The SOCSystem gives them access to a diversity of goods and services by facilitating cooperation among them. These organizations can exchange all sorts of skills and resources with each other, thus widening their capacity and knowledge base. The first directory will be circulated at the beginning of 1999. It costs 20 SOCs to join. All SOCs credits are created by trading.
Members negotiate a price for a service or goods and make payment using a SOCSystem check.
Everyone's account starts at zero, and members can spend straightaway. SOCs are interest-free, so there is no point in hoarding currency. In fact, at any one time, a number of accounts have to be in deficit if the system is to work. The system, which was designed to support voluntary organizations, does not serve individuals, who can participate in the flourishing LETSystems. Some alternative currency systems are regarded as second-rate to the national currency.