Our core program of services to the networks is a one-stop shop for value-added catalyzing and connecting services to build the movement for Living Economies, getting networks off the ground, guiding them through the early stages of network development, and keeping them up to date with the information they need to make the case for Living Economies.

Available to all network members, the full program line-up will include:

BALLE Basics [new]

For people interested in launching a new BALLE network, we offer bi-monthly conference-call orientation sessions on the basics of network start-up. Please click here to sign up for the next one, September 25, 2008.

BALLE Buzz

Our bi-monthly e-newsletter of high-octane, premium-roasted information about the latest ideas, resources, and case studies from the front lines of the field, featuring updates on the latest network innovations, guest essays, and occasional podcasts.

BALLE Bureau [new]

BALLE’s speakers’ bureau and a Who’s Who of Living Economy rock stars. BALLE’s line-up will inspire, provoke, and incite any audience. A perfect way to kick off or celebrate any Living Economy campaign.

BALLE Guides

With our network partners, BALLE co-publishes How-To Guides for sustainable community economic development. Focusing on specific business sectors, BALLE Guides provide easy-to-use advice and case studies for networks who want to expand their programming and accelerate their impact. First out of the box:

Think Local First [soon to be revised and updated]

The proven how-to manual for organizing, incorporating, funding, and sustaining a Local First campaign, often a community's first step on the path to a Living Economy.

BALLE Boot Camp [new]

A two-hour webinar on the basics of network operation for new networks, covering 501 status, building a great board, defining "local," and other organizational development issues common to early-stage BALLE networks.

BALLE Round-Up

Lively monthly discussion of specific subjects of interest to network members at both the regional and national levels featuring guest experts.

Members-Only Website

The members-only section of the BALLE website, constantly updated to connect our network members to the latest information and resources.

Overall goals for BALLE Core include:

• Catalyzing and connecting networks

• Mining, stewarding, and communicating the best network development ideas and practices

• Building the Living Economy movement