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From video-chat birthday parties to virtual book clubs, Americans are connecting in new and creative ways during the coronavirus outbreak. The nonprofit interview series _StoryCorps,_ which
gives people from all walks of life the chance to record meaningful conversations, is also going digital, with a new platform launching today, StoryCorps Connect. Instead of sitting down for
the usual 40-minute face-to-face interview, family members or close friends anywhere in the world can record their conversations online using video conferencing technology — asking and
answering questions like, “What was the happiest moment of your life?” [embedded content] Helping people make these connections is especially important now, when many older adults are facing
unprecedented social isolation and loneliness, says StoryCorps founder and president Dave Isay: “I can't think of a more important time to do something like this." Established in
2003, StoryCorps has already captured 300,000 conversations, some of them extremely moving, about crises overcome or funny or poignant moments in people's lives. The recordings are
stored in the archive of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. Participants also receive a copy of their interview, and portions of some conversations are turned into
animated videos or broadcast on radio programs such as NPR's _Morning Edition._ The platform is new, Isay says, but the overall experience should remain much the same. People respond to
questions that are meant to spark purposeful exchanges, like, “Can you tell me a bit about your childhood?” and “Can you tell me about one of the most difficult moments of your life?”
[embedded content] Isay says a few additional questions about the coronavirus will be suggested as a way to address the pandemic. Interviewers can review an online question guide and other
materials to make sure the process goes smoothly before they start recording on their phone, tablet or computer. Any advice for participants? “Ask that question you've always wanted to
ask all your life with this person pretty early,” he says, “because 40 minutes goes by so fast." For more information or to record an interview, visit storycorps.org.