StoryCorps

[Hank's mom]

I took my dad last weekend to a StoryCorps stand that was set up in town. It is a national effort to collect people's stories in their own words. All stories will go to the Library of Congress and some will be played on NPR. Check your local newspapers to see if a booth is going to be set up near you or check www.storycorps.net.
They ask that you bring someone to "interview" you or you bring someone to interview such as children, parents, neighbors, students, whoever. I was my dad's interviewer but he really only needed the initial prod and he was off and running. It was fun for us both and I think all kinds of strangers will be able to relate to his stories of growing up in the 20s, the war years, meeting my mom and all. Naturally he threw in some advice as well. They gave us a cd copy to keep as well so I can spread his words around the family. Such a treat it was!
momxfive

[19Dragon52]

(((Mom)))

Way cool!  Is it specific life topic stories or can one come up with their own topic?  I will check my newsrag, tonight or tomorrow...I also partially read the link you gave us.  Wow!  Forty minutes is pretty long to do a cold interview, eh?  I wonder how this would work as a fund-raiser...Hmmmmm

Much Love & Health.....  

[Hank's mom]

We actually only had about 15 minutes. My mom thought I needed a ride so they sowed up late and then getting his mobilized cart into the little Air Stream that was the studio took extra time too. In his case he could have gone on forever, but all things being equal it was best that our time was limited. What we did was talk about topics beforehand so it wasn't a mishmash. I had notes but he and Mom made their own notes that he basically used.
I'm sure something similar would be a great fund-raiser, as a matter of fact that's an idea I'll forward tthe idea t a friend who is always raising money for the afterschool program she directs and big brothers/big sisters. The great thing about the StoryCorps stories is that  they will be kept in the L of C and may be on radio. If yo could find a way to hoouse copies at your local library or Town records dept. and then publish or broadcast some that would be the hook that would sell the idea to donaters. I'm all excited now!
I think I mentioned in Gotta Love Books thread that I read a book called If I Live To Be 100. It grew out of similar stories by an NPR interviewer, can't think of her name now. Maybe there is a copy at your local library or book store. The interviews are  longer but the same mission is at play.
Anyway, thanks for the idea,
momxfive