One Small Step

We’re not here to change minds, but to open them.
Real conversations across political views.
Take a step towards connection.
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In this One Small Step conversation, Lily and Sarah reflect on family, identity, and the values that shape our lives. Despite their differences, they found common ground in a shared belief: most people have more in common than they think.

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Agree or disagree: "It's hard to hate up close."

The more we listen, the more we understand. The more we understand, the harder it becomes to reduce someone to a stereotype.

What helps you stay curious when you disagree with someone?

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Have you ever realized your assumptions about someone were wrong?
Christy and Tristan entered their conversation with different perspectives and left with a deeper respect for each other.
How often do we miss out on connection because we think we already know someone's story?

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Do people ever talk again after their One Small Step conversation?

Two years later, these two are still meeting for lunch.

What started as a conversation between strangers slowly became a friendship built on curiosity, honesty, and a willingness to learn from one another.

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The people who shape us often leave lessons that last for generations.

For Kaye, it was a grandfather who chose resilience over anger despite extraordinary hardship.

For Alex, it was family members who taught him the value of growth and lifelong learning.

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Emma and Martin came to their conversation from different political perspectives.

Liberal. Republican.

But as they talked, those labels were set aside to make room for something else: stories about family, work, and the people who shaped their values.

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Do we actually benefit from talking to people we disagree with?
Some would say it’s the only way to understand experiences outside your own.
Others see it as a skill to practice.
We believe real value lies in the connection that exists beyond politics. Do you agree or disagree?

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If we’re not modeling respect, why would we expect it from anyone else?

Dean Phillips and Tim Burch come from opposite ends of the political spectrum.

At the end of their respectful conversation, one thing becomes clear: disagreement doesn’t have to mean a lack of connection.

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Amid ongoing political divisions, Annie & John, sat down to have a One Small Step conversation, discussing their differences and shared experiences. They explored where their views originated and engaged in respectful dialogue rather than debate.

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Tony Goldwyn and Ben Sauceda’s respectful conversation across their differences is exactly what the One Small Step experience is all about: finding common ground.

Who would you love to see next?

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Two voices, two perspectives. One shared value: respect.

April and Jonathan sat down for a One Small Step conversation with a shared willingness to listen. They explored the experiences behind their differences—offering a glimpse of how we might move forward, together.

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On the streets of Brooklyn, Jonathan asks a simple question: Who is the first great American that comes to mind? Passersby share the names and personal beliefs that shape how they think about the country and the people who represent it.

Who would you have picked?

[One Small Step @OneSmallStepSC]

One Small Step conversations bring together individuals who see the world and themselves differently. Through conversation, they explore the experiences behind their opinions and reflect on the challenge of listening across disagreement while keeping an open mind.

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How would you finish the sentence: Most Americans are…?

Jonathan asked folks what it means to be American and how we may be more patriotic in our daily actions than we think. The responses we got offer various perspectives shaped by personal experience and the times we live in.

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Two strangers sat down for a One Small Step conversation about the issues that matter most to them. What follows is a discussion shaped by personal history, questions, and the effort to understand someone with a different perspective.

Check out their full story!

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We believe most Americans are still hopeful that we can find ways to talk to each other respectfully.

One Small Step is a place to offer just that. A place where disagreement doesn’t always end the dialogue. Start the new year with your first small step!

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When it comes to America’s future we are all one team.

This season, @InspireChange—an initiative of the @NFL—along with players like @KelvinBeachumJr of the @AZCardinals, stands with One Small Step to bring people together for respectful dialogue across differences.

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As the year comes to a close, we are reflecting on the traditions that shape us and that we love to tap into around this time of year.

Thank you for bringing your stories, perspectives, and care into this space.
Wishing you and your loved ones a thoughtful holiday season.

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Kaye & Alex want to reject political labels and the fear that comes with them.
Since it can sometimes be used to drive a wedge further between us, and instead create space to talk honestly about what would improve life for everyone, not just people who think the same way they do.

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Before a word is even spoken, assumptions and bias are often already in place or being formed.

In this conversation, we hear why conversations across the political spectrum may be harder than most and some ideas on where we can shift our thinking towards being open.