Dave Isay, founder of StoryCorps, discusses the One Small Step project aiming to reduce toxic polarization through meaningful conversations. The podcast explores personal anecdotes, unity through dialogue, and building bridges across political divides to foster understanding and empathy.
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Quick takeaways
StoryCorps archives stories of ordinary Americans for 20 years, aiming to document dreams and fears.
One Small Step project fosters conversations to reduce toxic polarization, focusing on empathy and understanding.
Deep dives
StoryCorps' Mission to Reduce Polarization
StoryCorps, led by Dave Isay, is focused on gathering and archiving the stories of ordinary Americans for the past 20 years. Their new initiative aims to reduce toxic polarization in the U.S. by fostering conversations between individuals across political divides. By documenting and sharing personal stories, StoryCorps hopes to promote understanding and empathy among Americans.
One Small Step Initiative
The project 'One Small Step' emerged from Dave Isay's Ted Prize win in 2015 and aims to bridge political divides by bringing together strangers for meaningful conversations. Instead of discussing politics, participants engage as human beings to cultivate empathy and combat toxic polarization. Through this initiative, StoryCorps strives to create a platform for individuals to connect and build trust, enabling them to see past their differences.
Impact and Hope for the Future
Through 'One Small Step' conversations, StoryCorps has witnessed individuals from opposing sides forming friendships and expressing mutual respect. These interactions have highlighted the common ground that exists despite political differences. The initiative reflects the belief that fostering empathy and understanding can help heal the deep divisions in society. Looking forward, StoryCorps aims to encourage more Americans to engage in dialogue across divides and see the humanity in one another.
For the past 20 years StoryCorps has been traveling the country gathering the stories and wisdom of ordinary Americans and archiving them at the Library of Congress. StoryCorps founder Dave Isay — winner of the 2015 TED Prize — has created an unprecedented document of the dreams and fears that touch us all. In an interview with Elise, Dave shares about a new project, One Small Step, which aims to help reduce toxic polarization – one conversation at a time.
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