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Will Ruddick

Founder of Grassroots Economics Foundation

Will Ruddick is a development economist and the founder of Grassroots Economics Foundation, focusing on currency innovation and community economic empowerment.23 He has pioneered Community Inclusion Currency programs in Kenya since 2010, including the Sarafu-Network and Bangla-Pesa programs.2 Ruddick's work combines traditional practices with economic innovations to help communities leverage their own resources and build economic resilience.13

After completing graduate studies in high energy physics at Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, Ruddick shifted his focus to alternative economics and development.2 Since 2008, he has lived in East Africa, managing successful programs in environment, food security, and economic development.23

Ruddick's educational background includes:

  • Ph.D. in Development Economics and International Development from the University of Cape Town (2015-2018)
  • Masters (ABD) in High Energy Physics from the University of Colorado Boulder (2002-2005)
  • Associate scholar in Complementary currencies at the University of Cumbria (2013-2016)3

His work involves designing currencies for poverty eradication and sustainable development, consulting on Community Currencies worldwide, and conducting research with various organizations including the World Food Program and the Red Cross.2 Ruddick is also an associate scholar with the University of Cumbria's Initiative for Leadership and Sustainability.23

Highlights

Jul 31 · linkedin

“[She] was taught that to be powerful you must sacrifice - herself and others. A bargain: give, and so get. And I cannot say that that's untrue. But my soul can't live in that narrow space - this for that, tooth for tooth, death for life. . . . There is a freedom beyond that. Beyond payment, retribution, redemption - beyond all the bargains and the balances, there is freedom.

…. And the doorway between.”

Ursula Le Guin (The Books of Earthsea - Tehanu)

Related Questions

What inspired Will Ruddick to transition from high energy physics to alternative economics?
How does Grassroots Economics measure the success of their community currency programs?
What are some challenges Will Ruddick has faced while implementing community currencies in different countries?
How does commitment pooling differ from traditional banking systems?
What role does digital ledger technology play in Will Ruddick's economic models?
Will Ruddick
Will Ruddick, photo 1
Will Ruddick, photo 2
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Location

Kenya