Statement of Belief
Reverend Billy and the Stop Shopping Gospel Choir believe that Consumerism is overwhelming our lives. The corporations want us to have experiences only through their products.
Our neighborhoods, "commons" places like stoops and parks and streets and libraries, are disappearing into the corporatized world of big boxes and chain stores. But if we "back away from the product" even a little bit, well then we Put The Odd Back In God!
The supermodels fly away and we're left with our original sensuality. So we are singing and preaching for local economies and real not mediated through products experience.
We like independent shops where you know the person behind the counter or at least you like them enough to share a story.We ask that local activists who are defending themselves against supermalls, nuke plants, gentrification call us and we'll come and put on our "Fabulous Worship!"
Remember children... Love is a Gift Economy! The Rev
Mission
The Church of Stop Shopping is project of The Immediate Life, a New York based arts organization using theater, humor, and grassroots organizing to advance individuals and communities towards a more equitable future - starting today. We partner with citizens, grassroots organizations and progressive visionaries to produce dynamic, informed public campaigns that enact our core values - participatory democracy, ecological sustainability, and the preservation of vibrant communities and local economies.
History
Since 1996 our project has expanded from a one-man performance artist preaching against consumerism on the sidewalks of Times Square to a 35-person choir and 7-person band with dozens of original songs, a critically acclaimed stage show, a major motion picture and multiple media platforms. We have demonstrated commitment to educating the public about the consequences of unsustainable consumption. Our message--consuming less--is the single most effective and immediate response an individual can take to imeediately halting the climate crisis. This same messaage has reached millions of people and has contributed to the public's increasing awareness of the relationship between shopping and climate change. Besides our long-term commitment to promoting sustainable consumption, our organizations efforts to revitalize public space and defend the first amendment have been documented all over the world.
Outcomes
Our ability to generate popular support and attract media attention has resulted in resounding successes in several collaborative campaigns, among them the cessation of Boreal clear cutting by The Limited Brands, the recognition of Ethiopian coffee trademarks by Starbucks Inc, the abandonment of restrictive film permitting by the city of New York, the designation of PS 64 (New York Public School) as a historical landmark, the preservation of the Poe House, and the successful campaigns of three nascent grassroots groups, the Retail Action Project, The Restaurant Opportunity Center and The Street Vendors Project.
For more info go to: RevBilly.com
Reverend Billy and the Stop Shopping Gospel Choir believe that Consumerism is overwhelming our lives. The corporations want us to have experiences only through their products.
Our neighborhoods, "commons" places like stoops and parks and streets and libraries, are disappearing into the corporatized world of big boxes and chain stores. But if we "back away from the product" even a little bit, well then we Put The Odd Back In God!
The supermodels fly away and we're left with our original sensuality. So we are singing and preaching for local economies and real not mediated through products experience.
We like independent shops where you know the person behind the counter or at least you like them enough to share a story.We ask that local activists who are defending themselves against supermalls, nuke plants, gentrification call us and we'll come and put on our "Fabulous Worship!"
Remember children... Love is a Gift Economy! The Rev
Mission
The Church of Stop Shopping is project of The Immediate Life, a New York based arts organization using theater, humor, and grassroots organizing to advance individuals and communities towards a more equitable future - starting today. We partner with citizens, grassroots organizations and progressive visionaries to produce dynamic, informed public campaigns that enact our core values - participatory democracy, ecological sustainability, and the preservation of vibrant communities and local economies.
History
Since 1996 our project has expanded from a one-man performance artist preaching against consumerism on the sidewalks of Times Square to a 35-person choir and 7-person band with dozens of original songs, a critically acclaimed stage show, a major motion picture and multiple media platforms. We have demonstrated commitment to educating the public about the consequences of unsustainable consumption. Our message--consuming less--is the single most effective and immediate response an individual can take to imeediately halting the climate crisis. This same messaage has reached millions of people and has contributed to the public's increasing awareness of the relationship between shopping and climate change. Besides our long-term commitment to promoting sustainable consumption, our organizations efforts to revitalize public space and defend the first amendment have been documented all over the world.
Outcomes
Our ability to generate popular support and attract media attention has resulted in resounding successes in several collaborative campaigns, among them the cessation of Boreal clear cutting by The Limited Brands, the recognition of Ethiopian coffee trademarks by Starbucks Inc, the abandonment of restrictive film permitting by the city of New York, the designation of PS 64 (New York Public School) as a historical landmark, the preservation of the Poe House, and the successful campaigns of three nascent grassroots groups, the Retail Action Project, The Restaurant Opportunity Center and The Street Vendors Project.
For more info go to: RevBilly.com
I'm really admire the work your organization is doing.