and communicate. Someone doesn’t have enough tocommunicate. Someone doesn’t have enough toeat while goodeat while good food gets thrown away. Someone else doesn’t know
food gets thrown away. Someone else doesn’t know how to cook and others could how to cook and others could teach them.teach them.SomeoneSomeone needs a lift to go shopping or to a
needs a lift to go shopping or to a job and another person has a car and could take them. Ourjob and another person has a car and could take them. Our communities are filled with friends we haven’t me
communities are filled with friends we haven’t met yet.t yet.
Our local economy needs ‘
Our local economy needs ‘outing outing ’. Too much of it remains invisible, underused or not working at’. Too much of it remains invisible, underused or not working at capacity. A good Map
capacity. A good Map of needs and resources helps everyone. Hungry of needs and resources helps everyone. Hungry people get to eat. Experiencedpeople get to eat. Experienced people get to work. Community groups get volunteers. Businesses get more trade.
people get to work. Community groups get volunteers. Businesses get more trade. More stuff gets recycledMore stuff gets recycled and reused. We feel less separated from each other and we know where to find
and reused. We feel less separated from each other and we know where to find what we need when wewhat we need when we need it.
need it.
A lot of solutions
A lot of solutions to global problemto global problems lie locally. The Map cas lie locally. The Map can help. It is like a min help. It is like a mirror to our localrror to our local community. Sometimes the essential resou
community. Sometimes the essential resource to meet a need or solve a rce to meet a need or solve a problem is hidden. Put it on Theproblem is hidden. Put it on The Map and everyone can see it and use it.
Map and everyone can see it and use it.
Think what happe
Think what happens when we havns when we have no maps. A pilot e no maps. A pilot without a map crawithout a map crashes into a mountshes into a mountain. A driverain. A driver without an up-to-da
without an up-to-date Sat Nav gette Sat Nav gets lost.s lost.
We see it every
We see it every day. Organisations wday. Organisations without maps makithout maps make poor decisions e poor decisions because they dobecause they don’t have correctn’t have correct information about their territory. Leaders lead us
information about their territory. Leaders lead us in the wrong direction because they ignore in the wrong direction because they ignore what peoplewhat people on the ground are
on the ground aretelling them. We’re losing battles against big problems because of telling them. We’re losing battles against big problems because of poor maps.poor maps.
But it won’t help us for professionals to produce bigger, smarter maps. It may help them to solve some But it won’t help us for professionals to produce bigger, smarter maps. It may help them to solve some narrow problem that concerns them, but most problems are
narrow problem that concerns them, but most problems are complex and intcomplex and interlinked. So let’s make a maperlinked. So let’s make a map together, from all of us who are willing,
together, from all of us who are willing, to serve all of us together. Then each one of us can to serve all of us together. Then each one of us can really seereally see what’s going on an
what’s going on and do somethd do something about it.ing about it.
Here are some examples of
Here are some examples of map-making to inspire you:map-making to inspire you: 19 Fascinating Maps
19 Fascinating Maps(13)(13)from Mashablefrom Mashable 30 Maps to help
30 Maps to help local change-makerslocal change-makers(14)(14)from the REconomy Projectfrom the REconomy Project Maps for local government
Maps for local government(15)(15) created with commercial softwarecreated with commercial software How to map the New Economy
Crowdmap
Who is on T
Who is on T
he Map?
he Map?
Tune in to your locaTune in to your local community. We kl community. We know the individunow the individuals who shout tals who shout the loudesthe loudest – – they can usually get they can usually get stuff done. But the
stuff done. But the community is more than just noisy community is more than just noisy individuals. There are businesses. There areindividuals. There are businesses. There are community groups. There are local government agencies
community groups. There are local government agencies. They are the main players in the . They are the main players in the local life andlocal life and economy and they all
economy and they all have something to say.have something to say.
What if we had a talk
What if we had a talking map where ting map where they could all say thehey could all say their piece? Where each ir piece? Where each person and eachperson and each organisation could advertise themselves, draw attention to their brilliance, dance their
organisation could advertise themselves, draw attention to their brilliance, dance their groove?groove?
The Map provides
The Map provides a platform for all to a platform for all to shout and shine.shout and shine.
