Category Archives: CSTS Global

Auctions, Art and Jossy Goodness!

We’re coming to the end of the Can’t Stop the Serenity 2011 season, but it’s not over yet! We’re tallying up all the donations from this year’s events to determine the 2012 Global Donation Total… will it top the 2010 record of over $140,000? We sure hope so! But while the bean counters are counting the beans, there’s still lots going on!


If you want to win some awesome prizes, we’ll soon be launching our Global Auction for Equality Now. There are some fantastic goodies up for grabs, and you won’t want to miss your chance. We’ll have more news on this soon, so keep your eyes peeled on www.cantstoptheserenity.com, and on our Twitter and Facebook.


Have you heard about our Art Contest? We’re reaching out to all the creative folks out there to design a logo for next year’s events.… Read more…

Watch the 2011 CSTS Global Intro Video, featuring Joss Whedon!

If you were able to make it to a Can’t Stop the Serenity event this year, you may have had the opportunity to see this year’s Global Intro video. But if you missed out, not to fret! You can watch it now on our YouTube Channel.


This year’s intro was packed to the brim with big damn heroes. We’re extremely honoured to have received a very special contribution from Joss, who has inspired us once more to continue to fight the good fight for equality. Other special guests include artist Jason Palmer, writer Jane Espensen, actors Tahmoh Penikett, Claire Kramer, Eliza Dusku, Dichen Lachman, Summer Glau and a host of Browncoats from across the globe!

The global team would like to offer our special thanks to all those who contributed to the video, and to Liam Merrick for pulling it all together.… Read more…

Your words: Interviews with CSTS supporters

We’re delighted to receive so many fantastic responses to our CSTS Supporter interview questions, and we’ll be sharing them with you over the next few months.


Our first interview is with Heather from Maryland…


1. When was your first CSTS?
The first year after I heard about CSTS the hubby and I didn’t actually attend one, but we did hold our own in-home screening with friends. We all put in donations to Equality Now, which we sent in as support for our closest event which was Arlington VA. That was in 2008. In 2009 we went to the Arlington event. In 2010 we went to the new Baltimore event which was run by the same people as did Browncoats: Redemption. Then this year, 2011, we did both Arlington and Baltimore.… Read more…

Some big announcements are in the works…

We have some very exciting announcements coming up in the next few weeks!


We’re tallying up all the donations from this year’s events to announce the 2012 Global Donation Total and have news about our forthcoming auction! So keep your eyes peeled here, on Twitter and on Facebook.


In the meantime, don’t forget that you can still get your hands on a Joss Whedon designed Equality Now shirt! If you attended a CSTS event this year, you will recognise it as the one Joss wore in his video message (and if you missed out, we’ll be posting the video here in the next few days). And now you can one of your very own! They’re just $20 from the Equality Now Online Store.


And last but not least, thank you to all of the wonderful people who have volunteered to coordinate Can’t Stop the Serenity at a global level in 2012.… Read more…

Registration for 2012 Events is Open!

2012 marks our 7th Annual CSTS season and we are looking forward to welcoming back our fellow Browncoats, veterans of the cause, mentors and new organizers alike! We’re continually grateful and excited that folks interested in holding your own CSTS events to raise money for Equality Now.


Registration is open now, so you’ve got plenty of time to start planning a Can’t Stop the Serenity event for 2012. All the information you need to get you started can be found in the Events section on the menu above.


Most CSTS events are known as “Screening Events” where Joss Whedon’s “Serenity” is shown on the big screen in conjunction with auctions, raffles, contests, merchandise sales and other multimedia (pending licensing arrangements). If you’re unable to organize a Screening Event (due to funds, location or proximity to other Browncoats), an Affiliate event may be the answer.… Read more…

Remember to enter our Writing Contest by 30 Sept – Fantastic prizes are up for grabs!

Time’s running out to enter the Can’t Stop the Serenity/Kids Need to Read Writing Contest!

Can’t Stop the Serenity has joined up with Kids Need to Read to give you the chance to win some fabulous prizes in our first ever “Words have the Power to bring about Equality” Writing Contest!

All you have to do is write a short piece (500-1000 words) on why you support Can’t Stop the Serenity and Equality Now, and email it to info@cantstoptheserenity.com.

Entries close on 30 September 2011 at 11:59PM.

All the details are just a click away!Read more…

Application deadline for Global Roles extended to 25 September

Have you considered volunteering at the global level of Can’t Stop the Serenity? If so, check out this post for info on what positions are available, and how to apply.

Are you our Mal, the brave captain of our ship? Then you’d make a great Global Events Coordinator.

Is Zoe more your style, keeping us out of trouble and getting us organised? Then the Events Registrar or Merchandise Coordinator role is for you!

Or are you a Kaylee who helps keep our ship afloat? That’d be our Operations Director.

Wash keeps us connected on the Cortex and flying true, so if you’re that way inclined how about the role of Communications Director?

