The organisation Listening for Change initiated an oral history interview program for high school and junior high school students whereby students interviewed successful adults who overcame difficulties, or “ordinary” neighbors with stories to share. Students were trained for a minimum of six hours in active listening and interview skills before they interviewed community members in groups of 3-5 students. Each interview was recorded by professional video cameras provided by the Santa Rosa Community Media Center, resulting in five- to fifteen- minute videos that distill significant insights.

It was considered an effective method to dispel notions of otherness and to lay a foundation for eliminating bullying and violence. It furthermore provided new insight and options for transformative change and empowerment.