Introduction
For the introverts among us, traditional forms activism like marches, protests and door-to-door canvassing can be intimidating and stressful. Take it from Sarah Corbett, a former professional campaigner and self-proclaimed introvert. She introduces us to “craftivism,” a quieter form of activism that uses handicrafts as a way to get people to slow down and think deeply about the issues they’re facing, all while engaging the public more gently. Who says an embroidered handkerchief can’t change the world?
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Explore Further
- The Craftivist Collective Handbook: Projects, Stories and Methods for your Gentle Protests, Sarah Corbett, 2024
20 tried and tested hand-embroidery and papercraft projects to help you make a positive difference in our world.
If we want our world to be more beautiful, kind and fair, can we make our activism more beautiful, kind and fair? ‘Gentle Protest’ is a unique methodology of strategic, compassionate and visually intriguing activism using handicrafts as a tool. Since its creation in 2009, the award-winning global Craftivist Collective has helped change laws, policies, hearts and minds around the world as well as expand the view of what activism can be.
This handbook is for everyone, wherever you are in the world: whether you are a skilled crafter or a burnt-out activist, an introvert, highly sensitive person, or struggling with anxiety or overwhelm. These 20 projects and tools use the slow, soothing and thoughtful process of craft to help channel feelings of sadness, anger or powerlessness into proactive, encouraging effective actions to help make hope possible.
- How to be a Craftivist: The Art of Gentle Protest, Sarah Corbett, 2017
- How craftivism is powering ‘gentle protest’ for climate, 2024
- Listen to Podcast: Sarah Corbett, On Craftivism, Gentle Hearts and Tactical Hands, 2024
