Image source: Flor de la Cruz

This Friday, November 23rd is the 5th annual National Day of Listening — a relatively new holiday created by StoryCorps.

What is it?

The National Day of Listening is a day to honor a loved one through listening – and your opportunity to capture the precious stories of your familia for your hijos, nietos and future generations.

How does it work?

You can have a chat with your mother, your abuelos, a great aunt, sister, tío, your esposo’s step-father, a second primo twice removed – anyone you choose. The conversation can be in English, Spanish o lo que sea! Preserve the story by recording the interview and then it can be uploaded to share with the world.

StoryCorps has teamed up with SoundCloud to create the “Wall of Listening“, where you’ll be able to upload the recording and then easily share it.

How do I record the conversation? Do you have any tips on how to do this?

Answers to all those great questions can be found on the StoryCorps website, in their Do-it-Yourself Instruction Guide, and in their FAQ. Just know that you don’t need fancy recording equipment. While computer programs such as Windows Sound Recorder or apps on your phone will work great, the easiest way to share stories is by using the in-browser recording option. After you click the “Share your story” button and sign up, you’ll be able to choose the “Record” option which will enable you to record directly from your browser.

We hope you’ll share the link to your loved one’s story!

If you participate, we would love for you to share with us by cutting and pasting the link of your recording into a comment on this post!

Happy listening!

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