CoopaThoughts

From CloudPad

I've been fascinated by and immersed in the burgeoning 'alternative craft movement' that has taken the youth culture here in the US (and elsewhere) by storm...

Seeds of Growth- Inside America's DIY movement http://www.seedsofgrowth.com/ins ide-americas-diy-movement/

Sierra Club Interview: "Creating Something out of Nothing" http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra /200501/interview.asp

I've also been enjoying hosting 'craftyclubhouses' in my local community... gatherings to promote a space to connect with that movement..similar to the various 'stitch-n-bitch' circles, churches of craft, and 'craft mafias' that have been sprouting up. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ava darlene/sets/72157594220922679/ and am one of thousands who have set up sale pages on Etsy.com http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?use r_id=77707 and on myspace and elsewhere to share and sell some of the crafts we make.

In the last few years the amount of shows, fairs, gatherings and books devoted to these new handcrafting trends has grown exponentially. There is a 'recycled is best' and anti-sweatshop ethos that accompanies much of this movement...

I've been trying to figure out how best to link that energy movement to help power a strong uplift spiral in the developing world ...

brainstorming an idea for a non-profit org and/or grassroots movement which helps link western artists, designers and entrepeneurs with emerging artisan cooperatives in developing countries.

Artisan Collaboration & Cooperatives CoopaCraft International/ idea for a matchmaking database and org http://www.omidyar.net/group/art isans/news/5/

compiling lists: Recycled material crafts for sustainable income generating projects http://www.omidyar.net/group/art isans/news/12/

Design contests and awards...travel fellowships..the works.. thoughts?

Material Resource Center NYC http://www.mfta.org/

Material Resource Center Long Island http://www.materialresourcecenter.org/