technology created jobs in a fast growing market. It is also generated where it is consumed, without the high costs of mass power generators and expensive transmission/distribuition lines.

Why in the USA?
The USA is one of the most economically active countries in the world – with serious environmental impacts as a result of it’s economic growth.

About the project
The project we propose to The BUCKMINSTER FULLER CHALLENGE is a campaign called “Solar Day in the USA”. The goal of the project is to demonstrate the potential of a solar-based energy supply through a variety of events across the nation, increase the presence of that technology showing the benefits of the solar energy in the media and raise public awareness through information.

Key concept
Throughout a highly effective publicity and involvement of local voluntary forces, it is possible to create a nationwide campaign by combining a centralized effort, with local activities in an unified campaign.

How
A significant part of the organizational work is done via internet.
- By allowing an easy internet registration under www.solardayusa.org. The website can provide also: volunteer registration, sample press releases, information about where locally the event will take place, checklists and tips for successful press work and event organization.
- By motivating the public into action, creating partnerships with organizations, government, universities and schools.
- By building information stands to involve local communities, the public receives independent information and advice from solar specialists on how to take action to get benefits from the solar energy technology.
- By organizing petitions to sensitize local polititians to the solar energy advantages.

Such initiative is not unheard of. In Europe, specially in Austria, the local solar industry started a campaign in 2002, with excelent results. Germany, as well as other European Community countries, is following that initiative.

When
The date we suggest to start the campaign Solar Day in the USA is the 3rd of May 2008 – Universal day of the sun.

Event key players
1. Local Participants: Environmental groups, solar system operators, trade workers, communities, districts, associations, economic development agencies, energy consultants, architects, universities, schools, churches, banks, government agencies, manufacturers, suppliers and all interested persons.
2. Partners: All solar energy related institutions that are active on the local, regional and national levels can support the campaign by informing their members and contacts about it and encourage them to become involved locally.
3. Media Partners: organizations can offer support through targeted media coverage before and after the campaign
4. Sponsors: Firms from the solar branch that support the campaign through a financial contribution and engage their sales and distributions partners locally.

What happens during the “Solar Day in the USA” campaign Despite of being a national event, it should be organized locally.

Actions
Before the event
- Press conference to announce the event
- Small information stands at schools, universities and supermarkets/shopping malls.
- Warm-up lectures in community centers, schools and universities by professionals and teachers.
-Internet intense networking – pre-registration of participants
-Media advertisements - newspaper, radio, billboards During the event
- Temporary structure (tent) with stage and information stand in a central open space – a park is the target place
- A solar fair exhibiting solar operated products
- Public solar exhibition with solar models created by teachers and students.
- Family oriented activities such cooking with solar oven
- Solar Day shop selling baseball caps and t-shirts to help financing the campaign

Kids activities like:
- telling time by the sun - paper sundial workshops, analemmatic sundials painted on the floor (human gnomon – very interactive!),
- solar powered toys competitions
- painting t-shirts and posters
- give-aways like ballons and stickers

Conclusion
The Solar day in the USA initiative will stimulate a positive involvement of the american people, and by happening successfully in the USA, it will help to be replicated in Canada, Mexico, Africa, Oceania, Central and South America, specially in Brazil, where the campaign can be started at the same time by us, and in doing so, we will materialize the trimtab principle (RBF).