Alternatives for Simple LivingAlternatives for Simple Living is a nonprofit organization that "equips people of faith to challenge consumerism, live justly, and celebrate responsibly." The organization has helped lead the movement to live more simply and faithfully. Begun in 1973 as a protest against the commercialization of Christmas, Alternatives now also encourages celebrations year-round that reflect conscientious ways of living. Their staff and volunteers have developed a wide variety of resources, organized an annual Christmas Campaign, led numerous workshops, and reached countless people with the message of simple, responsible living.Alternatives believes it is essential to restore moderation and perspective to celebrations that are too often self-indulgent and says that changing the way we celebrate is an important first step in adopting a more responsible lifestyle. They emphasize relationships and traditions over things, hoping to avoid stress and debt, and promoting alternative giving--helping the needy instead of spending so much on ourselves. Simpler Living can be lonely. Alternatives’ Support Service for Simpler Living (ASSIST) helps like-minded people to connect. Their nationwide SLOw Down Network of over 775 members provides volunteer Motivational Speakers, Workshop Leaders, Event Organizers and Discussion Group Consultants to help reach others person-to-person with the message of Simpler Living. A major part of Alternatives’ work is distributing resources designed to help people look at celebrations in more responsible ways. Its mail-order service offers its own materials and those of other publishers on simple living and related topics such as hunger, the environment, and media literacy.
Among Alternatives’ year-round materials: The Alternative Wedding Book (also in Spanish) Treasury of Celebrations for special times all year Break Forth into Joy! Beyond a Consumer Lifestyle VIDEO Stories & Songs of Simple Living (book, cassette and CD) Sing Justice! Do Justice! New Hymns & Songs Simpler Living Alternative Calendar Living More with Less Study/Action Guide Simple Living 101: A Toolbook for Sharing the Joy of Simpler Living Spirit of Simplicity: Quotes & Art for Simpler Living and Global Justice
Alternatives is an ecumenical Christian ministry whose services are available to anyone regardless of their religious beliefs. It is operated by a small staff which reports to a national Board of Directors, and is funded by memberships, donations, grants, and sales of resources.
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