Kaitlin Johnston — a public school teacher whose parents worked in public radio—was intrigued when she read about One Small Step (OSS) in her local newspaper in Richmond, Virginia. Her OSS conversation partner, Torski Dobson-Arnold (who goes by Toi) is a mobile personal trainer and an active volunteer there.
OSS was interesting to Kaitlin because at her workplace, she comes across people who think differently from her, but there often isn’t the chance for open, meaningful conversation. She said, “OSS was a totally unique opportunity for me to talk with someone who thinks differently in a non-confrontational environment.”
For Toi, talking to someone with opposing political views, who was willing to have a conversation just to get to know her, made her feel grateful. “I was grinning ear-to-ear for the entire conversation. We don’t have to have the same experiences to feel similarly about the experiences we’ve had,” she noted. “That’s what really blew me away about my conversation with Kaitlin.”
They both agreed that it’s very rare to have such an immediate connection with a complete stranger and decided to exchange phone numbers after their OSS conversation concluded. Kaitlin moved to Richmond four years ago and had struggled to find volunteer opportunities as a non-religious person. Toi told her about a volunteer program she participates in through her church that prepares food for the unhoused in Richmond. After their OSS conversation, the pair met up to peel dozens of hard boiled eggs for the program and they have plans to continue preparing food together this summer.
Kaitlin said that her OSS experience far exceeded their expectations. “If you even have a small interest in connecting with someone who has a different viewpoint than you, it’s worth doing. It’s a smooth, easy, and non-intimidating process.” Toi said she was curious about OSS, but felt prepared for her conversation. “I had enough information about the process and my conversation partner that I was truly excited for this experience.”