WMOT Partners with StoryCorps to Launch StoryCorps Connect, Bringing Individuals Together to Conduct and Record Remote Conversations with Loved Ones Across Generations
WMOT is partnering with StoryCorps, the national non-profit organization dedicated to recording, preserving, and sharing the stories of people of all backgrounds and beliefs, to launch StoryCorps Connect. The new free platform allows Americans to conduct and record StoryCorps interviews remotely. WMOT encourages residents of middle Tennessee to utilize the technology to connect with loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic and, in the process, to contribute to the creation of a unique first-person historical record of this unprecedented crisis. The conversations are preserved for future generations at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congressandbecome instantly accessible and shareable through the StoryCorps Archive. WMOT may even broadcast edited versions of select submissions from its local communities.
Founded in 2003, StoryCorps has brought more than 600,000 Americans together—two at a time—to record intimate, face-to-face conversations about their lives, create human connection, pass wisdom from one generation to the next, and leave a legacy for the future. It is the largest single collection of voices ever gathered. The organization began developing StoryCorps Connect in March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, motivated by the belief that at this time of physical separation, StoryCorps can provide a critical public service to increase connection to others and reduce the impact of isolation, particularly on vulnerable populations in this country.
Dave Isay, Founder and President of StoryCorps, said, “Social distancing is the exact opposite of the StoryCorps ethos, which strives to bring people together and acknowledge and celebrate our common humanity. At this time of physical separation, the StoryCorps interview methodology is a more essential tool than ever before for bringing us together.”
“The nation is facing an extraordinary crisis and collectively facing a defining moment,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “Americans are resilient and we will come out of this stronger with stories that will highlight our spirit and strength.”
StoryCorps is working with national partners including the American Library Association, and with public media organizations, school districts, teachers, and others across the country to bring StoryCorps Connect to the American people, and to call on the country to honor the stories of our elders at this momentous point in our history. While StoryCorps is a U.S.-based effort, StoryCorps Connect interviews can be conducted by anyone, anywhere in the world.
