Our Values

The CVNT Collective is trans affirming, pro-choice, anti-fascism, anti-genocide, anti-racism, and intersectional. We believe every person has a right to live with dignity and be treated with respect.

What is Craftivism?

Craftivism is a contraction of the words “craft” and “activism,” coined by Betsy Greer in 2003. It is the practice of using hand-made crafts such as sewing, knitting, and embroidery, to try to influence social or political change. Crafting as a way to protest or to educate gives practitioners (known as craftivists) the chance to engage in thoughtful and artistic ways with an issue, and craft circles can add a sense of community and create a space for discussion on the topic.

While the term has only been around since the turn of the century, the practice itself has a long history. Suffragettes used crafts in their fight for the right to vote in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. In Argentina, starting in 1977, the Madres de la Plaza de Mayo stitched names of children who disappeared onto white headscarves and gathered at the Plaza de Mayo to protest. The AIDS Memorial Quilt was started in the 1980’s in response to the AIDS crisis and the stigma around contracting the disease.

Meet the Board

Jocie Osika (she/her)

Jocie is the founder and board chair of The CVNT Collective. After learning about the millennia-long use of hand made hats for activism, she was inspired to start a United States fiber arts based craftivism group. Outside of The Collective, Jocie is a PhD Candidate in anthropology and studies the child welfare system.

Breanna Nolan (she/her)

Breanna is an artist and creative located in North Idaho. Along with her day job in the dental field, she also works at Emerge, CDA, a local arts non profit. Breanna is passionate about bettering her community and is excited to serve as Secretary of the Board for the CVNT Collective.

Taylor Raymond (they/them)

Taylor is the Treasurer and a founding member of the CVNT Collective. They have a background in finance, a love for crafting, and a desire to make the world a better place. They also are a Nerdfighter and have a cat named Goose.

Sarah Russell (she/her)

Sarah Russell is an ADHD Coach and the founder of The Neurodivergent Report podcast. 

As a founding board member of The CVNT Collective, her background in activism and advocacy is deeply rooted in community harm reduction and social populism.

mom of 2 boys. ska punk enthusiast. catch me outside, with cheese.