Crafting and Activism as One

I love the idea of Craftivism: using crafts and art to make a political statement, help a cause or instigate change. These items represent not only the money used to purchase the materials, but the time and effort taken to create them. Craftivism makes a statement that monetary donations cannot. As the movement grows and expands, there are so many ways to help.

The Snuggles Project gives animal lovers a way to keep pets in shelters and animal hospitals warm. The facilities in these places are made of nonporous materials to make disinfecting easier. Unfortunately, that means that the dogs and cats who call them home - temporarily - can look forward to sleeping on a steel or tile floor. As a craftivist, you can sew, knit or crochet blankets and pads to be used in cages and holding rooms. Some snuggles have pockets or are shaped like tubes. Cats in particular feel safer in a more confined space. They seek refuge in these snuggies for the same reason they hide under pillows at home. If you'd like to made snuggles, first be sure that there is a local need for them. Ensure that they are well-constructed, suitable for the roughhousing of puppies and the stress of washing.

Some communities offer crafting projects to assist the bereaved. Organizations like Afghans for Angels and A Small Victory provide materials to aid in the grief process when a child is lost. (These programs have religious philosophies, but anyone of any affiliation is welcome to participate.) I encourage you to work on a local level. Inquire at hospitals in your city. Many of them host berevement programs or can direct you to them. Some program leaders may suggest afghans or lap blankets to comfort those who have lost a loved one.

One of the most popular craftivism outlets is support for the ill. Take a look at the website for Chemo Caps. It has many great patterns for hats that can be donated to your local oncology center. The hats can reinforce the self-esteem of women - and men - who have lost their hair to chemotherapy. However, other patients can benefit from crafts. Consider donating amigarumi or other soft toys to children's wards. Give your cause a new twist by teaching. Doctors sometimes advise people with neurological damage or arthritis to do beadwork or other crafts. Take someone under your wing and help him help himself. You can also take the opportunity to introduce your prodigy to craftivism. It can be empowering. Remember that each person's values are different and you should not force your student to support your own causes.

You can support any cause with your crafts, even those that do not directly require items that you can make. Consider auctioning or selling your treasures and donating the proceeds to anything you believe in: a political campaign, a park committee, the coordinators of a festival or a social cause. Programs like eBay's Giving Works allows you to turn your craft into a monetary donation with ease. You can also contact local nonprofits or churches to contribute to sales outlets that they may already have in place.

My favorite form of craftivism is the grafitti movement. It is a unique way of beautifying cities and is often welcomed by local governments and tourism boards. Many crafters intend to send the message that local products and small businesses deserve to be in the spotlight, or that women should be more visible. However, your project can convey any ideal you like. Create a pattern that sends a message to everyone who views your art. Attach a weatherproof tag or sign. Use the placement of your project to draw attention to a particular location. Even if crafted grafitti is not permitted in your area, you may be able to form an agreement with the owners or renters of particular properties. Ask. The worst thing they could do is say, "No."

Every crafter derives a sense of accomplishment and joy from his or her work. No matter what your preferred media - yarn, fabric, metal, beads, paper or found objects - you can compound those feelings by passing them on to causes you support. If you can make a craft project, you can make a difference.

Sources: http://www.snugglesproject.org/ , http://www.angelfire.com/ia2/AforApage2/index.html . http://asmallvictory.org/ , http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fewhours/chemotherapy-hats.htm, http://www.chemocaps.com/page3.htm , http://givingworks.ebay.com/ , http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/arts/graffiti-artist-spins-a-new-kind-of-yarn/2009/01/13/1231608708374.html