Preparing to Create Your Site

To create the most efficient and fruitful experience with your PAL site, we highly recommend you prepare for documenting your legacy. Below are some areas in which you can get ready before you start working on your site (or perhaps even before you register!).

Click the headings below for more on the topic. To access resources and more, please click on the purple links found within the sections below.

Organizational Basics

Click here for the Getting Organized Guide

Conceptualizing and organizing materials, what makes your project unique, conceptualizing your site.

Technical Suggestions and Skills

We recommend each professional have a Gmail account, a Google Drive, and use Chrome (instead of Safari, Firefox, etc), and knowledge of Zoom meetings.

Equipment: In many cases, equipment you already own—such as computers, smartphones and tablets—can be used for audio and video recording. For computer recording, we recommend a USB microphone, which plugs directly into a computer’s USB port. For editing, use a low-cost or free recording program like Reaper, Audacity, or Garage Band for Audio, iMovie for video editing, and Zoom for video conferencing.

Quick Reference Guides

For help with Zoom, consult Senior Planet’s online guide. For general tech and other questions, see Senior Planet’s Coronavirus Resource Guide.
StoryCorps offers outstanding guidance on interview techniques and technologies:
1-On-1 Tech Tutoring via Senior Planet
- Senior Planet is offering virtual, 1-on-1 tech tutoring sessions! Volunteers from Verizon will join via Zoom to individually help you with any technology-related questions you might have. You do NOT need to own a Verizon device to take advantage of this free opportunity!
- Available in English, Spanish, and Mandarin.
  - To sign up for personalized assistance, please email Rebecca Altneu at raltneu@oats.org. Include your name, phone number, and the tech issue you would like to be helped with.

Using the Contributor Manual

If you need refreshers, written and/or video tutorials, or answers to common questions and troubleshooting, check the Contributor Manual which serves as a companion “How To” resource for you as you take the class and build your site. For access, go to “Contributor Manual” under the dropdown menu labeled “Resources.

Have a question that isn’t answered? Go to the “Help” tab, in the drop down menu under “Resources.”

Using Class Portals

You may access your Class Portal, which will have class recordings, syllabus, contact sheet, and other resources specific to your specific cohort. Your instructor will reach out to you and your cohort with the password and link to your portal in the weeks leading up to your classes starting.

Performing Arts Legacy Project

An online platform to document and represent the careers of older performing arts professionals

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Performing Arts Legacy Project