The Americas · Seattle, Washington, USA · G081

Self-Help Local

Jobless workers cut wood, fished and gleaned, then shared the take.

Back of Self-Help Local: the Unemployed Citizens' League self-help exchange tradition, how a note would work, and the traits of Noun #36 — Back · the tradition

Security Edition v2

The same note set like a banknote: full engraved portrait of Noun #36, guilloche, watermark, thread, foil stripe and microtext, all printed art. What's on it

Security Edition front of Self-Help Local: a line-engraved portrait of the full actual Noun #36 in a guilloche oval beside a watermark window, thread and holographic-look stripe — Security Edition · front

Security Edition back of Self-Help Local: a color medallion of Noun #36 in a guilloche rosette, with the note's story — Security Edition · back

v2 front SVG ↓ v2 back SVG ↓

The tradition · 1931–1933

Unemployed Citizens' League self-help exchange

Formed in Seattle in 1931, the Unemployed Citizens' League organised jobless workers to cut firewood, fish and harvest unwanted crops in exchange for their labour, then shared the food and fuel.

Source: The Great Depression in Washington State Project (University of Washington) ↗

How a note would work

Cords are earned by gathering fuel or food, or gleaning surplus crops, for a community pantry and spent on what the pantry holds. They are never bought or cashed out.

Design concept inspired by this tradition, not issued by or for the people who keep it. Not legal tender, not for sale, no cash value, no redemption and no investment rights.

Front SVG ↓ Back SVG ↓ Machine edition

PlaceSeattle, Washington, USA
Era1931–1933
RegionThe Americas
UnitCord · Cords
Face value1 Cord
SerialGB-G081-N0036
NounActual Noun #36 ↗
Why this NounPuget Sound is orca country, and League members fished those same waters.
Headorca
Glassessquare watermelon
Bodyblue sky
Accessorybling rings
Seedbg 1 · body 2 · acc 13 · head 140 · glasses 18