S03 Episode 106 | CRAFTIVISTS + THE ART OF GENTLE PROTEST

In episode 106, Kestrel welcomes Sarah Corbett, the founder of the Craftivist Collective, to the show. An inclusive group of people committed to using thoughtful, beautiful crafted works to help themselves and encourage others be the positive change they wish to see in the world, the Craftivist Collective has built a global movement.

Sarah recently released a new book called How To Be A Craftivist: The Art Of Gentle Protest.

"It's about intriguing people in to open their hearts and minds about an issue, rather than forcing your opinion or preaching to people."
-Sarah Corbett, Founder of The Craftivist Collective

The Art Of Gentle Protest

In this episode, Sarah shares her thoughts on "the art of gentle protest" and how craftivism can be a powerful tool for her, being an introvert, as it allows her to maintain energy and stay activated. She is also careful to note that craft is not the answer to every activist's scenario, and that activism always comes first, with craft being one of the tools to utilize when it makes sense.

Kestrel and Sarah also discuss the unique underlying power of crafting, in how it slows us down, and allows us to think more strategically and with more attention to detail. Sarah sheds light on the distinct way that working with your hands in a group (and not having eye contact) can actually work in everyone's advantage to open up deeper, more challenging conversations.

The below thoughts, ideas + organizations were brought up in this chat:

How To Be A Craftivist: The Art Of Gentle Protest (Sarah's new book)
"Craftivism" the word was originally coined in 2003 by writer Betsy Greer
A Craftivist's Manifesto by the Craftivist Collective
Liberty, an organization that help campaigners campaign legally
Ethical Trade Initiative, companies can sign onto it but it isn't a binding agreement
Labour Behind The Label, a charity that campaigns for garment workers' rights worldwide
Craftivist Collective Kits
"Shop Dropping" as featured in the Huffington Post
ShareAction, campaign organization Sarah worked with on a project to get 50,000 staff paid the living wage
Lush, cosmetic company that Sarah is working on a project with
"Activism has to be strategic to be effective - otherwise, it's just screaming in the wind."
Women's Institute in the UK
Fashion Revolution, Sarah does a lot of collaborating with them / listen to our show with their cofounder Orsola de Castro here >
Kate Sheridan, made in UK denim that Sarah mentioned

Recommended From The Intro:

*Click above to check out Sarah's new book.*

“I don’t think craftivism as a form of ‘slow activism’ should replace forms of fast activism. We will always need rapid responses and we should take part in them. However many social injustices are sadly far more ingrained in our culture and therefore demand a more complex long-term and multi-faceted solution. ”

— Sarah Corbett