StoryCorps

Introducing our first One Small Step TV spot by renowned illustrator Noma Bar! This ad is part of a newly launched PSA campaign to mark the national expansion of the initiative.

One Small Step is an effort to remind the country of the humanity in all of us—even those with whom we disagree.

​Get matched ​for a One Small Step conversation​ and be part of the solution: TakeOneSmallStep.org

Soon after Tabinda immigrated to America, she and Tariq found each other while working at a New York City hotel. This is their story of falling in love, proving that “language is not a barrier for love.”

After losing their dream home in the mountains of Colorado to one of the biggest wildfires in state history—the High Park Fire—Julie and Ron Lynam reflect on finding the strength to start over.

The Olympic games are a time to celebrate some of the most determined athletes in the world. The global phenomenon is not only the highlight of the summer, but also an inspiration for individuals to carry the same tenacity and commitment in their own lives.

Vietnam veteran and Olympic gold medalist Melvin Pender remembers the powerful moment when Tommie Smith and John Carlos captured headlines in 1968 with the Black Power salute on the podium.

Explore more stories to honor the Olympics in our latest collection → https://storycor.ps/4fuUJv9

9 out of 10 Americans are exhausted by the divisions in our country. But there’s one small step we can all take. Like talking to someone with different political beliefs—about life, not to debate politics. Discover shared values and challenged assumptions by listening to our One Small Step participants have conversations across differences.

Listen to more conversations and get inspired to sign up at: TakeOneSmallStep.org

Christy Stewart and Glenn Turner talk about the many pets that they collected over 20 years—from possums to pythons. Glenn reflects on how Christy’s appreciation for animals taught him the importance of treating all creatures with respect.

Explore more from our Stories of Sweet Summer Memories collection → https://storycor.ps/4c44RIq

In 1964, civil rights groups organized summer schools aiming to empower African-American kids across Mississippi. These “Freedom Schools” were held in churches, barns, and back yards—and covered everything from poetry to voting rights. Many of the teachers were white college students who had traveled from across the country to participate.

Listen to six Freedom School students, now in their 70s, speak about that formative summer. Our , heard on NPR Morning Edition → https://storycor.ps/4fcyDNY

Ellen Hughes feared for the life of her son Walker, who has autism, after a new medication aimed to calm him down instead made him agitated. Public Safety Officer Keith Miller helped turn a scary situation into what Ellen describes as “one of the most important moments” of her life.

Discover how an understanding voice changed everything, and explore more stories for : https://storycor.ps/3YoKMcV

One Small Step brings people with different political views together to record a conversation — not to debate politics —but simply to get to know each other as people. Based on their bios, Cassandra and David had preconceived notions about each other prior to their OSS conversation. That changed when they met.

Visit TakeOneSmallStep.org to learn more about OSS and sign up to have a conversation.

Our One Small Step initiative brings people with different views together to record a 50-minute conversation—not to debate politics—but simply to get to know each other as people. Science tells us we can combat polarizing effects just by talking to each other one-on-one again.

Watch participants from our One Small Step Richmond Model Community share their experience, as featured on “Eye on America” during CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell on 7/18.

Learn more about OSS and sign up for a conversation → TakeOneSmallStep.org

From the moment Max Starkloff came into her office, Colleen’s life changed. With her daughter, Meaghan, Colleen reflects on meeting her husband Max, who was left quadriplegic in a near-fatal car accident. She looks back on the giant of a man that he was—especially in heart.

Honor more stories for → https://storycor.ps/3Y9JRN7

When Ann Taylor moved to St. Louis, she discovered more than just a new city. Through a q***r ballroom dancing class, she found herself and fell in love with her now-wife, Sonja Furiya. They reflect on how it all began with an email → https://storycor.ps/3WdJC0W

We continue to be reminded how important it is for Americans to find ways to connect and recognize each other as fellow human beings. Our country’s future, and the future of democracy, depend on it.

StoryCorps’ One Small Step (OSS) is an effort to remind us of our shared humanity. Over the last several years, OSS has paired 5,500 strangers across political divides to have conversations about their lives, not debate politics.

Earlier this month we launched a digital tool, One Small Step Connect, that allows anyone, anywhere to engage with OSS and participate in a cross-partisan conversation. Take one small step and be part of the solution.

Visit TakeOneSmallStep.org and sign up to have a conversation.

Brothers Russell and Remmick have been inseparable their entire lives. They both have autism, and as kids, they had trouble with social interactions. But being just a year apart meant they always had each other to lean on.

They reflect on navigating the working world as adults and their first job working together in a coffee shop. Listen to their conversation in honor of .

Content Warning: Mentions suicidal ideation.

This International Non-Binary People's Day, listen to the story of Kaysen Ford—who is nonbinary—as they talk about the importance of living as their authentic selves. With their mother, Jennifer Sumner, they reflect on their milestones achieved, even during challenging times → https://storycor.ps/3Y7GG8y

Mary Mills reminisces on her childhood with her mother Joyce, whose attitude on kindness made her “the mom every other kid wanted.”

Listen to their heartwarming conversation and check out our Stories of Sweet Summer Memories collection for more stories → https://storycor.ps/4bIKWhY

In the early 1950s, Irene Montoya and Linda Garcia’s mother was hospitalized for tuberculosis. Linda was eight. Irene was still an infant. And for years they were passed between a series of neglectful foster homes. Finally, they landed in the house of a loving older couple named Belen and Joe Moreno. The girls called them Nino and Nina.

Growing up in the Fillmore district of San Francisco, Peylia Balinton only remembers her mother playing classical piano at home. It wasn’t until she visited a friend’s house that she was exposed to Blues music. That was the start of a lifelong career on stage as Sugar Pie DeSanto.

Listen to more summer stories → https://storycor.ps/4cBtPQx