Since 2009, the Craftivist Collective has used the art of Gentle Protest to help change hearts, minds, policies and laws around the world.
Now, in this profound moment of global change, we have an opportunity to apply our Gentle Protest mindset and methods in new ways to empower all types of people to do kind, effective protests.
150 new patrons will give Gentle Protest the best possible start to next year.
Together, we can make this happen.
Polarising words and actions are driving us further apart.
From constant digital connectivity to the climate crisis and deepening inequality, modern life presents unique challenges.
Even if we set out with good intentions, some protests can cause backlash with members of the public, fuel culture wars on social media, and be used by the media to cement an “us” versus “them” mindset.
The result? Polarisation increases and long-term progress is hindered.
But non-violent protests that engage just 3.5% of the population have never failed to bring about positive change.
Gentle Protest expands our understanding of what protest can be.
It’s amazing how fruitful a conversation becomes when we shift our focus away from saving or blaming towards coaching and respectfully challenging.
The Drama Triangle is a framework that describes how when we see injustice that we want to protest, we can unconsciously default to dysfunctional mindsets of Victim, Perpetrator, and Rescuer.
This can lead to looping, combative interactions that make us root more deeply into our own point of view rather than staying curious to encourage collaboration for positive societal change.
Using the practical tools of Gentle Protest, individuals become Challengers who give constructive feedback, Coaches who support others to better understand the injustice, and Creators who focus on what actions are within their power to take with compassion and care.
The Gentle Protest methods and mindset aren’t meant to replace existing thoughtful protests. It’s about seeing where gentleness can be used more to strengthen protests with a mindful response, compassion for others and be delivered carefully to bring about collective progress.
“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu