At Baglio San Michele we want to build a community in which the economy serves families and not the other way around. For this reason we have designed a simple internal credit system that in the future can also be managed in digital (tokenised) form.
This is not a speculative currency or a financial investment. It is a concrete tool of reciprocity: those who give time, work and skills to the community receive in return value that can be used within the Borgo.
How it works, in simple words
Imagine a large shared “family ledger” used by all residents.
When you contribute, you accumulate credits
Every hour of work or service rendered to the community is recognised and transformed into credits. This applies to families who live permanently in the Borgo, but also to those who work at the Baglio without residing there.
When you need something, you spend the credits
Credits can be used to purchase products from the farm and the Cooperative without any mark-up, and to pay for services offered by other families or workers in the Borgo.
Everything remains within the community
Credits arise mainly from work and from services offered to the community. At the same time, it is possible to purchase tokens with euros in order to take part in the project. The value of the system remains anchored in reciprocity, in concrete contribution and in trust between people.
In the future this system may be managed in an even simpler and more transparent way, through a small application on the phone.
Why we do it
This way of practising economy brings concrete advantages:
More stable and accessible prices
Internal products and services remain more affordable, without speculative mark-ups.
Every contribution is valued
Care, teaching and support among families count as much as productive work.
Greater autonomy
The community becomes less dependent on external markets and more resilient.
Stronger bonds
Every transaction is also an act of reciprocity and closeness between people.
It is a model inspired by the Sicilian tradition of rural communities and by the Christian values of sharing and mutual responsibility.
The credits and the future of the Borgo
The internal credit system may also be used for the most important choices connected to the Borgo. Anyone who believes in the vision of Baglio San Michele and of the Borgo Ideale will be able to purchase tokens of the project.
Towards the purchase of an apartment
Families selected to live permanently at Baglio San Michele will be able to use the tokens they have purchased (or accumulated through their commitment to the community) as part of the payment for their residential unit.
To invest in the project
Tokens may also be used to support the development of the Baglio and of the future Borghi in the network, contributing to the creation of new dwellings, workshops and common spaces.
Who decides the rules
The rules of the system are defined by the Chapter of the Savi of the community, the internal governing body inspired by the tradition of Sicilian rural communities.
Everything is done transparently, in keeping with the values of the Borgo Ideale: the centrality of the family, the beauty of the place, autonomy and Christian reciprocity.
Want to know more or take part?
The credit system is still being defined and will be developed together with the first families. Write to us for more information.
Write to us