I bet when you think of activism a lot of strategies come to to mind--maybe picketing, getting out the vote, boycotting, marching, and protesting among them. Probably not knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and cross stitch. Shannon Downey, author of Let's Move the Needle: An Activism Handbook for Artists, Crafters, Creatives, and Makers, is out to broaden your definition. Her reasoning is very persuasive. And her her photographs of crafters and crafts are colorful and engaging.
I love, love, LOVE what she's doing here. Traditional definitions of activism focus on extroverts who are comfortable getting out on the street and in front of the mic. They are also available to people who have time, resources, and transportation. But we need to engage the larger community and value their contributions to achieve real solidarity. This seems like a viable avenue to doing so.
There are two parts of the book that particularly impress me. One is chapter 2 that starts with with "Want to change the world? Deal with your shit." It has some wonderful prompts for helping you understand your evolving personal and activist identity. It also has ways of moving beyond your comfort zone.
The other is how in the rest of the book the how tos get right down to the basics, making it accessible to people new to activism, and there are plenty of inspiring examples. Rather than a one time read, I see it as a valuable resource like my battered cookbook I got from my mom when I was 12.
As I read the book I was thinking about a group that developed organically in a short time--Black Bear Mutual Aid Fund. At a hackathon Tamra was one of the students who needed a team and money to bring it from idea to actuality. I was on her team. Through very dedicated leadership it grew substantially in just 2 years. It does fundraisers and distributes the money to UMaine students, faculty, and staff facing financial hardship. So far over $20,000!!! It also does volunteering with community organizations. It benefits not only aid recipients but students who experience the thrill of making a difference.
I know reading Let's Move The Needle inspired me to come up with ideas. Maybe it can inspire you too.
On a purrrsonal note, fortunately after our rainy Thursday the weather cleared up--all blue skies and sunshine--in time for two major UMaine outdoor events that would have been hard to hold indoors. I was paparazzi for both. Friday's was an informational event to raise student awareness of the resources on campus avaliable to help them--everything from SWell (Student Wellness) and the Counseling Center to Financial Aid to Residential Life and so many more. Each group had a table. People who got a stamped passport from every table were entered in a prize drawing. There were also fun foods (snow cones, cotton candy, hot dogs), mocktails, and games. Very popular. Today was Family and Friends weekend. So many people and dogs came. The mall was covered with tables, games, demonstrations, vendors, and food trucks--something for everyone. The mood was decidedly festive. There were so many fun pictures to take. Like the dogs and their people, a baby in a stroller, and action shots. At both events I was so happy to be engaged and have my skills valued.
A great big shout out goes out to all who participated in both events.
Jules Hathaway
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