About the Organizations You’ll Be Supporting

{All organizations are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt}

Equality Now was founded by a former student of Lee Stearns, Joss Whedon’s mother. Its mission is to address the gender disparity in the human rights movement, which had grown to dismiss violations as “cultural” or “private”. Issues such as domestic violence, rape, female genital mutilation, trafficking, and reproductive rights were not part of the agendas of established human rights organizations. Whedon has been outspoken in his support of the organization and gender equality initiatives. By selecting Equality Now as the organization receiving the proceeds of the global screenings, the organizers of Can’t Stop the Serenity voice their support of the work done around the world by EN. (www.equalitynow.org)

Kids Need to Read was co-founded by PJ Haarsma and Firefly’s own Nathan Fillion. Their mission is “to purchase books by raising funds through auctions, sales of merchandise and other available means, provide books to libraries, schools and other institutions in need, provide books to children through established institutions, foster a love of reading in all children, and encourage reading among reluctant readers.” (www.kidsneedtoread.org)

New Leash on Life is a non-profit animal welfare organization located in Lebanon, TN. They are dedicated to improving the welfare of companion animals in our community through shelter, placement, spay/neuter, education and awareness. Services include a limited-admission adoption center, various spay/neuter services, community education and outreach. (www.newleashonline.org)