Page 43 - Storytelling - Storylistening

X. Publish or Perish: “I, Witness to History” Preserves Residents’ Life Stories in Race with Final Deadline
A Marketing Tool for Management
Management initially looked on the project as a frill, but success has made it an integral part of the organization’s marketing strategy.
The Wall of Books – a display of the covers of all the books published by IWH – quickly catches the eyes of visitors considering Larksfield Place as a retirement home for loved ones. They often comment, “Look mom, you can do your life story or learn to use a computer.”
Asla, who also serves as Larksfield Place’s Director of Resource Development, is surprised other retirement communities have not duplicated IWH.
The main challenges, he says, are the commitment of resources and personnel necessary to sustain the program – office space, computer equipment, funding and paid, professional staff adept at listening, writing and editing.
Resident volunteers won’t do as interviewers because of the degree of continuity required, says Asla. Also, residents often hesitate to tell family secrets to volunteers who also are their neighbors.
But for Asla, the expense is trivial compared to the benefits for residents and society. As Roots author, Alex Haley once said: “Every time an old person dies, it is as if a library had burned down.”
At IWH, they are committed to pulling as many books from the flames as possible in a never-ending race against the final deadline.
p.39 ©Action Pact, Inc.2005-2006 Porch Swing SeriesTM Culture Change Workbooks