And The Map is far m
And The Map is far more than just anotore than just another directory of loher directory of local organisations. Wcal organisations. We have enough oe have enough of thosef those already. It’s powerful because people choose to
What does The
What does The
Map cover?
Map cover?
The Map MakersThe Map Makers (see Part 3) dec(see Part 3) decide where to draw tide where to draw the main boundary for he main boundary for The Map. It may The Map. It may be an existingbe an existing local government boundary, city region, county or
local government boundary, city region, county or even a bio-region defined by even a bio-region defined by geography.geography.
The area covered ne
The area covered needs to be big eneds to be big enough to attract ough to attract a critical mass of usea critical mass of users to make thrs to make the platform viable.e platform viable.
Users then create sub-groups or communities within the regional map: a street, an estate, a village, a town, Users then create sub-groups or communities within the regional map: a street, an estate, a village, a town, special interest groups.
special interest groups.
The Map sits onli
The Map sits online so that anyne so that anyone can access it anytone can access it anytime from anywhereime from anywhere. Those who hav. Those who have no personale no personal access to the Internet are teamed up with a Map Mate who manages their account.
When do we u
When do we u
se The Map?
se The Map?
The Map is a long-teThe Map is a long-termrminvestment in the local community. It’s here investment in the local community. It’s here to stay.to stay.
Sometimes we may have a short-term aim to mobilise a lot of people quickly. Sometimes we may have a short-term aim to mobilise a lot of people quickly.
Maybe we want to
Maybe we want to get people involved in making a get people involved in making a community garden. The Map provides instant accesscommunity garden. The Map provides instant access to a big
to a big local network. We can find local network. We can find volunteers, tools, seeds, plants and sponsorship.volunteers, tools, seeds, plants and sponsorship.
Or maybe we want
Or maybe we want to help local businesses support each other. to help local businesses support each other. They can engage in They can engage in joint marketing actionsjoint marketing actions using The Map as a base.
using The Map as a base.
Perhaps local government wants to draw attention to its
Perhaps local government wants to draw attention to its work with local groups. Again work with local groups. Again The Map providesThe Map provides a key resource.
a key resource.
And of course The
And of course The Map can be integratMap can be integrated with all the oted with all the other social networkinher social networking tools out tg tools out there.here.
Now let’s see how to make The Map. Now let’s see how to make The Map.
PART 3
PART 3
Mak
How to Make The Map
How to Make The Map
The Map is made by lThe Map is made by local people for local peocal people for local people to serve locople to serve local needs. People become tal needs. People become the Map Makershe Map Makers when they share in
when they share information about thformation about their needs and resoeir needs and resources.urces.
Someone has to create the space for that to happen. There needs to be a starting group. It could be Someone has to create the space for that to happen. There needs to be a starting group. It could be aa group of citizens, local
group of citizens, local businesses or chamber of commerce, a businesses or chamber of commerce, a voluntary sector association, localvoluntary sector association, local government or an alliance representing all of
government or an alliance representing all of them, such as an them, such as an existing regional partnership. It might startexisting regional partnership. It might start like this:
like this:
STEP 1 STEP 1
The group starting
The group starting the process calls the process calls people to a public mpeople to a public meeting. Ideally, citizenseeting. Ideally, citizens, businesses, volun, businesses, voluntarytary groups and local government should be equally
groups and local government should be equally represented at the meeting to avoid one sector represented at the meeting to avoid one sector dominatingdominating the process. The process of making The
the process. The process of making The Map starts with discovering shared values, such Map starts with discovering shared values, such as wanting toas wanting to connect people for mutual benefit, recognising the
connect people for mutual benefit, recognising the value of peoples’ skills, talents and ivalue of peoples’ skills, talents and ideas,deas,andand protecting the environment.
protecting the environment.
STEP 2 STEP 2
The public meeting
The public meeting approves the formapproves the formation of workination of working groups to sg groups to start the procestart the process of creating a maps of creating a map..
STEP 3 STEP 3
People and groups from all parts of the community co-create The Map. People and groups from all parts of the community co-create The Map.
There are three tas
There are three tasks for making ks for making The Map: agree on youThe Map: agree on your purpose; identify the r purpose; identify the boundaries; make Tboundaries; make Thehe Map.
Map.
