Due to economical inequalities between countries, activist groups and individuals from some countries are being financially discouraged or even prevented from participating in gatherings and meetings or from other opportunities, like magazine subscription, because the costs are simply too much. Years ago EYFA identified this problem and created an alternative 'currency', offering a fairer exchange rate based on the actual cost of living and standard income in each country. Today this currency is being used in many environmentalist, cultural and activist meetings, projects and campaigns.

The idea is that we empower ourselves, creating mechanisms in our ways of functioning that includes social concerns like economic imbalance. Through Ecorates more and more people are enabled to participate in events and education because Ecorates equalizes costs for participants. The Ecorates System is based on trust, solidarity and altruistic collaboration. Therefore, it can NOT exist without the solidarity and cooperation of people from each country all over the world.

We're looking for people to act as "coordinators" in each country to help distribute info about the project and help update the system. This involves flyer distribution and simply encouraging people to fill out the on-line questionnaire, by forwarding an email with the link and through word of mouth. The questionnaire is simple, and requires people to record costs of basic items in their country and some other simple questions. From this information we create fairer exchange rates that are made public, and can be used by any group for more balanced "ecorated" fees.

We are also looking for volunteers living in The Netherlands, who have time and motivation to come and work with us and help us improve the Ecorates System. To help Ecorates rock on!, contact: ecorates<at>eyfa.org We will guide you through the process! For more info on the Ecorates System, check this link: http://eyfa.org/ecorates