National Day of Listening
November 28, Friday
Who organizes the holiday
StoryCorps was founded in 2003 in the United States and has since conducted programs to record oral histories, creating audio archives for the U.S. Library of Congress. National Listening Day is one of its initiatives that encourages people to focus on telling and listening to personal stories.
When it is celebrated
The holiday takes place annually in November, usually on one of the days in the last week of the month. The exact date may vary, but the idea remains the same: to set aside time to listen to the life story of a loved one.
How the holiday is celebrated
Events are organized both individually and in groups. Popular practices include:
* one-on-one conversations, where one person speaks and the other listens attentively
* recording stories using the mobile app or StoryCorps booths
* hosting gatherings in schools, libraries, workplaces, and communities
* collectively discussing the stories heard to strengthen connections between generations
The significance of the holiday
National Listening Day emphasizes the value of active listening and emotional support. It helps:
* preserve family and personal stories for future generations
* develop empathy and attention to others
* strengthen social bonds and intergenerational understanding
* appreciate each person's experience and life
History and purpose
StoryCorps created this day as part of its mission to collect, preserve, and share human stories. The main idea is that attentive listening is an act of care and respect, as well as a way to preserve important memories for future generations.
National Day of Listening in other years
- 2022 November 25, Friday
- 2023 November 24, Friday
- 2024 November 29, Friday
- 2026 November 27, Friday