What can we do as individuals and communities to take control of our futures

In the turbulent economic world we live in, how can citizens and communities protect ourselves from the global crisis. I'm lucky being in America, in that many of the world's goods are priced in USD so we are not likely to see things like super inflation (read my blog on super inflation in the Ukraine here, but I'm interested in trying to be pro-active in finding ways that we can continue living even if the banking system topples as it has in the past in developing and collapsing nations.

Now even "healthy" countries like Greece and Spain are finding out these kinds of issues can bring great pains to an entire region.

On Evoke this mission was devoted to the future of money, and many great ideas were presented. You can find a search I did for ideas having to do with that mission here.

Community time banks, local currencies, and other new markets/exchanges can help communities value goods and services at a local level to help lessen dependence on the central banking system.

I have personally begun exploring the micro-loan site kiva.org, and have made a loan to this group of women in Africa.

Let's hear your RespectedOpinions on the future of money.