Take One Small Step with StoryCorps
About the One Small Step Initiative
Over the last 15 years, StoryCorps has perfected a method for helping people feel more connected and for reminding us of the inherent worth of every person and every story. People come together to have otherwise impossible conversations, using our tools and questions. The microphone gives them license to talk about things they otherwise might not discuss.
Now, we are doing something different. We are asking people with different political views to record a StoryCorps interview with each other. Why? To break down boundaries created by politics and remember our shared humanity. To remind us that we have more in common than divides us and that treating those with whom we disagree with decency and respect is essential to a functioning democracy.
With One Small Step, we are seeking to counteract intensifying political divides, by facilitating and recording conversations that enable people who disagree to listen to each other with respect.
Listen to voices from One Small Step participants
More ways to Record & Participate
Are you ready to get started today? If there is someone you know with whom you want to have a One Small Step conversation:
Use the StoryCorps App
Anyone with a smartphone can record an interview with the StoryCorps App. We recommend use of the app in conversations with someone you know—it is not suited for conversations between strangers. The StoryCorps App is available on iOS, Android devices and for Kindle.
Questions are built into the app to guide a conversation with someone in your life you may want to get to know better, including:
- Describe an experience that shaped your politics.
- How did your childhood shape your view of the world today?
- Can you talk about a time you experienced doubt over your beliefs?
- Is there someone with whom you disagree but still respect?
- When you think about the future, what are you most scared of?
Visit a StoryBooth
Grab a friend or family member and make plans to visit our StoryBooth locations in Chicago and Atlanta. When you make your appointment, please note “One Small Step Conversation” as the reason for your visit.
Visit us on our Mobile Tour
Make plans to visit our MobileBooth, which tours the United States year-round. When you make your appointment, please note “One Small Step Conversation” as the reason for your visit, to join the One Small Step community. Learn more about the cities our Mobile Tour will be visiting throughout 2019.
Contact your local station
Six radio station partners across the country also now offer opportunities to record a One Small Step conversation. If you are in the area of one of these locations, please visit the links below to be matched:
- KCUR: Kansas City, MO
- Texas Public Radio: San Antonio, TX
- Utah Public Radio: Logan, UT
- Arizona Public Media: Tucson, AZ
- WUSF: Tampa, FL
- WBHM: Birmingham, AL
Read the full announcement about our work with One Small Step partners and stay tuned for more from these stations.
If you want to be paired up with someone you do not know for a One Small Step conversation, please sign up for our email list to be contacted.
Featured Stories from One Small Step
Partner with Us
We want to activate local communities around this project. To achieve this, StoryCorps is seeking partners that represent various political backgrounds and that can recruit, orient, then enlist their constituents in recording interviews. If you are interested in working side-by-side with StoryCorps to make these exciting and enriching conversations come to life, please contact us at onesmallstep@storycorps.org
Support for One Small Step is Provided By
The Rockefeller Foundation
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting
The Einhorn Family Charitable Trust
The Charles Koch Foundation
The Righteous Persons Foundation
Present Progressive Fund at Schwab Charitable
Newman-Tanner Foundation
Cisco Systems, Inc.