Activism needs introverts
1,290,008 views | Sarah Corbett • TEDxYouth@Bath
For the introverts among us, traditional forms activism like marches, protests and door-to-door canvassing can be intimidating and stressful. Take it from Sarah Corbett, a former professional campaigner and self-proclaimed introvert. She introduces us to "craftivism," a quieter form of activism that uses handicrafts as a way to get people to slow down and think deeply about the issues they're facing, all while engaging the public more gently. Who says an embroidered handkerchief can't change the world?
For the introverts among us, traditional forms activism like marches, protests and door-to-door canvassing can be intimidating and stressful. Take it from Sarah Corbett, a former professional campaigner and self-proclaimed introvert. She introduces us to "craftivism," a quieter form of activism that uses handicrafts as a way to get people to slow down and think deeply about the issues they're facing, all while engaging the public more gently. Who says an embroidered handkerchief can't change the world?
This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxYouth@Bath, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.
Read more about TEDx.Join the gentle protest movement and pick a craftivism project. We have all the tools and instructions you need. No craft skills needed, just an open heart and open mind.
Adopt a craftivist. Heart work is hard work. Be part of it.
About the speaker
Sarah Corbett does activism in a quiet, humble and intriguing way using handicrafts.
Martin Luther King Jr. | Fortress Press, 2010 | Book
Strength to Love
I re-read this collection of sermons regularly for his wisdom on how to love those who are causing harm in the world, how to work with people without losing your head or your principles ,and how to focus on the vision of a better world while protesting to end current harm. There are frequent references to philosophers, to other religions and to honest struggles he himself had. This book continues to shape my activism and life.
Daniel Goleman | Bantam Books, 1995 | Book
Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
In activism we can too often fall into demonizing, bullying, shouting at and shaming people. If we want people to change their hearts and minds and their ways to be part of the positive change we want in the world we need to connect to people’s emotions and help them take ownership of the solutions needed and this book helps us with that emotional connection. Bullying only works in the short term, or worse, it causes more division.
Steven Spielberg | Twentieth Century Fox, 2012 | Watch
Lincoln
When we see injustice we should act wisely, not rashly. This long slow film covers the final months of Abraham Lincoln’s life as he lobbies politicians to vote for his Thirteenth Amendment. Throughout the film, you see how this tall, thin, softly-spoken man works with people he disagrees with and they deeply respect him despite their different ideologies. He speaks quietly to politicians and makes sure they feel valued and heard which ultimately helps him pass the historic Thirteenth Amendment.
Susan Cain | Broadway Books, 2013 | Book
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
This book shares the value introverts have in our world. It is brilliantly researched and full of case studies of how people deliver outstanding results while not burning out as introverts. It made me feel useful as an introvert in the activist world. It helped me see where my skills could be used to complement more extrovert forms of activism and how introverts can be hugely powerful as part of a bigger strategy that needs a variety of campaigning styles.
Duncan Green | OUP Oxford, 2016 | Book
How Change Happens
A book for experienced activists and novice protesters. It provides a clear summary of how change happens through a different type of activism. Green shows that there is no neat formula for change. We need to ‘dance’ around injustice being knowledgeable about the power structures but also seeing all structures as eco-systems that are constantly moving: so we need to be flexible. This book is accessible, refreshingly jargon-free, full of case studies from different times and contexts around the world.
Krista Tippett | Krista Tippett Productions | Listen
OnBeing.org
OnBeing is an award-winning radio conversation and podcast asking the big questions: what does it mean to be human and how do we live? I’m constantly enlightened, challenged and inspired by Krista Tippett’s interviews with some of the biggest and best brains in the world from religious leaders and philosophers to artists, authors, and activists. The more I learn about the human brain and heart through listening to these episodes, the better an activist I can become.
Positive News Publishing Limited, Founded 1993 | Explore
Positive News
Don’t make despair convincing, make hope possible. This constructive journalism magazine is full of inspiring news from around the world, reminding us that there are remarkable advances happening to tackle poverty and ecocide. The magazine doesn’t stop you wanting to campaign against injustices: it inspires, empowers and fills you up with energy and excitement to keep going.
Learn more
About TEDx
TEDx was created in the spirit of TED's mission, "ideas worth spreading." It supports independent organizers who want to create a TED-like event in their own community.
This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxYouth@Bath, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.
Read more about TEDx.Join the gentle protest movement and pick a craftivism project. We have all the tools and instructions you need. No craft skills needed, just an open heart and open mind.
Adopt a craftivist. Heart work is hard work. Be part of it.