Have you ever read a heart-stopping headline, or found out a local organization was in desperate need, and known you had to do something to help? This discussion covers constructive ways to use your crafts (and your blog) to help, locally and globally. In the hyper-connected Internet age, spreading the word or organizing, finding, contributing to, or shopping crafty fundraisers has never been easier. We’ll talk about successful large-scale crisis fundraisers like Crafters United (Hurricane Katrina) and Hearts for Haiti and Craft Hope (Haitian relief efforts), as well as ongoing support like year-round local, volunteer, and donation-based efforts. From Craft Hope and Quilting for Peace to Knitting for Good, there are many wonderful outlets in our craft community for raising awareness (and funds) when they’re needed most. Susan Beal and guests will lead the discussion on craft activism

Susan Beal has donated her crafts to or volunteered for Auction for America, Crafters United, Craft Hope, Homemade for Haiti, United for Peace and Justice, the Special Education PTA of Portland, and other causes dear to her heart.