A look at Let’s Move the Needle: An ACTIVISM HANDBOOK for Artists, Crafters, Creatives and Makers by Shannon Downey
Introduction to Craftivism
Does the word craftivist mean anything to you? If you read No Kill Mag, then it certainly should. The term, a portmanteau of ‘craft’ and ‘activism’, was coined by writer and activist Betsy Greer in 2003. For decades, Greer’s moniker has allowed the craftivist community to define the unique space that they occupy in the political and creative landscape, and has encouraged the unity of members around the world.
The Craftivist Impact of Shannon Downey
Shannon Downey is an author, artist, and activist who defines craftivism as “an independent or collective art practice meant to build power and agency in direct support of actions aimed at creating social or political change.” I’ve had the pleasure of reading Downey’s latest work, Let’s Move the Needle, and I want to talk about my experience with it.
Her book is a prime example of Greer’s societal impact: It’s the ultimate craftivist handbook, diary, and encyclopedia all in one. This is not just your run-of-the-mill piece of activist literature that, albeit understandably, only aims to center its message around a call to action. Alongside the classic group strategies and goal-setting, Downey invites her readers to participate in several exercises in self-reflection, allowing the audience to look inward and identify their true passions and motivations.
Diving into the History and Techniques of Craftivism
Let’s Move The Needle is rich with ideas and information. At the beginning of the book is a brief history/overview of craftivism. Its categories and complexities were made simple through examples of past craftivist movements. Not only did I learn about the origins of craftivism, but I saw how it has manifested itself in our world today.
For example, Downey teaches readers about the craftivist techniques of coded message sharing and resistance by sharing the story of Phyllis Latour Doyle, a British secret agent who would carry secret messages in a piece of silk during WWII.
Another pillar of craftivism, community building, is highlighted in Project FIRE, a gun violence recovery program for Chicago youths that combines glassblowing with support group methodology. In my opinion, beginner craftivists have hit the jackpot because Downey’s case studies provide all the inspiration you need to figure out your next step.
The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Activism
And it doesn’t stop there! Downey’s book also places a much-needed emphasis on the importance of emotional intelligence, which is something that I don’t see often. What’s unique about Downey’s work is that she prioritizes the mental just as much as the physical. The results of her exercises were far more impactful than I expected. Let’s Move the Needle allowed me to become reacquainted with myself.
I’ve noticed that people, and specifically activists, often assume that they are entirely aware of what motivates them. Our hopes, our inspirations, and our character traits are things that we instinctively adopt and pursue without taking the time to ask ourselves why.
For example, you might say that you subscribe to the educational justice movement because it angers you that children in certain areas of this country do not have access to a proper education. But why does it anger you? Because it’s wrong? Because it’s unfair? Because you’ve had personal experiences with a subpar education system? We are so focused on getting the job done that we sometimes forget why we took the job in the first place. This is the problem that Downey aims to tackle in her book by exploring the idea of identity.
Owning Your Identity and Its Power
The book asserts that owning an identity keeps you motivated and invested in your cause. But what does it mean to own one’s identity? According to Downey, it’s being able to define your interests and desires as a part of you, not just something you partake in. I am a writer, not just someone who writes. I am an educational justice activist, not just someone who engages in conversations about educational inequality.
Owning your identity gives you guidance and clarity on your journey, and it can become a progression tracker of sorts that you can continuously revisit and build upon.
Personal Reflection and Growth Through Craftivism
I was able to apply Downey’s philosophy to my own life through one of the book’s reflective exercises, “Yes, No, Maybe So.” The goal was to make a list of things that you definitely were, definitely weren’t, and things you could be. Getting real with yourself is, for lack of a better word, freaky!
Wrestling with what you are or aren’t can bring about feelings of insecurity and confusion. And don’t even get me started on one’s potential abilities. But it’s necessary. It’s necessary for artists, activists, and anyone who wants to be the best version of themselves that they can possibly be.
In doing this activity, I was able to articulate things that I’ve only ever thought or felt subconsciously. What’s great about Downey’s philosophy is that she applies it to every aspect of “craftivism.” As Downey takes you through every step of the “craftivist” journey, she is constantly bringing the reader back to this grounding idea of motivation and identity. And it’s okay if this process takes time! Recognizing your true sources of motivation is not some small task. But it’s so worth it.
Some of the exercises I did from the book.
Strategies for Successful Advocacy
In addition to engaging in themes of self-discovery, Let’s Move the Needle highlights some other concepts that are worth mentioning. For example, strategies for successful advocacy. Though Downey takes a new approach to activism with her reflection techniques, she does not forget to include the standard aspects of activism that are necessary for any group or organization to succeed. These include: solving a problem at the root instead of treating its symptoms, ensuring that there is a foundation of trust between a leader and community members, power-mapping to identify relationships that can help you achieve your goals, and using specific messaging tactics to recruit new members and strengthen your network. And this is just the tip of the iceberg!
Let’s Move The Needle prepares craftivists for every struggle that they may face, whether internal or external.
Another huge takeaway is the importance of community.
This is a recurring theme that I have seen across several pieces of activist literature. Nothing can be done in isolation; community is key. Fortunately, Downey goes into extensive detail on how to facilitate, sustain, and mobilize an effective community. In fact, one of my favorite quotes in the entire book came from the chapter on creating an intentional team.
Downey writes that “caring about people on a human level is critical to working together to move forward a larger agenda of care.”
She asserts that a team cannot function when the leadership does not respect or trust its members. Just as it’s important to own your identity, it’s also important to affirm the identities of those working with you. Funnily enough, this book made me realize just how many steps there were before achieving the status of full-blown, front-line activism. In reality, it’s the shadow work done behind the scenes that leads to change.
Conclusion: Embracing Change
My final takeaway from Let’s Move the Needle was a challenge to incorporate the change you want to see into your own lifestyle. This felt like the hardest task of all, because of the change in perspective that is required to accomplish this. Downey talks about having to turn down certain jobs and jeopardize her source of income because the values of prospective companies have not aligned with hers.
To create a better world, we have to step back a bit from the one we currently live in. It’s scary! And uncomfortable! But it’s a step that we all eventually have to take, at our own pace. So readers, I obviously encourage you to read Let’s Move the Needle by Shannon Downey if you get the chance. Whether you’re a craftivist or not, there’s something for everyone if you’re willing to try.
–Arola Oluwehinmi
The book is open for pre-order! Support local bookstores by buying here!
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