I am filming a nationwide documentary about our current economic state. It is an unique and an exciting time; we are on the verge of making a difference and impacting our future in a huge way. I want to ask the question: What’s next?

From January 24 to April 30, I will visit the major, most impoverished cities in the United States, from Los Angeles to New York. I will interview everyday Americans: rich, poor, black, white, etc. I will interview students, families, and single adults. In addition, a large portion of the story will be the voices of both small businesses and large corporations. Businesses are shutting down and laying off. Recently, Sharper Image shutdown all major operations; DHL is closing down all domestic operations; Citigroup laid off 53,000 jobs; Chrysler shutdown their plants for a month. And I got laid off on December 5th, 2008. I subsequently applied for unemployment for the first time on December 8th, 2008. We all share a common story– I am going to capture and share that story.

I worked for an Internet startup company that worked heavily with retailers. I’ve been following and writing daily about the economic downturn on our company blog. Using my ability to network socially online, I intend to utilize my technical web skills to deliver the stories on a frequent basis. Social media is an amazing tool; it is able to inexpensively and effectively spread ideas quickly and virally. Also, I will also be using traditional media sources such as newspapers, magazines, television, and radio to reach out to localized communities. I also have a friend who will be working as my PR director while I travel.

Furthermore, being ecologically conscious has shaped my lifestyle and my beliefs. I spend my days surfing, mountain biking, snowboarding, and camping. I know our environment is at risk, which is why I insist on my trip to coincide with my green lifestyle. I have converted my 1982 300TD Mercedes-Benz station wagon to run on vegetable oil and it will be my main mode of transportation on my trip. Driving my car has taken my green lifestyle to another level, and I plan on maintaining that aspect while being on the road. The trip will be environmentally friendly. I am also anticipating vehicular support from socially responsible car companies who are inspired to participate and contribute to this movement.

edit: I have considered the risks of taking my veggie mobile and it will not be the most efficient way to complete this project.

Please Read: Change Of Planes

Ultimately, I believe the solution to our current economic state is synergy: cooperative interaction, combined effort, give-and-take. I am out to find a solution, an inspiration, a voice. I want to experience, understand, and share my journey and my travels. I want the American public to be inspired. We are in control, and we are going to change this economy, this country, and this world.

Will you be a part of this extraordinary journey?