What is Solstice Unplugged

Solstice Unplugged is a bi-annual event that began in Summer 2008.  It was started by Holly Hagen and J.J. Toothman after a number of observations in the late spring.  As the weather in the San Francisco Bay Area became warmer and sunnier, there was increase of statements and postings on various social networks along the lines of "It's beautiful outside, I should really go outside today"  and "Would love to go outside and enjoy the sunshine, but too much work to do." 

Buillding upon people's desire to be connected, Solstice Unplugged was braistormed as an event to bring people together but remove them (briefly) from the tethers of laptops,mobile devices, Twitter, etc.. while celebrating the first day of summer.

The first Solstice Unplugged event was held on the first day of summer June 21, 2008 at Grey Whale Cove in Pacifica, CA.

In the spirit of creating tradition and encouraging unplugging two times a year, a second Solstice Unplugged event is being planned for December 21, 2008 - the first day of winter. 

Being connected via technology is pretty cool, but it's not everything

The Solstice Unplugged Manifesto

A set of guidelines for unplugging on June 21 and December 21 every year.

This is a work in progress and you are welcome to contribute.

(in no particular order)

1. Get outside (weather permitting of course)
2. Immerse yourself in nature
3. Disconnect for zen-like insights
4. When people disconnect from technology, there is an opportunity to learn more about them.  Make it happen.
5. Friends and family of all ages are welcome to particpate.
6. Surround yourself with fun people
7. There must be beer or wine.  Preferably both.
8. You can use power to make food.  And to play music.  Thats pretty much it
9. If you must use a computer or laptop or iPhone to play your music during Solstice Unplugged, thats fine.  If you use that device to twitter something, update your Facebook status, watch YouTube, and/or blog something...that device gets smashed to bits
10. Reggae is the preferred musical genre of Solstice Unplugged (but remember these are just guidelines.  not rules)
11. If you are holding your solstice unplugged event someplace where there is cellphone signal, you may want to collect people's phones at the door.  Never underestimate the temptation one has to pull out their phone to check messages or send Tweets.
12. If you have kids and they aren't at Solstice Unplugged, you may unconditionally use your cell phone at any point to make sure they are OK.
13. If you have a spouse and he/she isn't at Solstice Unplugged, you may unconditionally use your cell phone to communicate with that person only if you have a child with that person or that person is nearing labor.
14. OK, there's proabably a few other legit reasons for having to use a cell phone at Solstice Unplugged -- a waiver can be obtained by begging your fellow attendees.  But you better beg good.  And if they want you to do a shot of bourbon as "payment" to use your phone, then you're doing a shot of bourbon.
15. Talking about work or your profession is perfectly acceptable.  Solstice Unplugged is a networking event, after all.  However to "talk shop" you have to be holding a cocktail.
16. If it's the summer solstice, bring suncreen.  If it's the winter solstice, bring a warm hat and a sweater.
17. If you are holding your gathering at a house with a front porch, for goodness sakes use that thing.  Put a pitcher of lemonade or ice tea out there...invite passerbys to come have a glass and meet new people. 
18. Take lots of pictures.
19. When in doubt, ask yourself "What would Lebowski do?"
20. Expect the unexpected