The Baltimore BNote

Join us at the Creative Alliance on Thurs, November 21 at 7:30 pm for a screening of Money & Life, a documentary that examines the economic crisis not as a disaster but as a tremendous opportunity for positive change. See more event details

This cinematic odyssey takes us on a journey from the origins of money to the current global financial crisis. The film helps us to see that we owe it to ourselves to understand the fundamentals of this technology called money in order to be effective participants in the economic transformation that is happening around us – a shift more rapid but just as profound as the Industrial Revolution.

Tickets are $7 for members; $12 for non-members.

Help the Baltimore Green Currency Association create a new economic reality for Baltimore! We know you’re ready to see this vision come to fruition, and we can’t do it without you. This is our local money. Let’s make it work for us.

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Find us at EcoFest on Saturday, April 27 from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm at Druid Hill Park. Meet our volunteers, hear what we have been up to, and exchange your bucks for BNotes. Learn more about EcoFest

Thank you! Baltimore’s screening of Fixing the Future at the Creative Alliance on November 8th was a huge success!

Check out the event write-up in the Indypendent Reader

It was great to see shots of Baltimore and our local businesses on the big screen! Before the film, an amazing spread of refreshments was provided by Clementine and local coffee roaster Zeke’s, and almost 200 people gathered to share ideas and inspiration.

We were honored to be joined by Edgar S. Cahn, the creator of Time Dollars, the founder of TimeBanks USA, and the author of several books including “No More Throw Away People: The Co-Production Imperative.” His wisdom and innovative ideas were a highlight of the evening.

Thanks also to Christina from Baltimore Green Works, Ian from the Baltimore Time Bank, Iris from Red Emma’s, John Duda, who spoke about bringing a large scale worker cooperative model to Baltimore, and Jeff Dicken from Baltimore Green Currency Association, who all participated in the panel discussion after the film.

WHEN: Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 7:00 – 10:00 pm

WHERE: Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224

TICKETS: $10 Admission

• Purchase tickets online
• Tickets and info: info@creativealliance.org or 410-276-1651
• Tickets can also be purchased at the Creative Alliance front desk in advance: 3134 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224

Join us for a screening of Fixing the Future, a David Brancaccio (NPR, PBS) production about local groups across the country who are working to create a sustainable future. The BNote and BGCA are featured!

We are honored to announce that Edgar S. Cahn, the “father” of time banking, the creator of Time Dollars, founder of TimeBanks USA, and author of several books including “No More Throw Away People: The Co-Production Imperative” will be joining us and will be on hand for our discussion after the film. Mr. Cahn’s Time Dollars is just one achievement in a career that, since the early 1960’s, has been dedicated to achieving social justice for the disenfranchised. Check out a short clip of Mr. Cahn speaking briefly about money for another upcoming film about the need for creating a new people-centered economy: “Money & Life.”

Screening Agenda

7:00 pm tasting demo by Zeke’s coffee (featured in the film!) and Clementine, and meet with representatives from local main street businesses and groups working on solutions, including the Baltimore Time Bank, Red Emma’s (worker collective), Baltimore Green Works and the Baltimore Green Currency Association.

7:30pm show. Discussion to follow – get your questions answered and find out how to get involved right away in efforts to reclaim our local economy.

About the film

David Brancaccio (of public radio’s Marketplace and NOW on PBS) visits people and organizations across America attempting a revolution: reinventing the American economy. Baltimore independent businesses and our local money – the BNote – are highlighted as some of the most effective and innovative approaches being used across the country to create jobs and build local prosperity. Learn more about the film

In early morning September 20, 2012, BGCA lost dear friend and Director Paul Pojman to lung cancer. His vision, guidance and friendship will be dearly missed by our entire team, other groups who worked with him, his family, friends, as well as his students and colleagues at Towson University. Paul’s demonstrated commitment to living out his beliefs and working to create a better world was, and will remain, a deep inspiration to all of us as we continue in our mission.

Thanks to everyone who came out for the first BNote Get Down! We had a great time at 2640, and who knew a chocolate stout ice cream float could be so delicious?

Our winning raffle numbers were:

$20 gift certificate from Avenue Antiques – 383109
Free customized pet tag from Pet Tag Creations – 383047
One pound of Zeke’s coffee – 383145
One pound of Zeke’s coffee – French Roast – 383093
One hour deep massage from Missi Kibelbek – 383136
One hour Reiki Healing session from Andrea Wenger – 383049
Andrea Wenger relaxation CD – 383122
Full acupuncture treatment from Diana Keener – 383037
Dinner for 2 at Woodberry Kitchen – 383060
Skin care package from ReNew Organic Skin Care – 383112
$20 breathe books gift certificate – 383092
Bag of breathe books advance reader copies – 383146

Many thanks as well to all the businesses that so generously donated raffle prizes. See you at the next BNote Get Down!

A recent study in Grand Rapids, Michigan has produced some incredible figures on the enormous power of local purchasing. The key finding: A modest change in consumer behavior – a mere 10 percent shift in market share to independent businesses from chain stores – would result in 1,600 new jobs, $53 million in wages, and a $137 million economic impact to the area. .
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.Check out the study (PDF): Local Works! Examining the Impact of Local Business on the West Michigan Economy
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This is the kind of change we’re putting into effect with the BNote. Chain stores like Wal-Mart rob communities of the collective wealth they could be building by channeling their money back into local businesses. Wealth that builds on itself, creating new jobs and new possibilities. Wealth which could be used for community projects – gardens, playgrounds, tool-sharing, art projects, recreation centers, block parties – help our neighborhoods become more social and support us better. The effect is real, and it’s up to each of us to think local first and enable these kinds of changes here in Baltimore. .

Find more studies on the effect of thinking locally.

Join Baltimore Green Currency and the Evolver Social Movement as we host a conversation with Charles Eisenstein, whose new book, Sacred Economics, is due out this month. Subtitled “Money, Gift, and Society in the Age of Transition”, it describes the transition now underway from a money system of Separation to a money system of Reunion; from an economy that stands in flagrant exception to nature’s laws, to an economy that is an extension of the ecology. It also explores the personal dimensions of this shift: the evolution of our attitudes and habits into alignment with the new world.

His 2007 book, The Ascent of Humanity, is an insightful look at the history and future of civilization. More than anything, it is about how to create the more beautiful world our hearts tell us is possible.

Suggested donation is $5 or BN5 (5 BNotes), but no one will be turned away for lack of money. BNote exchange will be available, and breathe books will be offering copies of Sacred Economics for either dollars or local currency.

Read more on his Sacred Economics blog, or catch a preview from Community Currency magazine. We hope you can join us on Sunday, July 24th from 4pm to 7pm for this inspiring and much-needed discussion!

The number of Baltimore businesses accepting BNotes continues to grow quickly, and we are very pleased to announce the 100th BNote business: Dogwood Cafe! Dogwood is as concerned with social justice as it is about using sustainable, local ingredients, and we are proud to welcome them to the BNote family. They are currently accepting up to BN20 on each table’s check. Visit them on the web, or better yet, in person!

Of course, we couldn’t have made it this far without all of the merchants and service providers who are with us. The newest places to spend your BNotes – or ask for some as change – are:

Tenpachi Salon
Bohemian Coffee House
Greenbuilders, Inc.
Christopher Schafer Clothier
Heckel Hoops and Heckel Farm School
Three Stone Steps
Harlem Gardens Pharmacy
Andrea Wenger, RD, Nutrition & Wellness Coach at SEEDS
Civilization Systems
Meet 27 Restaurant
Towson Super Market
See Potential – Life Coaching
Diana Keener, Acupuncturist at Ruscombe Mansion
Hour Haus
Pinnacle Plumbing
Perfect Brew Services
ABFAB Design, and
Liam Flynn’s Ale House (opening July 9th on North Avenue)

Get BNotes at any of our cambio locations, and use them to support your local economy today!