What is the National Day of Listening?

November 23, 2012 marks the 5th anniversary of the National Day of Listening.

The National Day of Listening is a new national holiday started by StoryCorps in 2008. On the day after Thanksgiving, StoryCorps asks everyone to take a few minutes to record an interview with a loved one. You can use recording equipment that is readily available to you, such as computers, iPhones, and tape recorders, along with StoryCorps’ free Do-It-Yourself Instruction Guide.

Celebrating the National Day of Listening provides a noncommercial alternative to “Black Friday” shopping sprees. Tens of thousands of Americans have participated in the National Day of Listening, and educators and community organizations have incorporated StoryCorps’ interviewing techniques into their programs.

For more information, read our FAQs. For press and media inquiries, please visit the StoryCorps press room.

Here are 5 ways to participate.

1. Listen to stories.

Visit our Wall of Listening to hear other stories and get inspired. Listen to our national broadcast, subscribe to our podcast or watch some of our award-winning animations.

2. Record a story.

It’s simple and easy. Interview someone you care about using some of our Great Questions. Then, upload your story and a picture of you and your interview partner to our Wall of Listening.

3. Ask your friends, family, neighbors and community to participate.

Sit down with your friends and family over the holidays and ask the questions you’ve always wanted to ask. Organize a neighborhood or community recording party. The National Day of Listening is a great way to learn more about one another and honor the people you care about–or maybe someone you don’t know at all.

4. Get your organization / company involved.

Is your organization participating in National Day of Listening? Contact press@storycorps.org so we can highlight the interviews you are recording. When you record and upload your interview, make sure to list your organization in the field provided. Your organization’s name will appear on our Participating Organizations page.

5. Connect with us.

Tell us more about your National Day of Listening experience on Facebook and Twitter.