Baseball games, a church, a library, the offices of the largest newspaper in Richmond, and a museum of history and culture. All of these places were stops earlier this summer in our outreach and engagement efforts in Richmond, VA, one of our One Small Step Anchor Communities. 

“There continues to be a great amount of interest in One Small Step in Richmond,” said One Small Step Field Manager Sonia Mehrmand. “Organizations are eager to partner with StoryCorps to help bring this initiative to more people throughout their community and we’re excited to support them.” 

On June 9, Sonia threw out the first pitch at a Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball game and over the course of two games, spoke with numerous attendees about One Small Step, why Richmond is a focus for this work, and how they can get involved. She and StoryCorps’ Founder and President Dave Isay also spoke with community members at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, who are eager to learn more about the initiative. Dave also gave a Creative Mornings talk and shared why StoryCorps is focusing its One Small Step work in Richmond.

Watch Dave’s talk:

Sonia rounded out her time in Richmond at K95 Countryfest, a two-day country music festival, speaking to attendees about One Small Step and encouraging them to apply to be matched for a conversation. 

Finally, Sonia and Dave met with Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney about his interest in One Small Step, and welcomed his ideas and enthusiasm for how it can help his community. 

Over the course of one week, Sonia and Dave were able to make hundreds of connections with people throughout Richmond and are eager to see how One Small Step continues to build momentum throughout the community. 

Sign up to take One Small Step.