Step 1: Community Exchange

An extremely important part of this network is the Community Exchange System, a platform for digital currency (“time banking”), which can be traded instead of US dollars. This facilitates bartering, and provides a way to support each other when the jobs get cut. The currency can be used across the state. As people contribute to the RING network, they “bank” currency in the CES. This can be pulled from for basic needs if they lose their job or other income.

Each state-level RING network will use its own currency on the CES. As people contribute to the RING network, they “bank” currency in the CES. This can be pulled from for basic needs if they lose their job or other income.

Step 2: Neighborhood RINGs

The heart of this network is the neighborhood RINGs: small groups of people who look out for each other carefully, while taking classes on practical skills. Each neighborhood RING provides for themselves, prepares for the future, and protects each other. You do not have to join a Neighborhood RING to participate in the network; however, it's a great way to get to build deeper relationships with your neighbors, which you may need to call on in the future.

To work properly, the neighborhood RING functions on two principles:

• Each RING needs all five roles filled (see below). More than one person can (and probably should) fill each role. But you need at least one person in each role.
• Everyone does a little of everything. Even though some people specialize in their knowledge, we all help with all the projects.

These two principles seem contradictory, but just like magnetic polarity provides electric potential that creates an active charge, both principles must be happening at the same time in the RING, for energy to flow.

Each RING is a minimum of five adults, but you could have multiple people in each role. Ideally, everyone in the RING should live within bicycling distance of each other, so they can reach each other without cars in case of natural disasters, etc. (This may not always be possible in some areas.)

Every week the RING meets in someone’s home for a potluck meal. They begin with a structured set of questions and discussion points. After eating and cleaning up, everyone then works on projects together. At the end of the meeting, they discuss what needs to happen before the next meeting; there will usually be work that each individual needs to do between meetings: researching, shopping, finding resources, planning, etc. Each weekly meeting should take about 2 hours. Members are "paid" for their time using the CES.

Join a Neighborhood RING (click here)

Step 3: Interlocking RINGs

The small neighborhood RINGs are powerful. However, some problems cannot be addressed at such a small scale, so we also need RING networks that cover districts, cities, and states. There is also a national RING that provides gentle structure and direction: this website (for example) and other light infrastructure.

City/District RINGs:

District / city RING networks provide the following services:

• Place interested newcomers into neighborhood RINGs.
• Offer community swap meets, concerts, repair events, workshops... and any other helpful / fun events that will support everyone in the network.
• Coordinate Neighborhood RINGs, if needed
• Keep materials on hand, for neighbors in need
• Run a lending library, for neighbors to pool resources and share supplies
• Run community gardens and farms
• Connect professionals with people in need, who may not be able to access services otherwise

State RINGs:

State-level RINGs provide the following services:

• Run the CES for the state (including transparent accounting).
• Liaise between cities/districts as needed, to facilitate problem-solving and growth.

Ready to get started?

Getting started is easy! You can participate at any level you are comfortable with.

• Start by joining your state's CES . Make a few posts, trade some items, and see how it goes.
• After a bit of time, you can attend a local meeting near you to see how the Neighborhood RINGs work. (Contact us to find one.)
• If you like the meeting format, feel free to join a Neighborhood RING. If it's not your cup of tea, that's fine. You can still help your neighbors by participating in the CES, and attending or hosting local events.

Still need more information?

Philosophy behind RINGs Benefits to youHow to ParticipateFAQ's & Contact