The UCRF started with a radical manifesto for systems change in the fashion sector to overcome empty promises, greenwashing, unnecessary duplication of research and procrastination of change because of an over reliance on technology. Inspired by the Union of Concerned Scientists we wanted to make a home for all of us globally working for radical change in the fashion sector, to learn together, to support each other and to make our actions and voices stronger.
Create an activist knowledge ecology is one of the UCRF’s manifesto points.
Photo UCRF, 2022.
The UCRF organises local assemblies, drives actions around, for example, policy and has a series of working groups. We have a code of conduct, centred around change, courage and collaboration that sets the tone for each meeting and which guards the integrity of our work. The UCRF creates an unusual fashion scene as it brings together perspectives from different parts of the fashion sectors around the globe.
The Union of Concerned Researchers of Fashion was founded by Kate Fletcher, Lynda Grose, Timo Rissanen and Mathilda Tham in 2019. Now we are thirteen members of the board, reflecting the diversity of our members from 43 countries across the continents.
UCRF receiving award at EcoAge’s Green Carpet Fashion Awards,
Milan Fashion Week, September 2019.
Photo by EcoTextile News, 2019.