As The Recycle Challenge Parade & Festival enters into it's third year in New Orleans. The crafters lead by CFO and recycle artist, Madera E. Rogers-Henry, is building a reputation on leading conversations and actions to be educated about the need for crafting. Most importantly, she wants participant's to see that crafting focuses on repurposing, or upcycling recyclable materials into beautiful works of art to hats, props or costumes. Through crafting there's an intentional action to reduce waste from ending up in landfills, or waterways.
Over the past eight years, through it's non-profit Literacy Project International programming, The Recycle Challenge is being incorporated into schools and community, thereby raising an awareness of ness. This new crafting centers around a team participation, to know every hand counts!
The benefits are:
Social Connection:
Community crafting provides an opportunity for individuals to connect with others who share similar interests and hobbies. It fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie among participants.
Students from Gentilly: The Net Charter School first time trying on a paper costumes.
Skill Development:
Engaging in crafting activities within a community setting allows individuals to learn new skills and techniques from one another. This collaborative learning environment enhances personal growth and knowledge acquisition.
Crafting session with CMMP Med interns along with, young and old working on various recyclables at Material Institute
Creativity Enhancement:
Being part of a crafting community encourages individuals to explore their creativity and imagination. Sharing ideas and getting feedback from others can inspire new projects and spark innovative approaches to crafting.
Sense of Accomplishment:
Completing crafting projects within a community setting can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment. Celebrating milestones and sharing finished creations with others can instill a sense of pride and satisfaction.
Support System:
Community crafting groups offer a support system where members can seek advice, encouragement, and feedback from fellow crafters. This network of support can be invaluable in overcoming creative blocks or challenges encountered during the crafting process.
Cultural Preservation:
Community crafting can help preserve traditional crafting techniques and cultural practices. By passing down skills and knowledge within a community, craft traditions can be upheld and cherished for generations to come.
Well-being and Stress Relief:
Engaging in crafting activities in a community setting has been linked to improved mental health and overall well-being. Crafting provides a therapeutic outlet for stress relief, relaxation, and mindfulness, contributing to a sense of emotional balance.
Community Engagement:
Community crafting events and projects can bring people together and strengthen community bonds. Collaborating on group projects or participating in craft fairs and workshops can create a sense of unity and connection within the local community.
Overall, community crafting offers a myriad of benefits ranging from social connection and skill development to creativity enhancement and cultural preservation. Engaging in crafting activities within a community setting can enrich individuals' lives and contribute to a sense of fulfillment and belonging.