“Community currencies and neighbourhood solutions on offer to Kapiti residents”

Two talks on the Kapiti Coast this week by visiting guest speaker Laurence Boomert promise to show local people how they can turn harder economic times into an opportunity for creating stronger communities.

“By facing the challenges of the future head-on we can turn tough times into better times”, says Boomert who is speaking in Otaki at the Rotary Lounge Wednesday Sept 19th at 7pm and in Paekakariki Thursday Sept 20 at 7:30 p.m, St Peter’s Hall.

The secret is in engaging people and unleashing ‘community innovation,’ according to Boomert who runs the ‘Bank of Real Solutions’, an online database of community can-do success stories.

“Across the world many communities are unleashing fantastic results in revitalising and reconnecting their communities and I will be sharing their stories”

“These tools will determine how we cope with the effects of the unfolding world economic crisis. Many previously affluent economies of the world are now dealing with skyrocketing unemployment, un-affordability of living, food insecurity and all sorts of other social malaise”, he warns.

“Its a good time to get fired up about what we can do for ourselves in the neighbourhoods where we live. The ultimate resource is people and the good will and imagination they can bring, to creating collective wellbeing. Tap this and everyone will feel more secure and happier ”, claims Boomert.

Mr Boomert is a keen proponent of alternative currencies like Timebanks, LETS systems, and Bartercards, which he says can help create liquidity for a community when cash is tight.

“These currencies can bolster trade for local businesses, allow households to increase their usable income, can reward volunteer work and be used to build social enterprises that meet social need.”

“Cooperative models have also been used to enable all sorts of desirable activities and have proven themselves to be very resilient” he adds.

Boomert is being hosted on the Kapiti Coast by local Transition Towns and Kapiti Timebank.
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