We are delighted to announce that we have two new members on the Global Steering Committee! Please join us in welcoming Sheilah O’Connor and Stephanie Leasure!
Serving as an executive and consistency committee, the Global Steering Committee (GSC) is responsible for maintaining the high standards and reputation of CSTS, and is a repository of CSTS knowledge for the Global Team and Local Event Organisers. We also support the Global Event Coordinator (GEC), can step in if the GEC is unable to continue in that capacity or needs additional help, and provide a recourse for Local Event Organisers if they have issues that need additional support beyond the Global Team. The GSC is made up of past Global Team members with lots of experience with CSTS at a global and local level, and who are passionate about CSTS.… Read more…
Are you ready for Can’t Stop the Serenity 2016? We are! With our tenth year behind us, we’re looking forward to an exciting year of fun filled fandom events. For the past decade, Browncoats all over the world have donated tens of thousands of hours of their spare time over the past decade to organise events both big and small to celebrate our fandom and to support Equality Now, and 2016 is no different. Plans are already being made in cities across the globe. Will there be an event in your local area? All it takes are a few Browncoats to put on their cunning hats and make it happen!
We’re pleased to announce that the 2016 season will be coordinated by Annie Burnaman from Texas, USA.… Read more…
As we finalise all the loose ends to formally close out the 2014 Season, we’ve also been hard at work behind the scenes to get things ready to kick off the 2015 Season! This year sees us reach a fantastic milestone. Can’t Stop the Serenity turns 10 years old in 2015! For a decade, Browncoats all over the world have donated thousands of hours of their spare time to organise events both big and small to celebrate our fandom and to support some amazing charities.
We’re pleased to announce that this landmark season will be coordinated by Toronto’s Sheilah O’Connor. Sheilah (aka Lioness) has been involved in CSTS since our first year back in 2006, organising the Toronto event for five years. In 2011, she joined the Global Team as our Shepherd and has guided countless organisers through the trials and triumphs of putting a CSTS event together.… Read more…
Do you want to be part of the team for Can’t Stop the Serenity 2015? Be part of the crew who will be spearheading our 10th year celebrations, and volunteer today! Nominations are now open for roles on 2015 Global Team!
Can’t Stop the Serenity is organised entirely by volunteers who work side by side with local event organisers to make each year’s events a success. We’re looking for dedicated, passionate, talented folks to join us. It’s fun, rewarding and a great experience! And 2015 will be extra special as it’s both the 10th Can’t Stop the Serenity season and the 10th Anniversary of Serenity’s release!
Nominations are now open for 2015 Global Event Coordinator and Team Roles. We’re looking for enthusiastic and talented individuals who are organized, have great communication skills, work well independently and as part of a team, and are keen to help where needed.… Read more…
We would love to have your feedback on the logo placement for CSTS 2014 Unisex and Womens shirts. There will be only one design available for the Unisex and one for the Women’s, and you can vote on both. The most popular option for each wins! This year’s shirts will be light grey with printing on one side only.
The deadline for submissions to the 2014 Art Contest has been further extended to 1 February 2014! We’ve realised that the earlier deadline was too short considering the holidays, and hope the extra time will allow more artists to give it a shot.
Over the years, we’ve raised almost a million dollars for Equality Now. We can do even more good works, but only if people show up! That’s where you come in.
The logo is a critical tool for raising interest and awareness about the events and charity, building excitement, and getting people into theaters around the world. To do this, the art needs to appeal to people who already know about CSTS, to Browncoats who haven’t heard of us and to non-fans, and draw their attention.… Read more…
Submissions will be accepted beginning 6 December 2013, and must be received no later than 12 January 2014 by 11:59 P.M. PST in order to be considered for this contest.
As we launch into another season of Can’t Stop the Serenity, you may find yourself being asked why you attend these events and what your support means. You may even be asking this of yourself. Can’t Stop the Serenity is not just about watching Serenity on the big screen, enjoying the company of Browncoats, and winning prizes is raffles, contests and auctions. It’s much bigger than that.
Being part of Can’t Stop the Serenity – as an organizer, a sponsor or an attendee – means that you are helping to put a stop to violence and discrimination. By using your voice and opening your wallet, you are helping to change the world for the better. For each friend you tell about the work of Equality Now, you are adding a voice to the chorus for change.… Read more…
As the 2012 CSTS season comes to a close, we’re excited to announce that Dave Catoe will be taking over the reins for 2013!
Dave hails from Norfolk, Virginia, is a member of the Tidewater Browncoats and has been the lead organiser of CSTS Norfolk since 2010. He’s found a great mother/daughter team to take over the running of the local event, and is keen to put his energy into the global role. As a retired air traffic controller, he’s got a real handle on managing the stresses that may come with the job, and as an ex-marine he’s more than up for the challenge. And of course, he loves Firefly, Serenity and Equality Now! He first discovered Firefly in 2005 after catching “Our Mrs Reynolds” on the SciFi channel – he ran straight out and bought the box set that same evening!… Read more…
The voting window has been extended for the 2013 CSTS Art Contest! This is your last chance to have your say on which design will represent CSTS for the 2013 season.
Voting will now close on 28 October 2012 at 11:59 PM PST.
We sent the signal out to create the promotional art for next year’s events, and here they are! Thank you to everyone who submitted an entry (or two!) to the 2013 Can’t Stop The Serenity Art Contest.
We know it’s going to be a challenge, but we need you, the good folk of the ‘Verse, to help us choose which one will become the official artwork for Can’t Stop the Serenity 2013!
You can only vote once and you’ve only got until 21 October 2012 at 11:59 PM PST to get your voice heard and your vote counted. So vote and then tell your friends to spread the word and come help us choose the best of the best.… Read more…
Can’t Stop the Serenity has been extremely lucky to work with some amazing artists over the years, and it’s our pleasure to thank the 2012 crew! Phil (with the assistance of Karen) have been hard at work all year, turning this year’s promotional artwork contest winners design into art suitable for t-shirts, posters, patches, web-banners and more. And Liam has pulled off yet another fantastic Global Intro Video, which featured cast and crew plus a very moving piece on Equality Now.
As we wind down from the 2012 season, let’s hear a little from two of the team…
Phil Towle, Art Director for Can’t Stop the Serenity 2012….
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… Oh wait, wrong galaxy. My love of Sci Fi started, like many, when as a kid I wanted nothing more than to be a Jedi (occasionally Han Solo).
The closing date for the 2013 CSTS Global Promo Art Contest is drawing near! This is your chance to design the logo that will represent Can’t Stop the Serenity 2013, featuring on Twitter, Facebook, T-shirts and promoting all manner of local events. All of the details for the contest are here and entries close on 14 October 2012. So get those creative juices flowing and be part of the fun!
As we finish up another fine season of Can’t Stop the Serenity, we’d like to send a special Thank You to the folks who keep things ticking along smoothly from behind the scenes. CSTS been fortunate to have some wonderful people on the Global Team over the years, and the 2013 Team have been fantastic!
This year, we’ve had the pleasure of working with three amazing women who have been the backbone of our “front line” of CSTS by managing the website, social media and communications. So here’s a moment-in-the-spotlight for Lioness, Jacque and Julia – our dedicated Communications & Web Crew!
Lioness – Communications Director, Shepherd and overall Lady of Awesome – tell us a little about what you do…
As Communications Director and Shepherd, I’m been talking within – to the Browncoats running the screenings around the world- and without – talking to the wide world about CSTS.
It’s always inspiring to meet the incredible people who take on the role of the Can’t Stop the Serenity Global Events Coordinator each year. And for the past two years, that fine outstanding citizen has been one William Pace. It’s been a delight to have William as our “Captain” for the past two years, and it is with sadness that we see him leave the role. However, we wish him the best with his new little Browncoat-in-Training needing the lions share of his attention! Thank you William! As he says farewell to his term as GEC, we asked him what made him put up his hand.
First, to understand why I’m here, you have to understand why I’m a Browncoat.
I’m one of the rare ‘first fans’ that tuned in to watch Firefly when the series debuted with ‘Train Job’.
Do you to help guide Can’t Stop the Serenity towards a bright future and make 2013 happen? Do you know someone who would like to be involved at a global level? Nominations are now open for roles on 2013 Global Team!
Can’t Stop the Serenity is organised entirely by volunteers who work side by side with local event organisers to make each year’s events a success. We’re looking for dedicated, passionate, talented folks to join us. It’s fun, rewarding and a great experience!
The Can’t Stop The Serenity promotional art contest is back for 2013!
In its seven-year history, Can’t Stop The Serenity has raised more than half a million dollars for Equality Now. We can do even more good works this year, but only if people show up! That’s where you come in. Since we’ve been doing this for more than half a decade now, the novelty factor has worn off, which means it’s more important than ever before to build excitement for CSTS. The annual logo, poster and t-shirts are critical tools for raising awareness about the event, building excitement, and getting people into theaters around the world.
Think you’ve got what it takes to design this year’s official promotional artwork? Then read on to learn the rules for this year’s contest:
THE SHINY STUFF:
The winner’s artwork will be used as the basis for the T-shirt and promos for the 2013 CSTS season.… Read more…
The Hollywood Reporter has put together a great piece on Joss Whedon – Exploring the Whedonverse: Inside the Cult Hero Fame of ‘Avengers’ Director Joss Whedon. With Joss currently in the headlines for the amazing success of The Avengers, there are no shortage of articles celebrating his career – but not many take the time to also look at what his fans do to celebrate him and his creations. In addition to the many mentions of how Joss’s fans have been vocal in their support and passionate in their enthusiasm, THR has kindly recognised the efforts of Browncoats to support Equality Now through Can’t Stop the Serenity. Thanks THR!… Read more…
And don’t forget that there’s still time to take part in Equality Now’s “What Does Equality Mean to You?” PSA campaign! You have until March 20 to grab a camera, your phone, or your laptop and tell Equality Now: what does gender equality mean to you? Selected videos are featured on equalitynow.org/me and social media sites. Please take part in Equality Now’s anniversary campaign: watch the PSA, share your own video, and spread the word to your friends. You can also join the conversation by posting your thoughts on Equality Now’s Facebook page or tweet with the hashtag #E2M.… Read more…
The final CSTS Supporter interview for 2011 is with Loretta from Waco, Texas…
1. When was your first CSTS?
I’ve been going to the Dallas/Ft. Worth screenings since the beginning. Having to drive 1 1/2 hours to get there, I always try to get together a carload or a group of friends to go to the screening. Then we can have a fun road trip and get to see an amazing film on the big screen.
