Great Lake Hours
by Michelle E. Brown
The future has arrived. You no longer have to watch a science fiction movie to see machines doing the work for humans. You only have to look in the nearest auto plant where robotics have reduced the number of workers needed on the line or in the office where computers and word processors take the place of clerical staff. But, unlike the movies, our technological advancements have not always led to the good life for everyone.The challenges of living in today's economy have forced educators, philosophers, industrialists, community activists and individuals to reevaluate their relationship with work and look for new ways to make a living.
At a recent dialogue, one participant summed it all up, saying simply "We have to learn to live with a smaller dollar. The days of the big dollar are gone." A simple solution, but how can we meet our needs, stretch our dollars and help each other? The answer may be in a new economic network beginning in Detroit -- Great Lakes Hours.
Modeled after already functioning systems in Ithaca, NY and Eugene, OR, each Great Lakes Hours certificate represents an hour's worth of labor. According to organizer Eden Winter, these certificates can be used to exchange goods and services among participating individuals and businesses who will be listed in a directory.
The Hours are not only legal but in many instances are non-taxable as well. Totally based on trust, these Hours are comparable to "time dollars Networks" which the IRS has ruled as non-taxable because there is no contractual agreement and is distinct from commercial barter in which the parties are bound by contract and/or credits considered a cash substitute. The networks in Ithaca and Eugene have been successfully and legally trading hours since 1991.
Network members believe the true wealth of a nation lies in the skills of the people. Members exchange Great Lakes Hours with friends, family and community for goods ranging from baking pies to home repairs. At a recent network meeting, a senior citizen offered secretarial skills in exchange for floor waxing while a graphic designer offered services in exchange for auto repairs. Many people who attended the Networks meetings out of curiosity began to think about their own hidden assets and how they could be exchanged for goods and services they needed.
Great Lakes Hours continue the fundamental shift in community development to the problem solving models and activities derived from asset-based development. The principle objective of this shift is to create self-reliant communities by recognizing and developing the assets and resources already present in every neighborhood. Local residents receive spending power by employing each other, breaking the dependence on multi-national influences whose primary concern is the "bottom-line" not community. Network members believe that Great Lakes Hours provide youth, elders and everyone in between an opportunity to use their talents and discover their worth in the community. In a shrinking economy, when it's often difficult for families, young people, seniors and those on fixed incomes to make ends meet, hours are plentiful when cash is short providing additional buying power and decreasing financial desperation which can lead to crime.
Great Lakes Hours may not be the answer to all our economic woes, but the possibilities are exciting and it certainly is another example of the new spirit of hope and optimism spreading throughout Detroit. Hours have the potential to create new jobs by connecting local people with those who need their skills and products; to find new customers for existing businesses; and recycle wealth and resources within this region.Today you can't go to the gas company and trade your skills for service or to Sears and trade bake goods for a winter coat, but maybe one day you will.
So, take a look at yourself. What are your assets? What skill or goods do you have to exchange and what do you need? Maybe Great Lakes Hours are your answer to meeting your needs, stretching your dollar and helping your community. To be a part of this new economic network contact:
Great Lakes Hours
c/o Detroit Summer
4605 Cass
Detroit, MI 48201
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