Take One Small Step With 90.5 WESA And StoryCorps
Our Virtual Listening Event is Tonight
Stream it here starting at 7 p.m.
Right now, Americans face their greatest challenge in a generation: rebuild our country in the wake of a global pandemic crisis. People of all backgrounds in this country have shown that we can come together in hard times. But with social distancing, an upcoming election, and growing feelings of isolation and separation from our communities, how do we rise to that challenge?
“Liberal” or “conservative,” everyone has a stake in this community -- and a responsibility to step up. Start by coming to the table: This year, take One Small Step.
In collaboration with the national nonprofit StoryCorps, 90.5 WESA is inviting residents to have a conversation with another member of your community who you might not otherwise have a chance to talk with and with whom you might even disagree politically.
It’s part of One Small Step, a nationwide project launched by StoryCorps to break down boundaries created by the difficult time in America right now. 90.5 WESA is one of six stations across the United States chosen to lead in this initiative in 2020.
It’s free to participate, and you can join us virtually — from your own home. Ask and answer questions like:
Was there an event or person in your life that shaped your political views?
Have your political views changed over time? Was there something specific that made you change?
Has there been a particular moment when you felt misunderstood by someone with different beliefs than you?
It’s not about politics. It’s an opportunity to talk about the life experiences that formed your values, and to be reminded of how to listen with respect. When we come together, we can find the stories and the dignity at the foundation of one another’s beliefs.
Conversations From Western Pennsylvania
One Small Step: Jon Durfee & Emily Miller On Faith, Mental Health & Politics
In this first of a series of conversations, Jon Durfee, 31, an engineer from Mars, Pa., says his political leanings are firmly rooted in his Christian faith. For Emily Miller, 28, a hospitality industry worker from Shaler, Pa., it’s her personal experience that’s shaped her world view.
In their conversation for One Small Step, they discuss how those views informed their stances on social issues, and whether or not their positions are reconcilable.
Two years ago, a gunman killed 11 members of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill.
In their conversation for One Small Step, Amber Neider, 34, of Baldwin and Dan Leger, 74, of Squirrel Hill—who was one of those injured in the shooting—reflect on how they responded to the event as Pittsburghers. They also discuss how it has informed their views on gun rights.
One Small Step: Aaron Weidman & Tawnya Davis On 'Luck,' Race & Opportunity
Aaron Weidman, 32, of Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood, says the idea of “luck” plays a limited role in how likely a person is to realize their potential. But Tawnya Davis, 53, of Monroeville, Pa., says not everyone has access to the same resources.
The two recently spoke for One Small Step. During their conversation, Weidman and Davis discussed how a person’s race can shape their opportunities in life. .
Susan Uffelman, 53, of Pittsburgh and Michele Charmello, 51, of Pitcairn, Pa., stand on opposite ends of the political spectrum—Uffelman to the right, Charmello to the left.
The two spoke ahead of the 2020 presidential election for One Small Step, discussing the impact that strong political divides are having on the country and how the country can possible come together after a long and divisive presidential campaign.
HOW ONE SMALL STEP WORKS
People interested in taking part in a One Small Step conversation should fill out our Questionnaire for potential participants. The responses help our team to pair people together to facilitate the best conversation possible.
● If you’re paired, station staff will reach out to each participant to set up a mutually convenient time for the One Small Step conversation. We will also share information to help both participants think about their questions for each other and feel prepared.
● You can take part in a StoryCorps conversation “virtually,” on a computer. Requirements: a reliable internet connection, and a computer with a video camera and a microphone. For “virtual” One Small Step recordings, the producer will do a short “tech check” with each participant a day or two before the recording appointment.
● The recording lasts about 40 minutes. The whole process takes 60-75 minutes.
● Some recordings, with participants’ permission, will be edited and broadcast on the radio.
● Recordings start in July and continue through November 2020.
STORYCORPS PITTSBURGH
In the autumn of 2016, the StoryCorp Mobile Tour rolled through Pittsburgh. Hear some examples of a StoryCorp conversation from members of our community.
Shortly before she passed away, late last year, holocaust survivor Elfi Rook was interviewed by her daughter Jill Rook. Listen
Henry Reese and his wife Diane Samuels talk about co-founding City of Asylum-Pittsburgh, which provides sanctuary for writers in exile, and how it has changed their lives. Listen
Husband and wife Ike and Ada Ezekoye discuss how events in their home country of Nigeria have influenced their lives in Pittsburgh. Listen
Rosa DeFerrari interviews her father, life-long social activist Mel Packer, about his time hitch-hiking across the country after dropping out of high school and the foundations of his political beliefs. Listen
Author and historian David McCullough was interviewed by Andy Masich of the Senator John Heinz History Center in the autumn of 2016. Listen
Jill Russell adopted her daughter Sophia, from China, on Jill's 50th birthday. They discuss Jill's feelings that day and what they both have learned in the ensuing years. Listen
ABOUT STORYCORPS
Founded in 2003 by Dave Isay, StoryCorps has given people of all backgrounds and beliefs, in thousands of towns and cities in all 50 states, the chance to record interviews about their lives. The organization preserves the recordings in its archive at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, the largest single collection of human voices ever gathered, and shares select stories with the public through StoryCorps’ podcast, NPR broadcasts, animated shorts, digital platforms, and best-selling books. These powerful human stories reflect the vast range of American experiences, wisdom and values; engender empathy and connection; and remind us how much more we have in common than what divides us. Learn more at storycorps.org
