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September 27, 2018 – Free Speech & Peace

StoryCorps Announces New Initiative to Counteract Political Polarization

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Building on years of recording and preserving stories of Americans from all walks of life, the nonprofit StoryCorps announced a new initiative today called One Small Step. The project seeks to counteract the intensifying polarization in the country by bringing together individuals of different viewpoints for one-on-one conversations.

StoryCorps founder Dave Isay said, “We believe that StoryCorps has the potential to help pump the brakes on the growing discord tearing at the fabric of our nation. StoryCorps stokes trust … We hope that One Small Step will provide a beacon of hope during these difficult and divided days.”

StoryCorps will issue a broad call for Americans to record One Small Step interviews via the organization’s MobileBooths and free mobile app. StoryCorps also will build a network of local hubs to help connect people from different political backgrounds.

“It takes courage to engage, even if it’s as simple as listening,” said the Charles Koch Foundation’s Sarah Ruger. “We’re grateful to join other philanthropic partners in supporting StoryCorps and providing a forum for diverse individuals who may disagree on any number of things to come together and talk.”

StoryCorps already has given voice to 500,000 Americans across all 50 states, offering them the chance to record conversations about their lives and preserve them for posterity at the Library of Congress.

Read StoryCorps’ full release.