Midwest Folklorists and Cultural Workers Alliance

A group of people stand in front of Chicago's reflective "bean" monument

Who We Are

The Midwest Folklorists & Cultural Worker Alliance (MFCWA) is a network of individuals who share, collaborate on, and advocate for folklife and cultural work in the Midwest. The group meets the first Wednesday of the month on Zoom at 2pm Central/3pm Eastern time. 

What We Do

MFCWA meets virtually periodically for administrative and networking meetings. The goals and activities of the MFCWA are:

  1. Network folklorists and cultural workers located in the midwest, providing opportunities for capacity-building, relationship-building, and collaboration
  2. Connect to other networks and organizations
  3. Receive and share updates about important initiatives that impact folklife and cultural work in the midwest
  4. Share our past and current work
  5. Mentor students and new professionals in the region
  6. Manage a directory of midwestern folklorists and cultural workers
  7. Manage a bibliography of midwestern folklife and cultural materials
  8. Advertise and recruit to MFCWA

MFCWA Retreat

MFCWA also coordinates a biennial retreat aimed at fostering interdisciplinary, cross-state interactions and capacity-building. Some activities at recent MFCWA Retreat include:

  • neighborhood  and cultural tours
  • professional development workshops
  • opportunities to sample local foodways
  • planning sessions for the region led by skilled facilitators
  • the chance to network and spend time with each other face to face

Reach Out