[Scpg] Permaculture Credit Union Needs your Support

[scpg-admin at arashi.com]

Hi everyone
         I am a Board member of the PCU from Southern California. I am 
posting the Credit Union Pamphlet Question and Answer Pamphlet to help 
explain the workings of the Credit Union for the Permaculture Community. We 
are second year of Operations and have done the work to set up Loan 
Policies that reward ecological loans that reflect our Permaculture Ethics. 
I will explain more of the workings in Future Postings. As 3/31/02 we have 
286 members, approximately, $1,400,000.00 shares/certificates and 
approximately. $1,449,000.00 in total assets. We need more members to help 
the Permaculture Credit Union grow to a size where it can offer more 
services to members outside New Mexico. We also need donations to help pay 
for the office and staff till income from loans cover theses costs.

         I am sending out a call for all Permaculture Organizers and 
Teachers in the US , Canada Teachers to contact me so I can send them a 
packet of materials to include in their Permaculture Design Courses and 
Workshops to hand out and introduce the Permaculture Credit Unoin. The idea 
is to encourage all the new and long time folks of the Permaculture 
Movement to get involved with the Credit Union and support the healthy grow 
of yes money that supports our community.
         Please forward this email to all Permaculture Groups and other 
interested groups
                                         thanks wes roe



Permaculture Credit Union Mission Statement

We pool the financial resources of the people who believe in the ethics of 
Permaculture and strive to redirect those resources to Earth-friendly and 
socially responsible loans and investments.

The credit union promotes thrift among its members and provides credit at 
reasonable rates.  It creates the opportunity for members to control the 
use of their money and contribute to the revitalization of their community 
and the planet.


Q. What is a Credit Union?

A. After successive years of bad weather during the mid-19th century, 
European farmers needed a way to save their farms from foreclosure by urban 
banks.  To do this they formed groups to pool their savings and lend to 
each other.  The first credit union in the US was organized in 1909. 
However, it took a severe drought, the Great Depression, and the courage of 
President Franklin D. Roosevelt to stand up to the banks and create the 
Federal Credit Union Act of 1934.

Credit Unions continue to be a cooperative of individuals with a common 
bond who save their money and make loans.  Credit Unions are member-owned, 
not-for-profit institutions.  Banks are corporations operated for 
profit.  Credit Unions are regulated by the chartering state and the 
Federal government and, as with banks, all deposits are Federally insured 
for up to $100,000.

Q. How is the Permaculture Credit Union (PCU) different from other Credit 
Unions?

A. The PCU is a credit union dedicated to the ethics of permaculture:
·       Care of the Earth
·       Care of People
·       Reinvestment of surplus to benefit the Earth and its inhabitants

Q. Why should I invest my money in the PCU?

A. Permaculture Credit Union is composed of members who have made the 
decision to invest their money in a financial institution that follows a 
code of ethics rather than the common investment practice of only 
considering the bottom line. We place our funds in the local community. We 
choose not to invest in destructive technologies, exploitative industries, 
or insensitive social practices.

Q.  How does the loan policy of the PCU reflect Permaculture Ethics?

A.  We are currently offering loan discounts for fuel-efficient 
automobiles.  We support energy conservation through second mortgage loans 
that encourage solar heating, photovoltaic energy systems, building 
weatherization, rainwater collection, conservation, organic farming and 
gardening, and much more.

Q. Can anyone become a member of the PCU?

A. Yes as long as you belong to our “field of membership” which includes 
those persons who subscribe to the ethics of permaculture. If you have 
completed a recognized permaculture design course or are a member of an 
affiliated Permaculture Institute, you are pre-qualified.

Q.  How do I become a member?

A.  You can join by paying a membership fee of $5.00 and opening a share 
account with a minimum deposit of $50.00. Accounts earn interest when the 
amount on deposit is over $300.

Q.  Does the PCU pay higher interest rates on accounts than banks?

A.  Currently we base our rates on the national averages for banks, which 
means we match bank rates.  Once we are fully established we expect to have 
much more favorable rates than banks. Please call us for our current rates.

Q.  Where does the money to operate the PCU come from?

A. We operate as a not-for-profit corporation. All money for the operation 
for the Permaculture Credit Union comes from interest on loans, investment, 
and our start-up donations.  We charge fees for some services.  We also pay 
out interest on share savings and Certificates of Deposit.  The difference 
between what we charge and what we pay out as interest on deposits, along 
with donations from individuals and grants from foundations, is what we use 
to operate. Surplus is distributed to members in the form of dividends or 
adjusted rates.

Q.  What services are available from the PCU?

A.  The Permaculture Credit Union is currently offering share (savings) 
accounts, certificates of deposit, and several types of loans.  As our 
membership and loan programs grow, we will add those services that our 
membership requests as funding allows.

Q.  Who runs the Permaculture Credit Union?

A.  The Permaculture Credit Union is run by a volunteer board of directors 
who are elected by the membership.  We have a paid CEO/ General Manager and 
part-time office manager; member volunteers do the remaining work.

Q.  How can I get more information on the Permaculture Credit Union?

A.  Please call us at 505 954 3479 or FAX 505 424 1624.  Visit us online at 
www.pcuonline.org, email perma at pcuonline.org, or write to us.

Permaculture Credit Union
4250 Cerrillos Road
PO Box 29300
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87592-9300






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