We Need Your Help
The American Folklore Society wants to make sure that when the world needs a folklorist, there are folklorists to be found! But these actions depend on you:
1. Add Yourself as an Expert
Submit your information in our “Find an Expert” directory that will help the media find experts on a variety of folklore-related topics
2. Develop a Plan
Develop a plan to advocate for and promote 1) your work, 2), your program, 3) the communities you work with, and 4) the field of folklore. The Folklore Advocacy Toolkit will walk you through the steps and offer tips and strategies.
3. Update Your Social Media
Keep your information up-to-date on professional and social sites like Academia.edu, Google Scholar, and even Facebook and Twitter (and make good use of the popular hashtags #FolkloreThursday and #AskAFolklorist)
Spread the word on social media. Check out some guidelines from past AFS workshops for tips and tricks on best practices for using social media.
4. Share Your News and Views
Write a press release about your recent work for the AFS newsletter, at minimum, or for other media outlets. Submit your press releases to AFS by emailing the staff at [email protected].
Share your views! Write an op-ed that offers a folklorist’s perspective on a compelling current issue.
5. Connect with Journalists
Join sites where journalists go. Register with one or more of the sites listed below. (Just don’t forget to fill out AFS’s very own expert database as well!)
Women’s MediaCenter SheSource: This is a database of subject experts, with a focus on social justice and media. (Free)
Diverse Sources: This is a database of experts that specifically includes underrepresented voices and perspectives. (Free, currently in beta)
Global Experts: This is a searchable database of academic experts that was developed by the UN Alliance of Civilizations. (For a fee, currently not accepting new nominations for experts)
SciLine: This database of PhD-level experts for reporters to contact includes the fields of anthropology, education, and sociology. (Cost unclear)
Expertise Finder and Expert File: These are two popular expert-finder resources that appear to get a good amount of use, but they’re not cheap! If you find yourself with some spare funds and want to put your information out there, please let us know if the results are worth it. (For a fee)
6. Stay on Top of Wikipedia
The on-going Folklore in Wikipedia Project calls on members to improve the quantity, coverage, and quality of Wikipedia pages on folklore-studies topics. Log in to the AFS Member Portal to join the discussion group for support and resources, including how-to guides, whether you’re a seasoned Wikipedia editor or a beginner.