Brooklyn Torch

July 17, 2009
By

We are a local currency project aimed at providing a paper means of exchange in North Brooklyn that will circulate and support the resident community in North Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Torch will bring together both artist and immigrant communities living in our neighborhoods to improve integration of social groups and economies.

What is a Local Currency?
A local currency is a method of trading goods and services meant to supplement other means of trade while improving the community wealth. Local currencies circulate in a defined region. Money does not leave the area because trade is restricted by the currency boundaries.

Where have Local Currencies Succeeded?
In Ithaca, NY since 1991. President Stephen Burke describes, “An Ithaca HOUR will generate 30 times more economic activity than [a dollar] will,” This means more money for their community. Some communities even have wages paid in the local currency because the local money is worth more in the community than Federal dollars.

Is a Local Currency Legal?
Yes. Law professor Lewis Solomon states in his book, Rethinking Our Centralized Monetary System, that there is no legal prohibition to creating a local currency system in the United States. The IRS, FBI, US Secret Service, Federal Reserve and Treasury Department have all declared the printing and use of local currencies to be legal.

3 Responses to Brooklyn Torch

  1. Wade Stonier on October 14, 2011 at 6:45 pm

    We’re a group of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community. Your website offered us with valuable info to work on. You have performed an impressive activity and our entire neighborhood might be grateful to you.

  2. David Hall on November 26, 2011 at 3:07 pm

    Hi there…
    I’m gathering material for a presentation to the Nambucca Valley, New South Wales, Australia, chambers of commerce on local currencies. I hope to have our own local currency up and running in late 2012.
    I;m interested in the progress Brooklyn has made towards its’ own currency.
    If it’s up and running, I’d value a set of the notes. If they are available I can pay via Paypal or Visa, posted to me here in Australia.
    kind regards
    David Hall

  3. Ghost on December 1, 2011 at 1:34 pm

    Do you have any plans to make the Brooklyn Torch digital? if it was an online exchange then there wouldn’t be any printing issues and for me I would consider it more convient especially for the process of obtaining them.

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What the Press is Saying

New York Daily News, WNYC, NYTimes Freakonomics blog are just a few of the publications that have written about our project. Entire list and links.

Who's On The Brooklyn Torch?

			Brooklyn Torch Project posted a photo:	September 25, 2009; The Brooklyn Torch poses in 3rd Ward.
Mike
			Brooklyn Torch Project posted a photo:	September 25, 2009; The Brooklyn Torch poses in 3rd Ward.
Georgeana
			Brooklyn Torch Project posted a photo:	September 25, 2009; The Brooklyn Torch poses in 3rd Ward.
Meggen