The craft of wisdom: Climate activist learning in the hands of Australia's Knitting Nannas

This article discusses the contribution of craftivism to climate justice learning through the practices of Australia's Knitting Nannas Against Gas and Greed (aka KNAG or the Nannas). Framing activist adult learning as social movement learning locates environmental and climate justice struggles within lifelong learning practices. Established in 2012, the Nannas are an older women's anti-coal seam gas and fossil fuel movement that has grown to encompass intergenerational ecological sustainability activism. Data presented in this paper were collected with active KNAG members in Australia as part of a PhD study using surveys, interviews, document analysis of social media (Facebook posts, digital videos, e-news bulletins) and researcher auto-ethnography. The research identified the milieu of craftivism motivated older women to collaboratively build their activist identity, ecological and environmental literacy, and non-violent direct action activist skills. The learning ecology involved a complex web of social interactions and encounters that stimulated opportunities for active listening and critical reflection, which promoted transformative and emancipatory learning dispositions. Craftivism was analysed to be the catalyst and transformative force that activated situated experiential learning and identity formation.

Automated summary

This article discusses the contribution of craftivism to climate justice learning, using Australia's Knitting Nannas Against Gas and Greed (aka KNAG or the Nannas) as a case study. The research found that craftivism motivated older women to collaboratively build their activist identity, ecological and environmental literacy, and non-violent direct action skills. The learning ecology stimulated opportunities for active listening and critical reflection, promoting transformative and emancipatory learning dispositions.