A viable model

31 January 2009

WSF 2009

The great thing about the WSF is the experiences you have between the meetings. In many ways you learn more from chance meetings than the main planned events. At lunch we shared our table with a group who runs a solidarity bank in one of Brazilian states. They showed us the special currency they use and explained that people are paid partly in this currency, which local shops and business accept. This system ensures that money stays with the community. This seems a powerful alternative to the current mess our present economic model has caused.

After our first lunchtime companions left us with a hug and a wave we were joined by more people. Our new friend turned out to be Chico Whitaker, one of the main organisers of the WSF and one of its original founders. We talked about the philosophy behind the forum. He sees the forum purely as a space to enable people to meet and work together. He also said that the next forum could be in the US, which would certainly present an interesting challenge to Obama. But let's wait and see.