Memorandum of understanding for the foundation of the
Federation of European Storytelling: FEST

Definitions

The organisation
The Federation of European Storytelling (FEST) is an international collaboration between associations and projects devoted to the perpetuation and advancement of live oral storytelling

Membership
Membership is open to any national or regional storytelling association, or other organisation which unites storytelling groups in a collaborative framework and subscribes to the aims and purposes of FEST. Applications are made in writing, nominated by the FEST Council’s Steering Group and approved by the Council.

Storytelling
Storytelling is understood to be the live oral telling of stories, engaging directly with listeners to create a shared experience of storytelling. While welcoming and affirming technological means of communication, the primary experience is in real time and person to person.

Traditions
Traditions are storytelling practices and bodies of narrative which have been passed down through the generations. The work of FEST is based on respect for such traditions and the desire to both preserve and develop their essential characteristics for future generations.

Languages
Linguistic diversity is essential to storytelling in both its traditional and contemporary forms. The work of FEST respects and encourages diversity while also encouraging translation and communication between the languages of Europe.

Culture
FEST recognises and seeks to apply UNESCO definitions of culture along with UNESCO’S international agreements on cultural expression, languages, minority cultures, education and the preservation of non-material culture.

Structure

Council
FEST is governed by a Council for European, consisting of one representative of each of the members.

Steering Group
The Council of FEST will appoint a President and Secretary from its membership and not less than four other members of Council who, along with the President and Secretary, will form a Steering Group to support and advance the work of the Council.

Network/Working Groups
It is within the remit of the Steering Group, with the approval of a three quarters majority of Council members, to form task and theme specific working groups or networks, involving the wider membership of FEST, and any national, international or regional groupings committed to the relevant task or theme.

Attendance
It is within the power of the Council, acting through the Steering Group, to approve attendance at Council meetings of prospective members' representatives, represent-atives of other international cultural bodies, specialist advisers, or observers from storytelling organisations from outside Europe.

Administration and Finance
The Council will appoint a professional association or organisation based in a member country or countries to carry out delegated tasks of administration, finance and event organisation. Such appointments will be time limited and task specific. Appointments can be made by the Steering Group between Council meetings, subject to consultation with Council members.
Professional associations or organisations nominated in this way will be accountable to the Council through the Steering Group and must subscribe to the aims and purposes of FEST.

Signed (for)                                       

by Signature:                                           . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Name:                                                     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Designation:                                            . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
National or Regional Organisation:        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Date:                                                       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .