Since May 25, 2020, the United States has been in upheaval related to the killing of George Floyd, a black man murdered while in police custody by an officer who knelt on his neck for nine minutes. Floyd had been arrested for suspected forgery of a counterfeit $20 bill. Thousands have gathered at a time to protest in cities around the country, demanding both an end to systemic racism and police brutality.
With questions of racial justice and law enforcement qualified immunity at the forefront of so many minds, you may be wondering what you can do as an individual to promote better treatment of all, especially those who are currently being treated less. First, we can all work to be better educated about these issues and what they mean for those directly affected. Also, many are participating in peaceful protests or donating to causes related to Black Lives Matter, as they are able. Most importantly, we can all “stand in the gap” and literally stand between our black brothers and sisters and their oppressors. But as someone who loves to be crafty, how can you use your talents and channel your energy to promote social change?
What is Craftivism?
Here enters craftivism- the use of your craft as a way to be an activist. The term was first coined by Betsy Greer, founder of the website Craftivism.com. I strongly urge you to check out her website and learn more about craftivism. Below is the Craftivism Manifesto, which I think is the best description of this movement.
Basically, craftivism is when a crafter uses their skills to make items promoting a cause, educating about a cause, or donating directly to a cause.
Craftivism in History
There are many examples of how the concept of craftivism has been used throughout history. During the Suffrage movement in the United States and Great Britain, when women campaigned for their right to vote in the early 1900s, many embroidered on banners and even decorated their umbrellas to make their voices stand out.
We also know of a band of Argentinian mothers protesting a military dictatorship associated with the kidnapping of many young people; they called themselves Madres de la Plaza de Mayo and they embroidered the names of the missing on white handkerchief they wore on their heads.
Craftivism is for everyone! Ghandi encouraged his people to spin their own cotton threads so they would rely less on the British Empire for textiles. He even invented a portable spinning wheel for this movement. His efforts raised awareness and increased discussion related to British control of India in the 1920s-1930s.
There are also really cool stories of women spies who used knitting in the transfer of sensitive information. They would either use knitting to distract others while they tapped a secret message with their feet, hide written information in their knitting bags while traveling, or encrypt a code within their knitted stitches.
Craftivism Today
One more recent example of craftivism include the Women’s March pink knitted hat, which became a symbol of the 2017 protest against President Donald Trump’s offensive statements regarding women.
At the moment, there is a movement called Hat, Not Hate used to promote anti-bullying. Blue hats are made, donated, and distributed to children to help facilitate discussions related to kindness and bullying prevention. You can learn more about this movement, including how to donate, here.
What You Can Do Now
There are so many options for what you can do now to use your crafting talent to make a change in the world.
In regards to the Black Lives Matter movement, you can always donate money to the cause. Some designers and makers are setting aside a portion of their proceeds to donate, which can directly impact individuals affected by the current climate of racism. Additionally, you can be more purposeful in purchasing from black-owned businesses, both within the crafting community and without. One of my favorite ways that someone has implemented craftivism as it relates to this issue is by yarn bombing, or putting crocheted or knitted textiles on public spaces. My friend, Liz at @littleowldesigns_, sent me this picture of a BLM wrap she put on a tree to raise awareness, show support, and encourage discussion.
There are many other current causes for which you can employ craftivism too. I mentioned Hat, Not Hate earlier and have found that this movement is growing and spreading, and a very worthy cause to which to donate your finished blue hats. You can also inquire at your local homeless shelters or women’s and children’s shelters for needs they may have for hats/mittens/blankets/etc. I also know that some hospitals really appreciate blanket and hat donations for their newborn units, and some NICU departments also love having amigurumi octopi stuffed animals for sensory stimulation. Considering the current climate of the pandemic, definitely check with your local hospital units to see if they are accepting donations at this time or if there are other requirements to meet for donations.
I am currently making goods for Elder Orphan Care’s Christmas in July campaign, as organized by @lizs_indiana_attic. For the rest of the month of July, I am making scarves and hats to donate to a care group in Romania that serves the elderly that do not have a lot of family support. Reach out to Liz for more information if you would like to donate!
For me, crafting is a great way to relax and be creative, but it can also be a means through which I can impact the world for good. I hope you can find ways, big and small, to use your crafting for change and become a true craftivist.
XO, Emily
