While Americans face challenges unlike any other time in our history, WDET and StoryCorps invite you to take part in One Small Step, a nationwide initiative to help bridge political divides and strengthen communities, one conversation at a time.
In collaboration with StoryCorps and other community organizations throughout Detroit, we invite you to meet someone new — a fellow resident with different views from you, who you might never talk to otherwise — for a simple, personal, 50-minute conversation.
No matter their political leanings, a majority of Americans agree that divisiveness is a major problem impacting our ability to deal with the serious challenges facing our country. There is hope: A majority of Americans also say they are optimistic that our country can overcome political divisiveness in the years ahead. At a moment like this, aren’t we called to try to find a better way forward — together?
WDET is one of just six stations selected nationally to host One Small Step in 2022. With participant permission, these conversations will be preserved for future generations at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.
Tested and safe, One Small Step conversations are:
- Hosted virtually by a trained facilitator (there may be in-person opportunities soon as well)
- Seamless, powerful, and respectful
- Archived as part of American history at the Library of Congress, if you choose
- Never shared without your permission
Do you believe we have more in common than what divides us? Have a conversation, and see for yourself.
One Small Step conversations are not to debate or convince. They’re simply a chance to break the ice: to talk about who we are as people, what we care about, and our dreams for the future. Ask and answer questions like:
“Who has been the most influential person in your life? What did they teach you?”
“Is there someone you disagree with but still love or respect?”
“What are your fears or concerns about the future of our country?”
One Small Step helps us move beyond labels like “Democrat” and “Republican” and into the life experiences that shaped how each of us sees our world.
We’re teaming up with civic organizations, churches, and other community groups and leaders to spread the word and connect Detroit residents from all backgrounds who are ready to take One Small Step. Do you want to get your group or organization involved in the effort? Contact Nate Bender at nate.bender@wdet.org
We’ll be matching participants and hosting recorded conversations throughout 2022.
How One Small Step works
- For people interested in getting matched for a conversation, the first step is to fill out the One Small Step Questionnaire.
- Your responses will help us find the best conversation partner for you. Remember: People are complex – and rarely, if ever, “exact opposites.” We’ll read your answers carefully to pair you with someone with a perspective different from your own. Fruitful matching takes time, so we thank you in advance for your patience.
- If we find a match for you, we’ll reach out to hear more about your goals. When we schedule the One Small Step conversation, we share materials to help you prepare.
- The One Small Step conversation takes place virtually. Requirements for participants: reliable internet connection, and a computer with a video camera and a microphone.
- A day or two before the recording appointment, the facilitator will do a short “tech check” with you to make sure the StoryCorps virtual recording platform works on your device.
FAQ
Unfortunately with limited capacity, WDET can’t guarantee a conversation for every person who applies. Matching and recordings will continue through December 2022, however, so you may hear from us any time throughout the year. Thank you for your patience!
If you’re not matched locally this year, you’ll still be eligible to participate through StoryCorps’ national program next year. StoryCorps receives all applications and will continue matching participants across all parts of the country in 2023. Visit www.storycorps.org/onesmallstep to learn more about StoryCorps’ One Small Step programs.
Since 2003, the non-profit public service organization StoryCorps has perfected a method for helping people feel more connected and less alone, for increasing hope and reminding us of the inherent worth of every life and every story. To date, 600,000 Americans have participated in StoryCorps interviews, making it the largest single collection of human voices ever gathered. Interview recordings are preserved for history at the American Folklife Center at the U.S. Library of Congress.
Partners
