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Our Foundation:
Our Foundation:
Launched in 2021 by StoryCorps, One Small Step is grounded in the "contact hypothesis" - research showing that meaningful interactions between people from different groups can reduce division and build understanding.
At One Small Step, we believe practicing essential skills like perspective taking, active listening, and intentional communication strengthens our ability to connect authentically with others. Our activities help people discover each other's beliefs through personal stories, encouraging connection in a world where division seems increasingly common.
One Small Step is an effort to remind the country of the humanity in all of us. The initiative brings people together all across the US with different perspectives and backgrounds for a conversation — not to debate — but to get to know each other as people.
To date, thousands of people from all 50 states have recorded One Small Step interviews.
Together, we can show the rest of the country what it means to have the courage to listen.
Together, we can show the rest of the country what it means to have the courage to listen.
Our Approach:
Our Approach:
We are rooted in connection. We start by creating spaces where personal stories are at the center, giving people the chance to meet each other in meaningful ways. We build in hands-on practice with skills like active listening and perspective-taking, so the experience is both reflective and practical. And we stay responsive, working closely with libraries to understand their needs and shape One Small Step in ways that fit their priorities.
Our Values
Our Values
Dignity: Every person's story matters and deserves to be heard with respect
Curiosity: Approaching differences with genuine interest rather than judgment
Authenticity: Creating space for people to show up as themselves
Connection: Finding shared ground through personal stories
Trust: Building spaces for honest conversation/connection
Practice: Taking small steps toward understanding through regular engagement
Where we are:
Where we are:
Model Community: Facilitated conversations concentrated in Columbus, GA.
Radio Station Hubs: 29 public radio stations across the country have adopted the One Small Step model in their communities.
College Campuses: Fostering pluralism while providing students with hands-on experience in facilitation.
Digital tools: OSS Connect, our app, creates opportunities for anyone, anywhere to participate in OSS.
Facilitated National Conversations: OSS facilitators bring together conversation partners from all over the country.
The StoryCorps Connection
The StoryCorps Connection
Helping us believe in each other by illuminating the humanity and possibility in us all — one story at a time.
Since 2003, StoryCorps has been helping people share and preserve their stories, creating the largest collection of human voices ever gathered. Through this work, we've seen how sharing stories can transform relationships and build bridges between people. One Small Step builds on this legacy, focusing specifically on helping people learn, practice, and model essential skills for communicating in order to foster a culture where open understanding thrives.
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