In early 2019, AZPM was one of six stations across the country selected to be part of the StoryCorps’ One Small Step project, which sought to bring together people who hold different political believes for a meaningful, recorded conversation. The One Small Step project is meant to help break down barriers created by politics and reinforce our shared humanity.
AZPM invited people with all backgrounds and beliefs to apply to take One Small Step and have a conversation with someone who holds different political views. The point of the conversation was not to debate or simply “talk politics.” The goal was for folks to share personal stories that shaped their beliefs. Rather than trying to change someone’s mind, our hope was that participants will simply learn more about someone who is different from them.
Twenty-five conversations were recorded as part of this project, and AZPM will broadcast excerpts from these conversations on Arizona Spotlight throughout the year. The broadcasts can also be found below.
With the participants’ permission, each conversation is also preserved at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.
What is One Small Step?We’re seeking people of all backgrounds and beliefs to join us in seeking to counteract intensifying political divides by engaging in a conversation with someone they may not agree with politically.
Listen to Conversations
Michael & Hilary
Kirk & Andy
Holly & Chase
Chris & David
Funding for One Small Step comes from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and StoryCorps
AZPM is a service of the University of Arizona and our broadcast stations are licensed to the Arizona Board of Regents who hold the trademarks for Arizona Public Media and AZPM. We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples.