Member feature written by Meg Baresic
I’ve always wanted to be a crafty person, though I somehow often fall short. I can’t crochet to save myself, sewing machines confuse me, and I cannot fathom how to thread a needle. What I can do, though, is look in awe at the women who volunteer at The Nest.
Craft has always played an important role in the lives of women globally, and founders of The Nest, Roz and Jodie, harbour a particularly personal love for it. What began as craft groups hosted for their daughters’ friends has, over time, evolved into a bustling social enterprise. Having now amassed over 100 volunteers and a small but mighty team of staff, The Nest has fostered a safe space for women to bask in the power of craft.
When I first arrive at The Nest for my visit, I’m greeted warmly by Administration Manager Gwen. Gwen began volunteering at The Nest four years ago before being appointed to a paid position, and if her warmth and kindness are anything to go by, she’s an asset to The Nest. Singing her praises for the women involved, Gwen tells me that The Nest is “just such a happy place”.
Helena and Denise, who have volunteered at The Nest for three and a half years and two years respectively, are folding fabric when I join them at their table. When I ask what they enjoy most about their roles, Helena is quick to share that “Every day is fun, and every day is different. You get to meet so many people and form special friendships.” Denise agrees, adding that “Everyone cares about one another. When I had knee surgery recently, the girls put together a nice card for me and it showed me they really cared.” Such is the nature of the women who choose to volunteer their time at The Nest.
So too is it in their nature to “bag each other out”, Louise tells me with a grin, explaining that the women often enjoy sharing a morning of jokes. Louise has been volunteering at The Nest since January this year, fulfilling what she calls her “six-year retirement goal” to volunteer with the organisation. In achieving this goal, she has happily discovered a wonderful community, a newfound sense of purpose, and the knowledge that she is needed.
Speaking to The Nest’s CEO, Roz, it’s clear that her passion for the organisation has not diminished over time. The Nest’s vision, Roz explains, is to cultivate an environment in which the power of ‘craftivism’ can flourish. If you’ve never heard of craftivism, you’re in good company, though the ‘Craftivism Manifesto’ Roz hands to me outlines it beautifully –
‘A craftivist is anyone who uses their craft to help the greater good.’
‘Craftivism is a way to make big issues tangible, so that we can build a better world together.’
‘Because activism, whether through craft or any other means, is done by individuals, not machines.’
Given craftivism continues to underpin the work done at The Nest, it would come as no surprise that the charity holds a variety of workshops to encourage women to engage in craft. So too has The Nest pioneered The Exchange Project, an initiative in which The Nest partners with local high schools to offer free mentoring and support to young women. Small groups of students are chosen each term by school guidance officers to attend weekly sessions, in turn developing their skills in sewing, embroidery, and other craft projects. “The craft is just a cloak for other things,” Roz later explains. “It’s a cloak for the art of connection.”
As we sit in the office housed at the back of the building, Roz graciously shares with me the importance of the space she has built. “It’s unconditional giving, really.” She is also quick to note that while the organisation places a strong emphasis on the importance of valuing resources, their people are always front of mind when speaking about The Nest. “We really try to ensure that our volunteers feel valued and seen,” Roz tells me.
If you think The Nest sounds pretty amazing, well frankly, sew do I (I had to).
The Nest Community offers volunteer opportunities for craft-loving women in Brisbane. Most of their volunteers work within the Textile Recovery Centre, sorting and repackaging donated textile resources. Shifts are generally 5 hours long. The Nest are always on the lookout for volunteers who can commit to a regular weekly shift for a minimum of 6 months.
Find out more about how to volunteer at The Nest by visiting their website.
About Meg
Meg Baresic is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws and Journalism at QUT. When she’s not drinking coffee or catching up with friends, Meg loves chatting to and learning from inspiring and interesting people.
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