StoryCorps’ One Small Step (OSS) brings strangers with different political beliefs together for a conversation—not to debate politics—but to get to know each other as people. Beyond the conversation experience, participants can stay involved with the program in a myriad of ways: from starting their own DIY version of the program to signing up for the OSS Facebook group. Now, through a series of “Second Step” events, OSS is offering yet another option for past participants to stay involved and practice the OSS methodology of connection.
On May 4, one such gathering was held in the OSS Model Community of Richmond, VA at the Library of Virginia. With over thirty-five people in attendance, the event began with an opening presentation that included a video greeting from StoryCorps Founder and President Dave Isay and remarks by Library of Virginia State Librarian Dennis T. Clark, and OSS Facilitator Claire LeBlond.
Attendees were then given instructions to find three other people in the room with matching colored lanyards. Once everyone found each other and were seated with their groups, they were given prompts for conducting a Second Step conversation, including suggested conversation guidelines, as well as a truncated version of the OSS questions to ask their tablemates.
Following these Second Step conversations, which lasted about half an hour, attendees were invited to stay for a personal tour of the library’s Indigenous Perspectives exhibit.
OSS Richmond Field Coordinator Jim Morgan remarked, “We often hear from OSS participants that they want to stay engaged with the program and while we have many ways to do that, these Second Step events allow them to continue to connect in person, across differences, and help bring the community together.”
