The Potteries Pound: a New Approach to Citizenship?
The Potteries Pound isn’t just a Community Benefit Token that unlocks the power of Social Value; it also has the potential to fuel a “New Approach to Citizenship.”
Disaffection with modern life is a hallmark of our time.
We bemoan our perceived loss of substance, growing laziness (physical and mental), and decline in civility. Most think society is moving in the wrong direction. And yet in communities like Burslem in Staffordshire, overriding these complaints is an enduring sense of optimism and purpose.
People believe strongly in society’s ability to change and are convinced that tomorrow will be better than today. This confidence has its roots in the belief that they — and millions of others like them— are empowered to create change and that the world is finally ready to grow up and make progress, something worth dreaming about again.
Hence a new approach to citizenship. One that is linked not so much to voting as to doing. One that relies less on political parties and elected leaders, and more on individuals and businesses. One that is centred on communities bound by common interests and goals, heritage, and locality. One that is more pragmatic and less ideological.
We don’t trust our political leaders to do their jobs, so we are having a rethink about our civic responsibilities.
By seeing our communities and the people in them as drivers of change, we can develop their capacity to become more productive.
By valuing individual volunteer efforts at the rate of15 Potteries Pounds / hour, a measurable new approach to citizenship can provide the feedback loop that reveals the rate at which the change is being driven.
The Potteries Pound embodies this new ethos by rewarding individuals for their contributions to our community. By recognising and tokenising the social value created through volunteerism and community engagement, it transforms intangible efforts into tangible assets. This not only incentivises positive actions but also fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among community members.
In a world where traditional political structures often fall short, the Potteries Pound offers a grassroots solution. It empowers individuals and communities to take charge of their own development, fostering a culture of active citizenship. This new approach is less about waiting for top-down change and more about driving change from the ground up.
Ultimately, the Potteries Pound is more than just a currency; it’s a catalyst for a new kind of civic engagement. It represents a shift towards a more inclusive, participatory, and community-driven model of progress. By embracing this new approach to citizenship, we can build stronger, more resilient communities ready to face the challenges of the future.