Make history this Thanksgiving

The presidential election has exposed great divisions in our country. We often don't listen to each other or hear each other. AFT partner StoryCorps is helping heal these wounds by honoring and sharing the stories of all Americans. As we did last year, the AFT and StoryCorps are inviting school staff and communities to engage their middle and high school students in The Great Thanksgiving Listen, a chance for young people (or anyone aged 13 and up) to learn the histories of their elders and hold meaningful conversations about the election.

First, lend an ear as AFT President Randi Weingarten invites us to share in this important event over Thanksgiving. Learn more at Share My Lesson. Then download the StoryCorps app, pick your questions and take some time to record a loved one. "Share your interviews by tagging #TheGreatListen @StoryCorps and using the keyword AFT.

In its 2015 pilot year, thousands of high schools from every state sent over 50,000 recordings to the Library of Congress. Join them. StoryCorps will give you a hand. There's a new toolkit, multimedia resources and great sample questions. Have fun, and Happy Thanksgiving.

[Annette Licitra]