5 REASONS CAFT CAMPAIGNS ARE DECENTRALIZED

Decentralized campaigning is the organizing framework that enables small, scattered groups of activists to defeat the biggest corporations on the planet.

It forces those corporations to fight us on our terms, and It is only by unifying our efforts and focusing on a common target that we can make use of these strengths. 

1. AUTONOMOUS NOT DIRECTIONLESS

The concept of decentralized campaigning is at the core of CAFT’s initiative to abolish fur. In this form of activism, individuals have the autonomy to participate how and when they want while maintaining the overarching strategy of the campaign.

2. TACTICAL DIVERSITY

Decentralized campaigns embrace all activists and all styles of activism

Whatever your skills, opinions, and experience, you have something important to contribute. When anyone using any tactic can take part, the resulting diversity of tactics is powerful.Take what you are good at and what you love, Find the right spot for you in CAFT’s campaigns, and know that we are here to help. The animals on fur farms need you

.

3. RESILIENCE – THEY CAN’T STOP US ALL

Luxury brands that kill wildlife for fur have unlimited money and power to fight us.  But when they are dealing with autonomous activists around the world, it is much harder to stamp us out.

Compared to these companies, our resources are minuscule. Decentralized campaigning takes this weakness and turns it into a strength. That reversal is a defining factor of good strategy.

4. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Decentralized campaigns make space to learn, develop, and at times push boundaries.

They allow anyone to get involved, and work alongside experienced activists. The result is strong organizers and dynamic communities, and an expanded window of the dialogue of activism..

5. SOMETIMES RULES JUST GET IN THE WAY

If you want to stage a protest, do it.

No permission necessary.

CASE IN POINT

Thus far, decentralized campaigns initiated by CAFT have had a 100% success rate. The direct result: 9 companies and 43 brands fur-free. Among them: the 2nd largest fashion conglomerate on earth; some of the most stubbornly pro-fur companies in the business; and the top luxury department store chains in North America.

The Neiman Marcus campaign featured such a frenzy of autonomous activity that on multiple occasions, multiple flash demos by multiple different activist groups took place in the same city on the same day. The result of this decentralized mobilization: 61 actions in just over 2 months, and a fur-free policy at one of the world’s most prestigious and successful department stores. 

CAFT WORKS FOR YOU

It is the goal of groups like CAFT to provide the research, infrastructure, resources, and roadmap to achieve victories together.

You will almost never catch CAFT discouraging actions – even when we think there is a better approach. Instead, we offer advice, guidance, and occasionally, constructive criticism. But you are in control of your participation – we are here to help every step of the way.

That said, “Decentralized” does not mean “Deficient” in standards and strategies. Every campaign needs unity of purpose and plan. Basic guidelines to fight to win:

  • Stay on topic. We are asking brands to go fur-free – NOT vegan. 
  • Never protest companies that have recently gone fur-free, for any reason. 
  • No tattle tales. Safe communities exercise their rights and remain silent.
  • Well-calculated risks help us win. Reckless risks destroy campaigns.

Right now there is a global week of action against LVMH. If you read this today and stand outside an LVMH store by yourself tomorrow, you have officially joined the campaign.

Reach out to our Action Team if you need help getting started – or ignore the formalities and get in the streets.