Back in 2008, we came up with a simple and fun way to bring awareness to the reality of slavery around the world. We call it the Freeze Project. We adapted the work of Improv Everywhere, the well known improv group based in New York that staged the now famous Frozen at Grand Central Station. With permission, we adapted their freeze concept and added a cause twist to it. (Please note that we do not have any official relationship to Improv Everywhere.)
We felt that we could use this kind of experience to bring awareness to some of the injustices in our world in a fun and peaceful way. Our first area of focus has been modern-day slavery.
The concept is simple:
- Gather groups of people (preferably 50+) to freeze on cue in or near a busy landmark/environment for 5 minutes to draw the attention of the bystanders.
- After the 5 minutes are done, people un-freeze and pass out 1 flyer with links to organizations working to end slavery.
- That’s it!
To help you with a Freeze Project:
- We provide practical insights and steps to organizing a successful Freeze Project.
- We provide a pdf of the flier design. (Optional. You are welcome to create your own as long as you include our website.)
- We give you access to our Youtube account so that the rest of the world could see your work.
On April 17th, we are hosting a Global Freeze Project Day and we would love for you to participate!
Here’s how you can partner with us:
- Visit our website (www.thefreezeproject.com) regularly for the most up-to-date information about the Global Freeze.
- Consider organizing one of our Freezes that day. If interested, simply email us at charles [at] just4one.org for instructions.
- Consider participating at one of our growing list Freeze locations for April 17th (see below).
- Join us at our Facebook Fanpage: www.facebook.com/thefreezeproject
- Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/myfreezeproject
- Support one of our partner organizations for this event by purchasing a limited edition Freeze Project T-Shirt (our first one ever!). Most of the proceeds from these sales will go to some great abolition organizations including One Voice to End Slavery (JustOne), Stop the Traffik, The Sold Project, and a few more (to be confirmed). Details on these shirts will be available late February.
- Host a parallel event or concert in partnership with an organization that seeks to end slavery. We have a great network of resources (e.g., films, literature, etc.) to supplement your event. If interested, email us at charles [at] just4one.org for instructions.
- Please help us get the word out about this day via your social networks, blogs, emails, and word of mouth.
Our hope is that this experience, whether as a participant or viewer, would spur us on to (1) learn more about the reality of slavery, (2) connect with organizations that are effective in combatting slavery, and (3) mobilize us to consider altering our life-rhythms/practices to end slavery in our lifetime.
The following is a list of cities already committed to hosting a Freeze Project on April 17th (Details and contact information will be available in 2 weeks):
- Atlanta, GA
- Berkeley, CA
- Bournemouth, ENGLAND
- Cincinnati, OH
- Glendale, CA
- Iowa City, IA
- Laguna Hills, CA
- Los Angeles, CA
- Macon, GA
- Mexico City, MEXICO
- Oahu, HI
- Quaker Town, PA
- San Diego, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Santa Barbara, CA
- Seattle, WA
Our past Freeze Projects have included Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Seattle, London, Pune (India), Glendale, Hollywood, Irvine, San Diego, and many more. You may view all of our previous Freeze Projects at www.youtube.com/thefreezeproject
More details will be updated regularly at www.thefreezeproject.com.
Will you join us?
Charles Lee & Derrick Engoy