What about being our Simon, who’s got a head for figures and lots of smarts, because our Donations Administrator needs those skills.… Read more…

Enter our “Words have the Power to bring about Equality” Writing Contest and Win!

Can’t Stop the Serenity has joined up with Kids Need to Read to give you the chance to win some fabulous prizes in our first ever “Words have the Power to bring about Equality” Writing Contest!

Recently, we sent out some questions over the Cortex and received some fantastic interview responses (we’ll be posting these soon!). Our very first response was from Heather in Maryland, who wrote “It was part of learning about CSTS that led me to learn about Equality Now. Some of the articles they’ve linked to show that women the world over still suffer terrible injustices for no other reason than their sex. Nobody should be put in a position where they’re treated as inferior by anybody – no matter their sex, their race, their religion, or their sexual preferences.… Read more…

Calling all artists for the 2012 Official Art Contest!

The Can’t Stop The Serenity promotional art contest is back for 2012!

In its six-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 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 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, poster and promos for the 2012 CSTS season.… Read more…

Some Joss-y pearls of wisdom on surviving and being strong

Life can get pretty crazy these days, and it can be hard to find your place, let alone find the strength to take a stand in the world and create change. With that in mind, Joss has shared his advice for surviving high school at RookieMag.com and (not surprisingly) it’s both insightful and witty. But it’s not just good advice for high schoolers. These pearls of Joss-y wisdom can be applied to anyone, anywhere. So if you or someone you know are starting out in a new school, new place, are worried about fitting in or just need some inspiration, here are Joss’s four rules for survival…

I went to the same school, with the same people, for 10 years. I knew everyone—including the teachers, as my mother taught history there.

Read more…

Nominations are now open for Global Roles

Do you or someone you know want to help guide Can’t Stop the Serenity towards a bright future?

Nominations are open for roles on the Global Steering Committee and 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!

Nominations are now open, and will be taken until 18 September 2011. The application process for each position is provided via the links below. Applications must be submitted via email to gsc@cantstoptheserenity.com by the closing date.

The following roles are open for nominations:
Global Steering Committee (4 positions)
2012 Global Event Coordinator and Team Roles
Global System Administrator

Voters will have the opportunity to discuss the nominations and ask questions of the nominees from 19-25 September 2011, and voting will be undertaken from 26-30 September 2011.… Read more…

We’d like to interview you!

Can you believe that the incredible volunteers for Can’t Stop the Serenity have organised over 300 events over 6 years, and raised over $600,000 for Equality Now? It’s mindblowing! To mark this fantastic occasion, we’d like to interview you – the CSTS Supporters – about your CSTS experience and what keeps you coming back.

Can you believe that there are Browncoats out there that have never heard of CSTS? Firefly & Serenity continues to bring in new fans, and we’d like to help them understand what it is that inspires Browncoats to support CSTS.

To that end, we’ve got a couple of quick questions for you, and if you can take a few minutes to answer we’d be ever so grateful.

1. When was your first CSTS?… Read more…

Join us on Twitter & Facebook to support our pledge to Equality Now!

Social media and social networking are a fantastic way to spread the signal about Can’t Stop the Serenity and Equality Now, and we need to get that signal broadcast as widely as possible.

To encourage more folks to follow our twitter feed and Like our facebook page, our Global Steering Committee Chair has pledged 5c to Equality Now for each CSTS twitter follower and CSTS Facebook Page like we have on 30 September (up to $500).

So…
If we have 4000 @CSTS twitter followers on 30 Sept, that’s a donation $200 to EN.
If we have 4000 CSTS facebook page likes on 30 Sept, that’s a donation $200 to EN.

We need your help to promote this far and wide! Follow/Like us and spread the signal!… Read more…

Missed out on some Global Merchandise? Not to fret!

Did you miss out on getting your hands on some of our 2011 merchandise? Not to fret, it’s not too late!

If you’re looking for apparel (shirts & hoodies) some cities still have some available (check on the forum here for details).

Anyone wishing to order patches should email merchandise@cantstoptheserenity.com and you will be put in contact with Sean. Patches are $2.00 (US) each, plus shipping.… Read more…

This Weekend: Nashville/Scottsville, Salt Lake City & Perth

We have several exciting events all around the world this weekend!

On Friday August 5, the Nashville/Scottsville event begins. The event goes on throughout the weekend.

Then on Saturday August 6, the Salt Lake City event is taking place.

Finally Sunday August 7 is the Perth event!

These events are going to have many different activities and will be a lot of fun, so  check them out!

 … Read more…

Watch CSTS LA interview!

The CSTS LA event on June 26 was very exciting and attended by many special guests. After  the event ComiCenter Live conducted an interview with Joss Whedon, Jessica Neuwirth, and The One True b!X. Now’s your chance to watch it!

The direct link to the interviews is http://www.justin.tv/geekweek/b/291106980#CSTS. The interview is aired at the end of the program, and it begins at 48:00.

