Let's Move the Needle: An Activism Handbook for Artists, Crafters, Creatives, and Makers; Build Community and Make Change!

by Shannon Downey Narrated by Not Yet Available

Overview

Create change in the world with this inspiring guide to social activism, from the artist and craftivist behind Badass Cross Stitch.

Craftivism, or the space where art and activism meet, is a powerful, ever-evolving social justice movement that continues to grow and diversify as more voices and mediums take part in it. In Let's Move the Needle, Shannon Downey, an outspoken voice in the craftivist movement for over a decade, provides a roadmap and accessible toolkit for burgeoning art activists.

Filled with self-reflective activities, exercises, prompts, and stories, Let's Move the Needle educates and empowers creatives to center their art around collective action in service of political, social or community issues they are most passionate about; affirming that everyone can be a changemaker and that change-making can be generative, enjoyable, and a bit sassy!

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

An exquisite celebration of creativity, curiosity, tenacity, and delight. This book will give you the permission, agency, and excitement to start making positive change.—Greta Johnsen, host of Nerdette podcast

Let’s Move the Needle is much more than a craft book ... Shannon’s warmth and wit shine through as she challenges you to step out of your comfort zone and start crafting for the greater good.—Stephanie Rohr, author of Feminist Cross-Stitch

Finally, an exploration of the lightning-fast mind that is Shannon Downey ... This powerful book offers a deep understanding of craftivism and guides you to take authentic actions based on your own values.—Julie Jackson, creator of Subversive Cross Stitch

Let’s Move the Needle is full of heart, humor and a major dose of how-to that inspires social change and invites us to help build a more inclusive, just, and equitable world.—Mary Morten, President, Morten Group, LLC

This book allows you to step more deeply into your soul and find matters of justice that you will be willing to fight forever for truth and equity to prevail. Craft is the medium and a gloriously abundant and empathic life well-lived is the reward.—Elena Quintana, Ph.D., justice activist

Shannon Downey shows that we can move that needle together, in despair, outrage, boredom, and in a joyful imagination of the world as it should be. —Steve Hosik Moon, Former Director of Organizing at Asian Americans Advancing Justice

This stimulating, thoughtfully-organized guide to craftivism will appeal both to activist-minded creatives and noncrafters looking for practical steps to help turn their intentions into action.—Library Journal, starred review

Library Journal

★ 07/01/2024

Downey (design and business, Columbia Coll.) is the artist behind Badass Cross Stitch and a longtime activist. When she returned to stitching during a period of personal burnout, she found that her creative work aligned with her community organizing and activism efforts. These interconnecting spheres led her to craftivism, a centuries-old merging of handmaking and activism that has spread widely through online creative communities. In this guide, she takes aspiring activists through a step-by-step approach to defining problems, building coalitions, setting goals, and developing messaging to motivate and engage. For example, she uses a sample community project involving a beach cleanup as a template. Throughout the book, she emphasizes her key message: craftivism isn't a "quiet, humble" form of activism; it's an impactful way to encourage social change. Crafters looking for specific projects won't find them here, although there are numerous examples of Downey's work throughout the book. VERDICT This is a practical manual for aspiring activists, crafters or otherwise, who want to make a difference in the world around them. This stimulating, thoughtfully-organized guide to craftivism will appeal both to activist-minded creatives and noncrafters looking for practical steps to help turn their intentions into action.—Nanette Donohue

Product Details

BN ID:	2940192678299
Publisher:	Hachette Audio
Publication date:	10/01/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged