• It sounded like a good idea, helping to
  • reduce the fuel load in the immediate vicinity
  • build the community
  • getting the job done more efficiency
  • have a bit of fun – and an excuse for a party at the end of the labours
• But the suggestion posed some problems
  • how do we decide who gets the help?
  • how do we get sufficient momentum to make it happen and make it sustainable?
  • how do you make it as fair as possible for those that are involved?
  • what is in it for me as an individual?
  • what if my block is clear already?  Chris and I have spent about 20 hours recently doing a major clear-up

Proposed Approach

Who?

I am aware of two households changing in the next month.  How about we welcome the new residents with an offer to help them clear/rake their blocks?  It would certainly assist in getting them integrated as quickly as possible.

Others could also ask for help from the group in clearing/raking as required.

Accounting and Repayment?

In my opinion, a Rakeathon would work if organised between a handful of adjoining blocks but would fail if we attempted to instigate it across the whole of our fireguard group, given that it would take a great deal of altruism.  However, maybe there is a way that we can do this in a way which is both equitable and fair?

I was looking for a method similar to ‘baby-sitting circles’ and came across the LETS scheme which provides a standard accounting method which has been implemented in thousands of locations globally.  Did you know there are LETS schemes working in our area? In Diamond Valley and in Warranwood both of these schemes require a joining fee and an annual membership.

We could join into one of these schemes, opening a host of services for us to access, or we can create our own local scheme focus sing on our very local community.  Since, the web based accounting system necessary to manage one of these schemes is freely available through the Community Exchange Program we could set one up for our area and not require people to pay fees.

I feel the LETS approach resolves the problems listed above:

• Anyone can ask for help at any time – the request is met as soon as a number of people agree to do the work
• By exchanging alternative services it creates a momentum – you can trade your points for anything that is available in the group eg. babysitting, animal care etc. it doesn’t have to be raking
• The work you do for ‘the community’ is recognised by the community and you can ask for repayment in many forms

Please contact me if you are interested in doing this