One Small Step
One Small Step
Let's Talk For A Change
Have a real conversation with someone who sees the world differently than you do. No debates. No arguing. Just two people getting to know each other as human beings.
A StoryCorps initiative bringing together people with different political views for 50-minute conversations that remind us of our shared humanity.
Sign Up for a Conversation →
Why We Need One Small Step
America feels more divided than ever. We see people who disagree with us as enemies instead of neighbors. Social media and news make this worse by showing us only the most extreme voices on the other side.
The problem is simple: We have stopped talking to each other. We have forgotten that people who vote differently or believe different things are still human beings with hopes, fears, families, and dreams.
One Small Step offers a solution. It brings together two strangers with different political views for a real conversation. Not a debate. Not an argument. Just a chance to see each other as people instead of labels.
How One Small Step Works
One Small Step is built on something called "contact theory." This research shows that when people with different views have a meaningful conversation, they start to see each other as individuals instead of stereotypes.
Sign Up Online
Fill out a short questionnaire about your background, interests, and political views
Get Matched
StoryCorps pairs you with someone who has different political beliefs but some shared interests
Meet and Talk
Have a guided 50-minute conversation in person or online through OSS Connect
Be Preserved
Your conversation is recorded and saved at the Library of Congress for future generations
What Makes This Different
You will NOT talk about politics. Instead, you will ask each other about:
- Your families and what matters to you
- What experiences shaped who you are today
- What you hope for in your life
- What you respect about people who see things differently
- What hurts when people on the other side talk about you
The goal is simple: see each other as human beings. That's it.
Where conversations happen:
- Online anywhere: Use OSS Connect to have a virtual conversation from your home
- Public radio stations: 34 stations across the country host in-person conversations
- Model communities: Special programs in places like Columbus, Georgia
- College campuses: One Small Step on Campus brings the program to universities
- Libraries: Some libraries host conversation stations and reflection activities
Watch a One Small Step Conversation
See what a real conversation looks like and hear from participants about their experience:
Ways to Participate
Have a Virtual Conversation
Sign up for OSS Connect to be matched with someone online. Perfect if you want to participate from anywhere in the country.
Visit a Radio Station
Check if your local public radio station is a One Small Step hub. Have your conversation recorded professionally.
Join Campus Programs
College students can participate through One Small Step on Campus at partnering universities.
Visit Library Programs
Some libraries offer One Small Step activities, listening stations, and reflection cards.
Bring It to Your Community
Use DIY tools to create your own One Small Step-inspired program in your town.
Listen to Conversations
Hear examples of One Small Step conversations on the StoryCorps website and podcast.
What you need to participate:
- Time: 50 minutes for the conversation, plus time before and after
- Openness: Willingness to listen to someone with different views
- Curiosity: Genuine interest in learning about another person's life
- Respect: Commitment to treating your partner as a human being
You do NOT need:
- To be an expert on politics
- To have strong political opinions
- To change your mind about anything
- To become friends with your partner (though many do!)
Proven Results
Research by Jennifer Richeson at Yale University
A study of 400 One Small Step participants found powerful results:
- Both liberals and conservatives felt more empathy toward their conversation partners after talking
- Participants felt more empathy for all people with opposing views, not just their partner
- Conservatives showed statistically significant increases in empathy toward liberals as a whole
- Effects lasted beyond the conversation - participants reported changed perspectives weeks later
This research proves what participants already feel: these conversations work.
What participants say after their conversations:
- "I realized we have more in common than I thought"
- "I wish the conversation could have been longer"
- "I see my conversation partner as a person now, not just their politics"
- "This gave me hope for our country"
- "I understand why they believe what they believe, even if I disagree"
Real impact on communities:
- Reduced fear: People stop being afraid of those who disagree with them
- Increased empathy: Participants understand why people hold different beliefs
- Changed behavior: People think twice before sending angry emails or posts
- Ripple effects: Participants share their experience with friends and family
- Hope restored: People feel less hopeless about the country's divisions
About the Program
Created by StoryCorps
StoryCorps has been recording American stories since 2003. Over 625,000 people in all 50 states have recorded conversations through StoryCorps. All recordings are preserved at the Library of Congress - the largest collection of human voices ever gathered.
Program History:
- 2017: Pilot program launched in response to deepening political divisions
- 2018: Official launch as "One Small Step"
- 2021: Full national rollout with anchor communities
- 2024: Launch of OSS Connect digital platform for virtual conversations
- 2025: Over 7,000 participants in all 50 states
Privacy and Your Story
You control what happens with your conversation:
- All conversations are recorded and archived at the Library of Congress
- You and your partner decide together if you want to make it public or keep it private
- If you choose to make it public, StoryCorps might share short clips on social media or their website
- You can review what information is shared before the conversation
- You are encouraged to be thoughtful about sharing personal information
Partnership Opportunities:
- Radio Stations: Public and community radio stations can become hub partners
- Universities: Campuses can host One Small Step programs for students
- Libraries: Special programs help libraries create conversation spaces
- Organizations: Civic groups can bring One Small Step to their communities
- Funders: Foundations can support expansion to new regions
Supported by major foundations:
- The Hearthland Foundation
- Walmart Foundation
- Corporation for Public Broadcasting
- Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
- The Marcus Foundation
- John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
- David and Lucile Packard Foundation
