Currently,
Grafton is involved in a project called Shift Across America. He
defines the purpose of his new project as, "A unique and exciting way
for the Local Movement to continue to grow." The "road trip will tell
the story of the Shift happening in communities around our country. It
will document the Local Independent Business, Music, and Art movement
across America."

The Weekly Dig, as well as Somerville Local
First, will sponsor the journey, which will commence on approximately
May 14 and will span an estimated two and 1/2 weeks.

However, additional finances are needed for Grafton to embark on his ambitious trek.

Therefore,
a fundraiser on May 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 242 East Berkeley Street
in Somerville will take place. It is not necessary to R. S. V.P. to
this event, and entry, food, and beer are free. The Board President of
SLF, the Publisher of the Dig, and Grafton will speak.

Individuals
will be encouraged to make a donation. Grafton estimates that the cost
of the trip will range from $3,500 and $4,500.

To round out the
evening, photography, which Grafton took himself will be available. He
foresees that it will be "a great conversation piece" will also be
sold. "Folks can see the artist installation for the month, at
www.space242.com."

Categorically, the photos deal with
landscape, still life, event photography and the Local Independent
Movement/10% Shift. Prints, custom matted, will be obtainable from
$100, according to him.

Would you like to discover more about
Shift Across America? When his journey begins, Grafton will jump into
his personal vehicle and spread the Shift's message to a handful of
cities, nationwide. Although he will be cruising in such a mode of
transportation, he "will be offsetting the environmental impact of the
trip." He is considering planting a tree in each city.

His trip
will commence in Somerville. Then, he will pay the following cities a
visit: Cambridge, Boston, and Worcester, Portsmouth NH, Laconia NH,
Burlington VT, Portland ME, multiple towns in Blackstone Valley RI –
Portsmouth, Middletown and Newport, Albany NY, Buffalo NY, Grand Rapids
MI, Chicago IL, Denver CO, Salt Lake City UT, San Francisco, Oakland,
and Berkeley CA. Phoenix AZ, Santa Fe NM, Austin TX, Brewton AL,
Charleston SC, Baltimore MD, and Philadelphia PA will complete his
journey.

Further, "The purpose of this project is to help people
see that there is a tremendous amount of work and success happening to
revitalize our communities across America. Through work with SLF &
the 10% Shift, I have had the great fortune to connect with many of
these leaders. I want the readers to realize that we are at an apex of
social change, that we are not alone in our desire for a more
sustainable and equitable economy," said Grafton.

"This idea
started because of the National BALLE conference, which will take place
in Denver [from May 21 to May 23]." At that conference, he will be
presented with the opportunity to engage in conversation and swap
ideas, pertaining to the Shift, with other involved "Local
Independents."

There, he will meet and interview some of the
leading directors of Local Business Networks, Local Independent
Business owners, Alternative Media Publishers, High Performing
Musicians and Artists. After that stop, he will be able to recount
their stories in the remaining cities and hopes that others realize the
importance of the Shift, according to a press release.

Finally,
"creative arts have played a vital role in most recent social shifts.
Around the country artists and musicians are doing incredible work to
build sustainable and more connected communities," said Grafton.

Individuals
who are unable to attend this event but are interested in sending a
donation to the organization may to donate send a check to: Somerville
Local First c/o Shift Across America PO Box 402 Somerville, MA 02143.