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

The One Small Step initiative, established by the nonprofit StoryCorps, is a groundbreaking program designed to foster dialogue and understanding among people with differing viewpoints. Through personal storytelling, the initiative aims to bridge divides and cultivate empathy within communities. Launched in 2019, One Small Step encourages individuals to engage in meaningful conversations about their beliefs, values, and experiences.

WYSO is one of just four stations selected nationally to host One Small Step in 2025. The Charles F. Kettering Foundation is proud to be the exclusive sponsor of the One Small Step initiative at WYSO. Based in Southwest Ohio, WYSO is a nonprofit, community-owned public radio station providing information and inspiration through news, music, and storytelling.

This initiative brings strangers with different political beliefs together for a conversation—not to debate politics—but to simply get to know each other as people. WYSO and StoryCorps are inviting the southwest Ohio community to join the nearly 6,000 people in 50 US states who have participated in a One Small Step conversation.

In collaboration with StoryCorps and other community organizations throughout southwest Ohio, WYSO invites you to meet someone new—a fellow resident with different perspectives from you, who you might never talk to otherwise—for a meaningful 50-minute conversation.

The conversations are scheduled to air on WYSO later this year. With participant permission, these conversations will also be preserved for future generations at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.

WYSO will be matching participants and hosting recorded conversations throughout 2025. If you are interested in participating, learn more here.