What does crafting have to do with activism? How can sewing, knitting or crocheting support social justice? What contribution can gentle protest make to tackling poverty?
Cue the Craftivist Collective. It’s a global community, aiming to create change through slow, kind and creative activism. Using the unique Gentle Protest approach, with empathy for both those experiencing injustice and those holding power, the Craftivist Collective works with charities, volunteer groups and many others to affect change.
In this episode, we speak with Sarah Corbett, founder of the Craftivist Collective. Originally from Everton in England – which was and remains one of the most deprived areas in the UK – Sarah speaks with passion and enthusiasm about how burnout led her to craftivism, and to develop her Gentle Protest approach. We hear how this more quiet and kind form of activism can make change happen – from getting a large UK retailer to pay the living wage to making shoppers aware of the benefits of slow fashion – and how it can complement other, more traditional forms of activism.
If you would like to know more about the Craftivist Collective and how to get involved, Sarah has published a few wonderful books. The most recent one, which she refers to in the episode, is the Craftivist Collective Handbook. It’s a beautiful hardcover book that filled with examples of successful campaigns and projects and tips for the reader to get involved.
And if this episode makes you want to learn more about how empathy is vital for reducing poverty, check out The Empathy Fix – my forthcoming book on why poverty persists and how we can all get involved in tackling it. Out on 30 January, available for pre-order now!
Photo credit: Photo by Robin Prime, credit Craftivist Collective (@craftivists on Instagram and Twitter, @CraftivistCollective Facebook)
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