NEW YORK CITY, USA - JUNE 12, 2020: Crowd of people walk into the light of sunset at a peaceful protest march on 14th Street in Manhattan.

NEW YORK CITY, USA - JUNE 12, 2020: Crowd of people walk into the light of sunset at a peaceful protest march on 14th Street in Manhattan.

Get Involved

AFS Is Every Day

Many people hear “AFS” and think “annual meeting,” but AFS is every day, not just in October! Throughout the year, you can participate in our community and our work in ways large and small. (We hope you’ll also attend the annual meeting, though!)

A smiling group stands in front of a sign that reads "Folklorists and Ethnomusicologists at Work Around the World"
Members of the AFS Cultural Diversity Committee gather in 2019 in the offices of the Department of Folklore and Ethnomusicology at Indiana University.

Join Us

Be a part of the premier professional society in the world devoted to folklore. 

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Spread the Word!

One of the most powerful ways to get involved is by becoming an advocate for the field and sharing all the wonderful things we do as folklorists and cultural practitioners.

Reach out, advocate, and promote work in our field

Join AFS Sections

Join the conversation in any of more than 30 special interest groups.

Even better, you can help shape the conversation! Section activities depend on the vision and commitment of section members.

See all sections

Log in to the Member Portal to manage your section involvement

A square quilt made of irregularly shaped, colorful fabric pieces
Women’s Section quilt made by members of the section to benefit the Elli Kongas-Maranda Prize, 1993 – 1995. The quilt was designed and pieced by Laurel Horton and Jane Przybysz, and quilted by the Fairview United Methodist Church Quilters of Camden, Arkansas.
"Your Vote Matters"

Make Your Voice Heard

Help choose the AFS leaders who guide and govern the Society on behalf of its community of members. Vote in each annual election!

AFS also invites members to recommend candidates for leadership positions and for the AFS Fellows. If we receive your recommendations outside the timetable required for each nomination process, your suggestions may be carried forward for the following year. Contact Executive Director Jessica A. Turner for more information.

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Share Your Photos

The American Folklore Society (AFS) needs images to feature in AFS publications, including the AFS website, that reflect the diversity of the work of folklore, encompassing the creative traditions of diverse communities and the diverse work methodologies of folklorists. If you make images or work with repositories of dynamic visual materials, consider sharing some images to represent our field. If your work is selected, AFS will credit and promote your contribution.

Submit an image

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Volunteer at AFS

Want to be in the room where it happens? You can contribute to AFS activities in a range of ways, from giving a few hours at the annual meeting to serving on a committee that advises on current and future work.

Many service positions are appointed, and some elected. Are you willing to be called upon, now or in the future?

Let us know you’re available

Your contribution supports our ongoing activities, advances our long-term goals, and sustains us for the future.

Your generosity also makes it possible for others to get involved!

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Subscribe

Not ready to join AFS? Members are always the first to hear from us, but you don’t have to join to get our news delivered straight to your inbox.

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