Voices of Freedom

KEY FACTS

• The best StoryCorps conversations are between two people who know each other.

• Conversations are not scripted.

• With your permission, interviews will be archived at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.

Voices of Freedom — Sample Conversation Starters

Interview Tips

• Think of it as a conversation. Speak normally and address the person you are interviewing.

• Keep in mind that future listeners may not be familiar with people and places you mention. Set up context and background.

• Ask questions that encourage details — these can help paint a picture for the listener.

• Be prepared to ask follow-up questions.

• Feel free to abandon the planned question list and go with questions that emerge!

Great Questions to Ask Anyone

PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW

• Speak normally and address your partner.

• Choose 5–10 questions to focus on. Feel free to ask follow-up questions!

• Think about future listeners and provide some context to your story.

• Feel free to let pauses or silences linger.

• Ask questions like “How does this make you feel?”

• Be curious, honest, and reflective.

• How did we first meet? What do you remember about meeting me?

• As a child, what were your hopes for your future? What did you think you would be when you grew up?

• Describe your community. What do you love about it? What would you change?

• Who has had the biggest influence on your life?

• How has your life been different than what you’d imagined?

• What was the happiest moment of your life? The saddest?

• What is one thing you want others to know about you?

• What does your future hold?

• How would you like to be remembered? What legacy do you want to leave for your family or community?

R eflections on Lived Experience

• How do you think your life experiences contributed to your work today?

• Who were your mentors or role models growing up?

• How do you define resilience? What have been the sources of resilience in your life?

• What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself?

• Is there anything about your life so far that surprises you?

• What message would you like to send to someone 50 years into the future?

Reflections on the Anti-Trafficking Field

• Describe the work that brought you here today. How did you get started?

• Was there a specific person or event that inspired you to start this work?

• What or who inspires you or keeps you motivated in the work you do?

• How does your work differ from most people’s perceptions of anti‑trafficking work?

• What do you wish more people knew or understood about human trafficking and the fight to end it?

• Do you have any favorite stories from your journey?

• What is the greatest lesson you have learned from the work you’ve done?

• What are some of the greatest successes the anti-trafficking field has accomplished in the last twenty years?

• Are there gaps in the anti-trafficking response that need to be addressed?

• Tell me about a time at work when you felt proud to do what you do.

• What lasting change have you made in your community that you are most proud of?

• Is there an individual you have served who sticks out in your mind? Why?

• Do you have any advice for people wishing to make a difference?

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PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT OF 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) STATEMENT: The purpose of these suggested prompts is to facilitate conversations for the Voices of Freedom Initiative. Conversations are estimated to average 1.5 hours. This is a voluntary activity. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB # is 0970-0531 and the expiration date is 07/31/2022. If you have any comments on this collection of information, please contact [email protected].