On Barter'd Time is a monthly publication of the Las Vegas Barter Hours program. This newsletter promotes the use and advancement of the barter system within the city of Las Vegas and surrounding areas. Content is limited to pieces dealing with local currency issues.
Circulation Manager: Cordia Sammeth
Webpage Composition: Jack Rowe
Articles and ads should be submitted by e-mailing Cordia, or dropping her a note at 846 Sperry Drive, Las Vegas, NM 87701 on or before the end of the month for publication in the next month's newsletter.
Barter Hour communication lines were put to the test Monday, July 7th when the weather prediction did not favor an outdoor meeting that night. Carlos and Maryann agreed to let us use their restaurant for the meeting, and the phone tree went into action (along with e-mails from Cordia and extra calls by Sherrill and Dianne).
This Barter “Club” truly is a group-run organization, and Monday’s meeting really demonstrated that. There is so much more potential in a group that is a product of its members (instead of leaders)—more potential creativity, strength, diversity, problems, and effectiveness… did I list problems? Oh yes—that! As much as we try to avoid them, problems—and their solutions—are very important to the growth of any group.
Barter Hours was established on the principles that every member has something of value to offer, and that voting is done by consensus (instead of majority rule). We have experienced good discussions by using consensus. In this process, members have 3 options for a Vote: yes, no, or “stand aside.” To pass a proposal, there can be no “no” votes. With a no vote, more discussion is needed (or the proposal can be postponed until the next meeting) The “stand aside” vote means that a member does not agree, but decides not to block the proposal.
At the meeting last month, there were two opposing opinions on the subject of having “brokers” to facilitate Barter transactions. With majority rule, there would have been a decision (since a majority agreed to the proposition) and some people would have been unhappy with the results. Instead, the discussion included everyone and many good points on both sides were brought out. Compromise was reached which was acceptable to everyone. The strength of this process is that it builds cooperation instead of antagonism.
The result of that discussion is a new service being offered by Julie Olague (421-8936) and Shala Blackburn (316-207-1560). They will help members find the goods or services they want as part of their listed services in the directory.
Besides that item of business, we discussed grants and a committee will work on the proposal. They are Carlos Lopez, Sherrill Martinez, and Virginia West.
We also discussed our membership in the Farmers Market. Julie Olague agreed to coordinate it (temporarily). Any member who wants to sell produce at the Farmers Market may share the Barter Hour space. Call Julie Olague to be included on the list (421-8936—Thank you, Julie). It was decided that this group of members will work out the details for the space and how members will contribute a small amount for the day they are in the booth. It was suggested that they accept some Barter Hours for what they sell.
We had more bartering at the July meeting with bread, plants, greens, books, videos, and clothing to exchange. Bring things to barter next meeting, Tuesday, August 12th 6 pm at Willard and Merita Koehn‘s. Potluck at 6pm, then a garden tour and discussion followed by the meeting. So far the agenda includes: Grants and Farmers Market.
Bob Wallace has seeds to give away that Rolf Brouwer collected (flowers and veggies). Call Bob at 454-9123 if you want some.
For those closet writers out there, we could use some articles about a member, or bartering. You can write about yourself or another member; or anything you’d like to express about bartering.