Craftivism for the introverted carers of climate change

Because we are not all loud, proactive, extroverted, comfortable public speakers.

Activism

- what does it mean?

I've watched a whole bunch of engaging, exciting and ethusiastic people talk about what they are doing in their activist lives and there is no denying it has been a huge motivation to do more, but as a natural introvert, a calm and quiet person, I often find it difficult to face what being an activist really means for me. Activists are conventionally known for their outspokeness, confidence and vocality right? Their ability to command a room, and hold the attention of swathes of people and well known politicians. So where on earth does the introvert fit in? How does the quiet person make their voice heard and make people listen to what they have to say? How does the polite one in the back use their elbows to barge their way to the front if this is not in their character? I don't mean to make a whole load of assumptions about conventional activists, but those are assumptions are there for us all - they are ingrained into our brains as the idea of the activists. They are loud, proud, have something to say and they will make you listen. The truth is, not all activists are like this. Of course they're not.

Traditonally the term 'activists' or 'activism' has been presented in a negative light in the media, which has helped to form this falsified view of activism. Words like 'hippies','crazy', and 'extreme' have often been used to describe the people and the movement associated. These words have replaced positive terms like 'passion', 'pioneering' and 'forward-thinking'. It's a shame that the message gets lost through media scrutiny of the people and the methods when it should be about what they are fighting for.

Activism is simple the active act of intervening political, social, economic or environmental reform in society to make the world a better place. Yes this can be thorough campaigning, protests, marches, rallies, marches and strikes, but there are other things we can do, behind the scenes, and it's not to be scoffed at.

You are still an activist if you're doing it quietly.

This is something I'm still trying to come to terms with. I often feel like I should be out there, doing more things, being more vocal, be more confrontational, go to more protests, basically 'be more activisty'. This is ridiculous for two reasons:

1. I cannot force myself to be something or act in a way that is not me.

2. Activists are not that one type of person we are told they are from a young age. Activists are different types of personalities, working together to achieve positive change, through different methods (which can be quiter, not on the front line, but on the eigth or ninth line)

The quieter activists are probably do the things beind the scenes to make the scenes happen.

I've realised that's where I like to be, and if I find myself on the front line, well that's good too.

Craftivism - what is it?

Something that's popped up more and more recently is craftivism, crafting your way through a crisis by making things that draw attention to the subject.

The term was originally coined by Betsy Greer in 2003, a crafter, speaker and and writer. For more detail you can go straight to her craftivism website.

It's not going to achieve results immediately. Meticulous craft takes time and care, but it's a beautiful method of communication, and can be a wonderful tool to use with kids, neighbours, friends or in a creative environment to get those minds thinking, and start a conversation in a light, fun way.

I've scoured Google for just a few examples of some amazing works of craftivism, as this is 100% one time that the visuals speak louder than words:

A quieter life

Eco anxiety is a real thing, so it's important to step back if you need to.

If you're feeling over whelmed, unsure, not confident, scared or don't know where to start or continue in your activist journey, maybe take a break, and try a little craftivism. Obviously while we are stepping back, that doesn't mean our eco anxiety disappears, and sometimes, some of us still need to be doing something to feel like we are still fighting for the cause even on our break.

Craftivism might provide the light relief you need while maintaining your urge to be doing something (anything) to help the climate crisis, but in a lower key manner.

Remember, don't be too hard on yourself though - it's okay to just kick back, make a sandwich and watch Netflix.

For more on craftivism, you can go to Crafting Collective, Sarah Corbett's gentler approach after years of more physical and vocal efforts.