
This is the second of five parts on benefits to take advantage of as a member of the National Storytelling Network. Story Crossroads is proud to be an organization member of NSN.
Awesomeness Revealed:
- Part 1 – Borrow NSN’s nonprofit status for grants–as individual or organization – REVEALED
- Part 2 – Research through Greenwood’s World Folklore and Folklife Database for free – TODAY
- Part 3 – Delve into NSN’s Accreditation Program
- Part 4 – Benefit from in-state tuition for Storytelling Masters (with virtual options)
- Part 5 – Participate in special interest groups – education, organizations, healing, leadership/producing
You are hungry. You are hungry for stories. You are willing to research and understand them better…or discover them for the first time.
More assumptions. Whether or not they are all true, that is fine.
Now…did you know that you can explore one of the best databases on folktales when you are logged in as a dues-paying member of the National Storytelling Network?
Julie Dunbar, editor with Wold Folklore and Folklife, said, “Every group in every culture creates its own folklore traditions that provide an unparalleled approach to understanding their fears, hopes, loves, wants, taboos, and beliefs.”
This Greenwood database has the potential to unlock mysteries whether you develop personal tales OR folktales.
Donald Davis, when developing stories, focuses on a year. He then gathers as much information about that year–current events, what games and such were popular at the time, etc. So if you lean towards personal stories, then have comfort and confidence in the usage of the database.
Csenge Zalka, famous for her uncanny and meticulous research ability with folktales, easily convinced 60+ people to sign up for her virtual 90-minute workshop through Story Crossroads. She is now offering more of those workshops in Hungarian and back to English again. She listed many resources though also praised this Greenwood database. So if you lean towards folktales, then have comfort and confidence in the usage of the database.
If you lean towards both personal tales and folktales, then you have ultimate comfort and confidence. Congrats…and get to work.
And…how do you access it? On the National Storytelling Network website in the upper right corner is the “Members Only” page. I recommend already being logged in, which is possible on the right side of any page you explore on the National Storytelling Network page.

Once on that page, there are two codes you need at the bottom.
Only when you are logged in will the magic appear to open a world of research much like the wardrobe that leads to Narnia.
Search for any of the following subjects (as listed on the NSN site):
- Celebrations and Rituals
- Food and Drink
- Holidays and Festivals
- Music and Dance
- Religion and Belief
- Tales, Myths, and Urban Legends
- Traditional Arts and Crafts
Intrigued? Glad you are already a member of the National Storytelling Network? Wishing you were a member of the National Storytelling Network?
Today is that time. Go here for the opportunity to be connected and be part of the National Storytelling Network.
Want to discover more beyond this 5-part Blog Series? Check out the the next Story Crossroads adventure on Saturday, June 20, 2020 from 9:00am-10:30am MDT from your computer- The Big Why Panel: Historical Storytelling meets Humanities.
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