"Interviewing older people in your community is a great way to record local history and let older people know that their lives and contributions are valued," writes Penelope Franklin in Spirit of Service: Your Daily Stimulus for Making a Difference. She suggests writing interview questions and recording the interview to make into a book or post on a community website. As a way to "practice democracy," we encourage you to talk with council members or local authorities about what they do. Sample questions could include, "What do you love about our community?" "How have you seen it change over the years?" "What led you into your profession?" The interviewer can then write up an essay on the person, featuring pictures the storyteller has provided, for an exhibit at your local history museum or library. This is a great way to meet more people in your community and rally around positive stories.

Kristin Ritzau, Penelope Franklin in Practicing Democracy with Children by Kristin Ritzau, Mary Ann Brussat