National Day of Listening
Sharing moments with others, uncovering the unique chapters of their journey, and connecting through the tapestry of lived experiences.
Position your brand as a facilitator of human connection and storytelling by encouraging customers to share and preserve meaningful conversations with loved ones.
- Share your story: How audio/recording brands can sponsor listening kits or apps for capturing family narratives
- Behind the voices: Media companies and podcasters can highlight untold community stories collected on this day
- Connection over consumption: Non-profits and social enterprises can use this day to deepen donor/community relationships through active listening campaigns
- Legacy building: Tech platforms can promote features for recording, archiving, and sharing personal histories
The National Day of Listening began in 2008, created by StoryCorps, a nonprofit organization aimed at capturing the oral histories of Americans from all walks of life.
StoryCorps itself was founded in 2003 with a mission similar to the Federal Writers’ Project of the 1930s. This project aimed to document and preserve the unique stories that make up the fabric of American life.
Since its inception, StoryCorps has collected interviews from over 600,000 participants, offering a rich archive of personal experiences and insights.
The idea behind the National Day of Listening is simple yet profound. It encourages people to engage in meaningful conversations, to listen actively to each other’s stories, and to record these stories for posterity.
This can happen anywhere – at home, on social media, at the beach, on a bus, or on a train. The aim is to foster connections across cultures and generations, enriching our collective understanding and appreciation of the diverse experiences that define us.
Over the years, StoryCorps has provided resources, such as do-it-yourself guides and equipment recommendations, to help individuals conduct their own interviews.
These resources make the process accessible to everyone, regardless of experience level with interviewing or recording technologies.
The organization also emphasizes the importance of active listening, which involves giving full attention, being open to adjusting one’s understanding and maintaining a positive attitude toward the speaker.
This day falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving, making it an ideal time for families and friends to come together and share their stories. It’s a reminder of the power of listening to strengthen bonds, understand each other better, and preserve our histories for future generations.