2. How many times have you seen Serenity?
I’ve seen Firefly/Serenity too many times to count. I have several copies of the show/movie and actually keep a set up at work, where I enjoy listening to them on a regular basis. So I’m sure the number would be on the high end… haha.… Read more…
This week’s CSTS Supporter interview is with Philippa from Bristol in the UK…
1. When was your first CSTS?
That would be the first one we ran in Bristol 🙂
2. How many times have you seen Serenity?
Probably at least a dozen, including San Diego last year at SDCC!
3. Who’s your favorite Firefly character and why?
Jayne! To quote Adam himself, ‘Weapons, muscles, thuggery, sex!’ Works for me!
4. What does being a Browncoat mean to you?
Being part of a huge worldwide family who automatically accept and welcome each other. It’s awesome.
5. Why do you support CSTS and Equality Now?
1. Once a Browncoat, always a Browncoat. 2. I wish to support my sisters worldwide who do not have the same freedoms that I enjoy.… Read more…
This week’s CSTS Supporter interview is with Paul from British Columbia, Canada – a proud BC Browncoat…
1. When was your first CSTS?
2009
2. How many times have you seen Serenity?
Too many times to count!
3. Who’s your favourite Firefly character and why?
Sheppard Book cause his back story would be really interesting.
4. What does being a Browncoat mean to you?
A fanatic about all things Joss but really crazy about Serenity! Many of my fellow BC Browncoats have become my good friends.
5. Why do you support CSTS and Equality Now?
A great way to get Browncoats and potential Browncoats together. For me specifically Equality Now has a special connection. I have worked in emerging democracies for the National Democratic Institute (ndi.org)… Read more…
This week’s CSTS Supporter interview comes from a fantastic Browncoat in Tucson, Arizona:
1. When was your first CSTS?
It was shortly after I discovered there were “Browncoats” in the Tucson area after I caught “Firefly” on the Science Fiction Channel.
2. How many times have you seen Serenity?
On the big screen: maybe 7 times or more; depends on if I made both the Tucson and the Phoenix showings (I was sick last year and couldn’t make either). On DVD: difficult to say, I purchased two just in case I wore one out.
3. Who’s your favorite Firefly character and why?
Captain Mal Reynolds: a man with an attitude and authority with a bit of humor thrown in for contrast. Also like Jayne Cob and his firearms, something I also enjoy!… Read more…
We’re extremely excited to announce the winner of the 2012 Art Contest, and share with you the design which will be at the forefront of next year’s events.
We’re delighted at the level of participation and interest in this year’s contest, with over 1,000 wonderful Browncoats voting for their choice of art from our amazingly creative Browncoat artists. It was a close call, with two entries vying for the top votes. But after all was said and done, one piece of artwork stood ahead of the rest.
Congratulations to…. Melanie Fischer from Toronto, Canada!
Melanie’s artwork will become very familiar to you as we move into the 2012 Can’t Stop the Serenity season, and we’ll be getting lots of promo banners, icons and more ready for you to help spread the signal!… Read more…
This week’s CSTS Supporter comes from Mary in Raleigh, North Carolina….
1. When was your first CSTS?
2007. Loved it so much when the 2008 rolled around, I ended up helping the local coordinator. And then got the coordinator’s job when she stepped down. I did my town’s 2009 CSTS, so I can say that I’ve seen the event from both sides. It was fun and exhilerating either way.
2. How many times have you seen Serenity?
Twice a year on the big screen since 2008. Raleigh has some dedicated Browncoats who work in the movie theatre business and twice a year we get to see it on the big screen. Once at our annual CSTS event and once in December as part of a cult classic series.… Read more…
Can’t Stop the Serenity (CSTS) is a unique opportunity to indulge your geeky side while doing some good! Since 2006, fans have organized screenings of Joss Whedon's Serenity to raise funds and awareness to support Equality Now in their work for the protection and promotion of the human rights of women around the world. Join us as we aim to misbehave for a good cause!
There are two ways to fight a battle like ours. One is to whisper in the ear of the masses, try subtlely and gradually to change the gender expectations and mythic structures of our culture. That’s me. The other is to step up and confront the thousands of atrocities that are taking place around the world on an immediate, one-by-one basis. That’s a great deal harder, and that’s Equality Now. It’s not about politics; it’s about basic human decency.
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… Oh wait, wrong galaxy. My love of Sci Fi started, like many, when as a kid I wanted nothing more than to be a Jedi (occasionally Han Solo).
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