We use crafts to invite people in power to take action to protect the planet.
We need people of all abilities to join us so that our small actions have a big impact.
Leeds Craftivists are a group of creatives passionate about changing the world for the better. We believe that if we’re hoping to build a kinder, more gentle world, then our actions must be kind and gentle too. We craft intriguing objects to invite those in power to join us in working towards a better world.
What can you expect from the group?
- We are first and foremost a community. We prioritise offering a warm welcome and showing care for each other.
- Craftivists understand that if we want to build a world that is beautiful, kind and fair, then our activism must be beautiful, kind and fair too.
- Our craftivist approach moves us away from an ‘us and them’ narrative, and means seeking the best in everyone as we seek change together. We call people in rather than calling people out. We respect where each individual is on their activism journey, and encourage each other as we learn more.
- The group is co-created, and we want everyone to be involved in actively shaping the space. That means offering encouraging feedback, and engaging positively with meetings and campaigns.
- While we find support and solidarity in the craftivist community, this is a public space and we take responsibility for our own wellbeing in the group.
During our monthly meetings we use short meditations to get in the right headspace for our reflective activism; share ideas; hear talks on specific areas of climate concern and create a small, beautiful object to send to somebody in power as a means of asking for change.
Our campaign for January, February and March 2025 will be “Transform Trade”. You can read more about the campaign and sign up for any or all of the meetings here.
We’ll also be hosting a special workshop with Pippa on Sunday 09 February at Leeds Industrial Museum, learning about her current exhibition, “Entangled” and making our own felt creations. Find out more and book your place here.
Our previous campaigns for 2023/24 have been on Climate and Migration, Public Transport and Food Waste. You can listen to our podcast episodes about those campaigns here:
Other campaigns have been on topics such as Water Quality, Biodiversity and the Cost of Living Crisis. While our focus is building community in Leeds, we’ve had support for our campaigns from all over the UK, including from celebrities!
You can find out more about our previous campaigns on our Blog, and listen to our “Justice” podcast where we discuss a variety of topics related to climate change and more.
Head to our Events page for more information.
Other notes:
For details of our Safeguarding Policy, please click here.
We are delighted to be able to offer this community free of charge, however if you would like to make a donation, you can do that here.
At Leeds Sanctuary, we value the mental and physical wellbeing of every individual. With this in mind, a Mental Health First Aider will be available for a conversation if any challenging topics arise during the session.
Like many organisations, we like to take photos and sometimes short videos so that we can showcase the work we’re doing in our various digital and print communications. If you would prefer not to be in any photos, please let us know by email or during the session, and we will ensure that you are not featured.