Development of the Project
The NDG Barter Network is entering Phase 2 of its pilot project.
Phase 1
NDG Barter Network was conceived in the autumn of 2002 and has completed the first phase of its development. During this phase we accomplished the following:
- Extensive research was done on community currency systems already in existence.
- A community consultation meeting was held to find out what kind of barter system we wish to have in NDG. ·
- Funds were raised to cover basic expenses for the first year. ·
- Our system and tools have been prepared for further development in phase 2. ·
- A small central office has been set up which will be staffed part-time by members. ·
- Our preliminary web site has been set up to serve members and others interested in knowing more about us; this is a work in progress.
Phase 2
During phase 2 our focus was on::
- Increasing the volume of barter transactions
- Testing bartering tools and processes
- Monthly potlucks and member input
Since we are still in an experimental stage of our project, we need active members who are prepared to give us input about how we can best develop our system, tools, membership events, and, of course, fundraising. We also need members to work (for NDG bucks, of course!) in the following areas: Membership; Events; Structure; Policy; Fundraising.
NDG Barter Network is a member-run organization, and we hope that members will join us actively in building our community. Monthly potluck meetings will combine as social events and a forum for member input; they are also a great place to set up trades - and a lot of fun!
Phase 3
During phase 3 we developed tools which will allow us to grow as and organisationand provide members with the ability to manage their own classified ads and barter accounts.
We now have:
A new affordable office and shared community space at Northcliffe Square, a project of MUCS (Montreal Urban Community Sustainment)
A updated web site linked to our Home page.
Community Weaver software from TimeBanksUSA which allows members to manage their own trading information.
The ability to provide donors with charitable receipts thanks to the support of a new partner - Family Life Foundation.
We are a member-run organisation.
We welcome new members interested in working to strengthen the NDG Barter Network in this exciting new phase of our development.