July Newsletter: Gathering Together & Looking Back 

by Kimberly Coburn

We hope this note finds you well and feeling rooted in the good work you’re doing. It’s been a full, sometimes challenging, and continually inspiring year so far across the FEAA , and we wanted to take a moment to share some of what we’ve been up to.

From growing connections to deepening conversations around folk education, there’s never been a more important moment to gather, share, and learn through folk education. We’re also getting excited for what’s ahead—especially the 2025 FSA Gathering this July at Folklore Village. We’d love to see you there and are honored to share this community championing the power of learning rooted in place, tradition, and heart.

2025 FSA Gathering

It’s been seven years since our last Folk School Alliance gathering in St. Paul, and the impact of those two days still echoes in all we’ve accomplished, from regular Community of Practice calls during the early pandemic days to the mini-documentaries and the Folk Education Network. Now, it’s time to come together again!

This July 31–August 2, we’ll gather at Folklore Village in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, for a weekend of connection, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you’re an educator, folk school staffer, craft entrepreneur, community organizer, folklorist, or researcher, this is a chance to reignite our shared vision, trade ideas, and shape the future of folk education together.

Find out more now or check out the Event FAQs

BRIDGING AND BONDING
An Exciting Partnership: African American Craft Alliance

The FEAA is proudly fostering the newly-renamed African American Craft Alliance, who works to encourage the vitality of African American craft, supporting efforts to document and present their work, strengthen networks, and increase access to opportunities and resources.

We will have more information on this partnership as well as the goals and aspirations of the AACA soon. But we’re looking forward to the wonderful work ahead!

Bridging Communities Through Craft: A Weekend of Connection and Creativity

This April, the Folk Education Association of America partnered with the African American Craft Alliance to host Bridging Communities Through Craft at John C. Campbell Folk School: a weekend of hands-on workshops, storytelling, and intercultural exchange. We spoke with three inspiring participants about what the gathering meant to them. Their reflections offer a moving glimpse into the power of craft to connect communities, honor heritage, and imagine new futures. Read about their experience now. 

Check out some of the moments of craft, connection, and community for yourself in the AACA’s Makers Bulletin.

SINGING AND SONGLEADING
A Growing Chorus of Voices

2025 has been a joyful year of song across the Folk School Alliance network. In Olympia, WA, the Center for Belonging Folk School, Arbutus Folk School, and FSA co-hosted a Community Sing in Sylvester Park, where Liz Rog and The Heartwood Trio led an evening of open-hearted singing—no experience needed, just a willingness to join in. Keep an eye out for a beautiful video from our Olympia Community Sing (to be released soon).

In case you missed it, earlier this year the FEAA hosted a spirited webinar on weaving song into folk school life. Moderated by Programs Director Dawn Murphy, the event gathered educators and songleaders to share tools, traditions, and hopes for a future where singing is a regular, welcoming part of community learning. Find out more and watch the recording now!

Curious about how to bring group singing into spaces where your local communities gather? The Song Carrier Toolkit offers some tools, connection, and encouragement to begin.