 … Read more…

This week: San Diego, Albuquerque, & Lincoln

This is the weekend of San Diego Comic-Con, and CSTS has an event to kickoff the fun! If you’re lucky enough to be in town, check out the San Diego CSTS event!

Now for those of us who aren’t at Comic-Con, there is an event in Albuquerque on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24. They have showings both days, and will have a costume contest and other exciting activities! This weekend also brings the event in Lincoln, RI. It will include a costume contest and a screening of Browncoats: Redemption!

That’s it for this weekend, but we have many more events coming up in the next few weeks, so check back for more information.

 … Read more…

This weekend: Birmingham, Ft. Lauderdale & Melbourne!

This Saturday, July 16, we have events on three continents. So if you’re in the area, check these out!

In the US, Ft. Lauderdale, FL is holding their event.  In the UK, Birmingham is hosting an event. And in Australia, Melbourne is having an event. These events will offer raffles, screenings, contests, and more!

Space is limited, so buy your tickets now!… Read more…

This weekend: Pittsburgh, Madison & San Antonio!

After a break last weekend, we’re back with more CSTS events!

To kick the weekend off, we have an event in Pittsburgh, PA on Friday, July 8.  Then Saturday, July 9 brings the Madison, WI event.  To wrap things up, Sunday, July 10 is the San Antonio, TX event.

If you’re in the area, be sure to check out these events. You’ll get to participate in exciting activities and contribute to a great cause!

And we still have many more events to raise money for Equality Now, so check for events in your area!… Read more…

Watch Joss LIVE at CSTS LA

Great news for Browncoats everywhere! As you have probably heard, the one and only Joss Whedon will attend the Los Angeles CSTS screening. Now, even if you don’t live in LA, you will be able to experience this amazing event, because portions of the event will be webcast live!

The LA event is also going to have many other exciting guests. Jessica Neuwirth and Amanda Sullivan from Equality Now will be in attendance, as will Felicia Day, Michael Fairman, and Joey Spiotto!

ComiCenter LIVE, the online podcast talk show that focuses on the comic book and entertainment industries, will be broadcasting live video from the event. They will be interviewing attendees and special guests, and capturing the reactions from the crowd on hand.

To access the livestream, go to www.GeekWeek.com/liveRead more…

Happy Birthday Joss Whedon!

On this very special day, we wish a super awesome birthday to the one-and-only Joss Whedon – the creator of Firefly and the inspiration behind Can’t Stop the Serenity! Not only does Joss create amazing characters, he inspires us to be better than we are, and to move mountains to make this world a shinier place.

So, on behalf of the Global Steering Committee, the 2011 Global Team, our incredible local organising teams and devoted supporters – Happy Birthday Joss!!… Read more…

This Weekend: Events Worldwide!

It’s a huge weekend for Browncoats! This weekend sees events all over the world, and lots of opportunities for Browncoats to get together and have an awesome time!

Lawrence, KS and Arlington, VA kick off the weekend tomorrow, June 24, with Arlington’s event continuing on Saturday June 25.

Then on Saturday, there are events all over the place. In Canada, Edmonton, AB and Vancouver, BC are holding events. The UK has an event in Newcastle. And in the US, events are taking place in Boston, MA; Logan, UT; Los Angeles, CA; and New York, NY.

To wrap up the weekend, Sunday, June 26 brings events in Baltimore, MD; Dallas/Fort Worth, TX; and Raleigh, NC.

These events will offer all kinds of activities, contests, auctions, prizes, and special guests.… Read more…

This Weekend’s Events: Toronto & Gloucester!

This weekend brings us more exciting events!

We have two official events this weekend. If you are in Toronto, Canada or Gloucester, UK, both have events you can attend this Saturday, June 18.

At these events you’ll enjoy auctions, hanging out with other Browncoats, and of course watching our favorite movie! You’ll be sure to have a good time. So if you’re in Toronto or Gloucester, buy your tickets now!

If you don’t live in either city, we have more upcoming events worldwide, so check them out. Next weekend is going to be huge, with our event with special guests in LA, and our great events in Edmonton, Halifax, Vancouver, Newcastle, Arlington, Boston, Baltimore, Dallas, Lawrence, Logan, New York, and Raleigh!… Read more…

CSTS starts this weekend!

Pull on your Jayne hat, and grab your brown coat because Can’t Stop the Serenity is officially ON! This weekend sees events kick off in Nottingham (UK), Norfolk VA (US), Philadelphia PA (US) and Melbourne (AUST).

Fans lucky enough to attend these events have lots of excitement to look forward to! There’ll be screenings of Serenity and Dr. Horrible, costumes, awesome prizes and more. So if you’re in the area, make sure you join us. It’ll be a wild ride, that’s to be sure!

And if you were among those who got an unintentional sneak peek of a certain Big Damn Hero’s message to CSTS attendees, you were lucky indeed. But if you didn’t, fear not! You can get in on the action (and the inspiration) at your local CSTS event and via livestream of CSTS Los Angeles on 25 June.… Read more…