The Folk Union Charter
The Folk Union sets out a small number of values to help frame how folk culture, folk practice, and folk revival are talked about within the project.
They’re a way of being clear about the kinds of questions the project deals with, and the situations it tries to think through carefully.
The Charter simply makes those values visible. If others find them useful, or recognise similar concerns in their own work, they’re welcome to sign to show a shared interest.
The Charter is not a rulebook, a membership scheme, or a form of accreditation. It doesn’t certify good practice nor does it offer any protection from criticism. It’s just a statement of intent, nothing more.
Our Values
1.
KEEP FOLK OPEN
Folk is ordinary culture made by ordinary people. The Folk Union supports projects that keep it accessible and inclusive.
Folk is ordinary culture made by ordinary people. The Folk Union supports projects that keep it accessible and inclusive.
2.
STAND AGAINST RACISM & EXCLUSION
No nationalism. No gatekeeping. When you sign up to The Folk Union, you show that your project rejects reactionary politics.
No nationalism. No gatekeeping. When you sign up to The Folk Union, you show that your project rejects reactionary politics.
3.
PROTECT THE CULTURAL COMMONS
Projects should avoid treating folk culture as a product. They share culture openly and credit everyone fairly.
Projects should avoid treating folk culture as a product. They share culture openly and credit everyone fairly.
4.
ENCOURAGE FAIRNESS & ETHICAL PRACTICE
Fair fees, good treatment of participants, transparency and honesty.
Fair fees, good treatment of participants, transparency and honesty.
5.
CARE FOR LAND & ENVIRONMENT
Folk and landscape are deeply linked. The Folk Union supports projects commited to protecting the environment.
Folk and landscape are deeply linked. The Folk Union supports projects commited to protecting the environment.
Signing the Charter
Anyone can sign the Charter if they broadly agree with its values and intend to work in that spirit. Signing is free. Signing the Charter doesn’t create affiliation, endorsement, partnership, or status. Names are never displayed.
By signing, you’re simply indicating that the values set out here are relevant to your work, and that you’re willing to think about how they apply in your own context.
Using The Folk Union Marks
The Folk Union marks are a simple way to show public agreement with the Charter.
If you’d like to use the marks on your website, social channels, or printed material, we ask for a small donation to the project, starting from £2. This helps cover basic running costs and the time involved in keeping things going. If cost’s a barrier, get in touch and I can share an alternative link.
If you’re working on a larger, more visible, or commercial project, please get in touch so we can have a straightforward conversation about context and use.
A Note on Visibility
At the moment, the Folk Union doesn’t keep a public list of signatories.
If you want to say publicly that you agree with the Charter, you are welcome to do so in your own words and on your own platforms.