Barefoot Vegan Mag Jan_Feb 2017

By Julia Feliz Brueck
I
ncluded with the latest submission to The Vegan
Craftivist Project was a note that read in part, "I like
the idea of vegan craftivist projects because I want
to feel useful and feel like I am still part of a
movement even though I am physically unable to be part
of a lot of actions. Everyone has something to give in
life."
As the note reminds us, we all have something to give
and we can all speak up for non-humans in whatever way
we can. The Vegan Craftivist Project started as a way to
stay active in speaking up for non-humans after my move
to a foreign country where I did not speak the language. I
felt unable to use my voice on behalf of non-human
animals as I did before my move. I was grateful to find an
outlet a few months later when I learned that I could use
my hands to create works that could speak on their own
on issues that I was passionate about. I decided to use
craft as activism within the vegan and animal rights
movement through the collective display of banners
silently yet loudly proclaiming "why vegan" for nonhuman
animals.
Whether you are the only vegan in your area,
unfamiliar with the local language like I was, physically
unable to take part in many actions, or very active in the
vegan movement, the great thing about craftivism is that
vegans from all walks of life can speak up through the
use of their hands.
The term ‘craftivism’ was coined by Betsy Greer with an
aim of speaking up for social justice issues through the
use of craft - knitting, crochet, sewing, and embroidery,
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for example. Community outreach, making things for
those less fortunate, creating something to protest an
issue, or crafting a piece that delivers a message to the
viewer, all count as craftivism. The Vegan Craftivist
Project was the first vegan project to join the craftivist
movement.
With a goal of collecting 100 banners, which will be
sewn together as a large flag and displayed in vegan
venues and demonstrations, world-wide submissions in all
languages from vegans of all crafting skills are welcome to
send in banners. To learn more about vegan craftivism,
the project, and submission guidelines,
visit vegancraftivist.blogspot.ch or join our Vegan
Craftivist Facebook page. BV
Julia is an American currently
experiencing life in
Switzerland. She has spent
the last decade or so
exploring the world
outside of the US, and on
that journey, while in Ireland, she
discovered ethical veganism. Julia has recently
published her first vegan children’s book ‘Libby
Finds Vegan Sanctuary’.