Agree on yo
Agree on your purpour purposese There is no point
There is no point making a map just making a map just for the sake of it. for the sake of it. It may look gooIt may look good, but it will be a wastd, but it will be a waste of time ande of time and effort if nobody uses it. People make maps for all
effort if nobody uses it. People make maps for all kinds of reasons: power, prestige, control, curiosity.kinds of reasons: power, prestige, control, curiosity. First, get really clear about why
First, get really clear about why you you want to. Will it help individuals and groups in your region connect up want to. Will it help individuals and groups in your region connect up better? Or will it duplicate maps that already exist? It should fill a
better? Or will it duplicate maps that already exist? It should fill a gap.gap.
Identify the boundaries Identify the boundaries
Once you have decided on your purpose, you need to decide exactly what territory you want The Map Once you have decided on your purpose, you need to decide exactly what territory you want The Map toto cover. Where do you want to draw the geographical boundaries? Do you want to exclude any particular cover. Where do you want to draw the geographical boundaries? Do you want to exclude any particular groups from participation? The Map Makers need to
groups from participation? The Map Makers need to reach a consensus about what belongsreach a consensus about what belongs ‘on’ and ‘off’‘on’ and ‘off’ The Map. This may c
There is a famous
There is a famous saying thatsaying that““the map is not the territory the map is not the territory ”. However good a map is, it”. However good a map is, itis a guide to reality.is a guide to reality. It can never be the same as reality. The Map
It can never be the same as reality. The Map is a guide to the region, mapped together in good faith withis a guide to the region, mapped together in good faith with the best information available.
the best information available.
You have a clear purpo
You have a clear purpose. You have identified se. You have identified the boundaries of the boundaries of the territory to the territory to be covered. Now it ibe covered. Now it iss time to make the map.
time to make the map.
Make The Map Make The Map
First draw the boundaries you have agreed to. The individual Map Makers will then add
First draw the boundaries you have agreed to. The individual Map Makers will then add information aboutinformation about their territory.
their territory.
Remember the four local players:
Remember the four local players: individuals, businesses, voluntary groups and local government.individuals, businesses, voluntary groups and local government.
The business sect
The business sector includes sole tradeor includes sole traders, micro-enterprisers, micro-enterprises (up to 10 emps (up to 10 employees), small anloyees), small and mediumd medium enterprises (between 10 and 250
enterprises (between 10 and 250 employees) and multi-national corporations employing thousands. Thereemployees) and multi-national corporations employing thousands. There are both for-profit and
not-for-are both for-profit and not-for-profit or ‘social’ enterprises. This is profit or ‘social’ enterprises. This is an increasingly large sector asan increasingly large sector as voluntary secto
voluntary sector and local governmer and local government bodies look for nt bodies look for self-sustaining servicself-sustaining service delivery models.e delivery models.
‘‘
Voluntary sector
Voluntary sector’’ is also a is also a catchall term. It includes tiny community groups exclusivcatchall term. It includes tiny community groups exclusively run by volunteersely run by volunteers (usually called community sector), funded organisations with a few
(usually called community sector), funded organisations with a few staff, and multi-million poundstaff, and multi-million pound charities.
charities.
Even local government is not so clearly defined any more. Many services are outsourced to third parties in Even local government is not so clearly defined any more. Many services are outsourced to third parties in the business and voluntary sectors, although final responsibility for
the business and voluntary sectors, although final responsibility for contracts rests with the local authority.contracts rests with the local authority.
All of these group
All of these groups and organisations and organisations can potentially use s can potentially use The Map to achievThe Map to achieve their goals.e their goals.
They become the
They become the Map Makers by listMap Makers by listing their unmet ing their unmet needs and their undneeds and their underused resources erused resources on The Map.on The Map. This is an essential c
This is an essential condition for incluondition for inclusion. Each Map user is bsion. Each Map user is both a potential cooth a potential contributor and a pntributor and a potentialotential receiver of help.
Here are some examples to get
Here are some examples to get you started.you started.
The Map is a power
The Map is a powerful information systeful information system that reflects m that reflects the region. It gives the region. It gives users a guide tusers a guide to where thingso where things are, an introduction agency, and an entry point in
are, an introduction agency, and an entry point into the region’s networks. It grows natuto the region’s networks. It grows naturally as people addrally as people add their needs and resources. New connections between individuals and
their needs and resources. New connections between individuals and groups emerge. The Map gives us angroups emerge. The Map gives us an overview of the local economy involving the four
overview of the local economy involving the four players: individuals and organisations in all players: individuals and organisations in all their forms.their forms. It releases the potential for matching underused resources to unmet needs. It enables all kinds of new It releases the potential for matching underused resources to unmet needs. It enables all kinds of new projects, initiatives and collaborations to emerge.
projects, initiatives and collaborations to emerge.
The Map Makers
The Map Makers should feel that thshould feel that theyey‘‘ownown’’ The Map they have The Map they have jointly created. It should represent theirjointly created. It should represent their values.
Add currency an
Add currency an
d stir
d stir
Many users of The Map will simply use it
Many users of The Map will simply use it to make connections, advertto make connections, advertise their services and do deals, butise their services and do deals, but The Map has the
The Map has the potential to do potential to do much more than tmuch more than this. It can stimulahis. It can stimulate new economic te new economic activity and getactivity and get wealth moving arou
wealth moving around the regionnd the region. This is where a local c. This is where a local currency or points systurrency or points system can add a powerful eem can add a powerful extraxtra dimension.
dimension.
Local currencies, sometimes called ‘complementary’ or ‘community’ currencies, come in
Local currencies, sometimes called ‘complementary’ or ‘community’ currencies, come in many forms. Themany forms. The 80-year-old Swiss WIR Bank enables trade between 60,000 businesses. The worldwide
80-year-old Swiss WIR Bank enables trade between 60,000 businesses. The worldwide business-to-business exchange industry is worth billions of
business exchange industry is worth billions of dollars. The Brazilian Banco Palmas gives dollars. The Brazilian Banco Palmas gives micro-loans tomicro-loans to start businesses in both national and local
start businesses in both national and local currency. The Brixton and Bristol Pounds in currency. The Brixton and Bristol Pounds in England areEngland are restoring pride in local
restoring pride in local businesses. LETS and Time Banks have helped many businesses. LETS and Time Banks have helped many people to reward each otherpeople to reward each other for their help. For an overview, see my other two books,
for their help. For an overview, see my other two books,People Money People Money (18)(18) andandLocal Money Local Money (19)(19)..
Many local currencies fail because they do not create a map of
Many local currencies fail because they do not create a map of the local economy and its players. Newthe local economy and its players. New currencies often do not reach a critical mass of participants to make them viable. Creating and using The currencies often do not reach a critical mass of participants to make them viable. Creating and using The Map can help change that.
Map can help change that.
Other currencies only exist online, with
Other currencies only exist online, with no circulating notes or coins. no circulating notes or coins. Bitcoin and its many imitatorBitcoin and its many imitator ‘crypto
‘crypto--currencies’ use a new technology calledcurrencies’ use a new technology calledaa‘block ‘block --chain’. Youchain’. You do not need a traditional bank to do not need a traditional bank to authorise a payment; a
authorise a payment; a network of independent computers verifies each transaction. But many of thesenetwork of independent computers verifies each transaction. But many of these systems have just been used to
systems have just been used to make profit in national currency and make profit in national currency and have yet to have yet to establish themselveestablish themselves as as as a reliable alternative medium for the
reliable alternative medium for the exchange of goods and services. The value exchange of goods and services. The value of the currency fluctuatesof the currency fluctuates too wildly. Up to now, retailers seem to have used it
too wildly. Up to now, retailers seem to have used it mostly as a fashionable marketing gimmickmostly as a fashionable marketing gimmick..
In spite of this, the
In spite of this, the block-chain technology block-chain technology (20)(20)has the potential to run the core functions of The Map.has the potential to run the core functions of The Map. The basic building block
The basic building block of future block-chain of future block-chain applications will be aapplications will be a contractcontract(21)(21),, a network programme a network programme that follows a series
that follows a series of steps every time it of steps every time it receives a transaction. Contracts are maintained by the receives a transaction. Contracts are maintained by the network,network, without any cent
without any central ownership or conral ownership or control.trol.
But why add a currency to The Map? What added value does it
But why add a currency to The Map? What added value does it bring? Why not just share with each otherbring? Why not just share with each other or use money?
or use money?
Sharing already makes a
Sharing already makes a big contribution to combating Austerity and enabling Sustain-Ability.big contribution to combating Austerity and enabling Sustain-Ability. Transactions with
National money is
National money isdesigned designed to be scarce to enable the to be scarce to enable the conventconventional economy to operate. We need toional economy to operate. We need to motivate people to invest in new
motivate people to invest in new sustain-able enterprises and activities, but itsustain-able enterprises and activities, but it is difficult to ‘do’ Sustainis difficult to ‘do’ Sustain -- Ability with scarce m
Ability with scarce money. Other cuoney. Other currencies can be desirrencies can be designed to be sufficiengned to be sufficient to the excht to the exchanges we wish toanges we wish to make.
make.
A new currency incen
A new currency incentivises people to tivises people to share their scarce rshare their scarce resources and do moesources and do more with assets in wre with assets in which theyhich they have already invested time and money:
have already invested time and money: personal skills, business inventory, rooms, vehicles, etc. It releasespersonal skills, business inventory, rooms, vehicles, etc. It releases dormant potential for exchanges that otherwise might not happen.
dormant potential for exchanges that otherwise might not happen.
A currency is simply a
A currency is simply a mechanism that mechanism that shows a flow. Flowshows a flow. Flows of goods and sers of goods and services, economic activityvices, economic activity,, personal exchanges, helping others, doing good for the
personal exchanges, helping others, doing good for the environmenenvironment: all t: all these flows can be recorded these flows can be recorded andand rewarded with currency (or trade points). They
rewarded with currency (or trade points). They strengthen the local economy. They turn ‘soft’ informalstrengthen the local economy. They turn ‘soft’ informal transactions into ‘hard’ m
transactions into ‘hard’ measurable ones. They build both social easurable ones. They build both social and economic capital.and economic capital.
National currencies and international crypto-currencies both tend to be
National currencies and international crypto-currencies both tend to be used for speculation, causingused for speculation, causing repeated bubbles and crashes. To combat
repeated bubbles and crashes. To combat Austerity and to grow Sustain-Ability, we desperately needAusterity and to grow Sustain-Ability, we desperately need stable currencies that can act primarily as a medium of exchange and less as
stable currencies that can act primarily as a medium of exchange and less as a medium for speculation ora medium for speculation or long-term savings. With good design and management, this is possible. The
long-term savings. With good design and management, this is possible. The Map Makers should carefullyMap Makers should carefully evaluate each of the following options for creating a currency.
evaluate each of the following options for creating a currency.
Sterling-backed Sterling-backed The Brixton and B
The Brixton and Bristol Pounds havristol Pounds have shown how to e shown how to sustain a local csustain a local currency that is brought inurrency that is brought intoto circulation with the national currency (one national pound = one local pound). It has been a great circulation with the national currency (one national pound = one local pound). It has been a great
marketing tool for the region and its businesses. It pins sterling down for a while and makes money work marketing tool for the region and its businesses. It pins sterling down for a while and makes money work a bit harder while it is
a bit harder while it is in the region by circulating it more often. But it creates no new currency andin the region by circulating it more often. But it creates no new currency and automatically limits currency supply. It is
automatically limits currency supply. It is centrally organised and administered.centrally organised and administered.
Mutual credit accounting system Mutual credit accounting system All accounts start a
All accounts start at zero, and negatt zero, and negative and positive ive and positive balances between all mbalances between all members balance oembers balance out to zero.ut to zero. Units or ‘currency’ can never be scarce
Units or ‘currency’ can never be scarce; they are always in sufficient supply for people to trade. ; they are always in sufficient supply for people to trade. In practice,In practice, few mutual credit systems have grown to a regional scale. It is centrally organised and administered.
few mutual credit systems have grown to a regional scale. It is centrally organised and administered.
Regional crypto-currency Regional crypto-currency
Block-chain technology has the potential to create a
Block-chain technology has the potential to create a completely decentralised regional currency, as well completely decentralised regional currency, as well asas run the other functions of The Map. This is a rapidly
run the other functions of The Map. This is a rapidly evolving technologevolving technology and should certainly bey and should certainly be evaluated for its potential. A
availability (rather than anonymity and scarcity). It should serve
availability (rather than anonymity and scarcity). It should serve the collective values of The the collective values of The Map. ItMap. It should be designed to deter
