SML HOSTS STORYCORPS ONE SMALL STEP RECORDING DAYS JULY 14 - 17

Shreve Memorial Library is encouraging all to participate in StoryCorps’ One Small Step initiative this summer. StoryCorps is a national non-profit organization dedicated to recording, preserving and sharing the stories of people of all backgrounds and beliefs. Its One Small Step initiative is an effort to remind the country of the humanity in all of us – even those we disagree with politically. From July 14 – July 17, Shreve Memorial Library will host dedicated recording days for the initiative.

In 2020 – 2021, StoryCorps anchored One Small Step in Wichita, Richmond, Shreveport, and Birmingham – politically diverse communities that research revealed had a good probability of adopting the project. One Small Step brings together strangers with different political views to record a 40-minute facilitated conversation with each other about their lives. Each interview becomes part of American history at the Library of Congress. Conversations are not about debating politics, but about who participants are as people, what they care about, and their dreams for the future.

Participation in One Small Step is free and open to the public. Participants are paired with someone of opposing views to get past labels like “liberal” and “conservative” and have a meaningful conversation about their lives. These conversations will take place virtually and will be assisted by a trained StoryCorps facilitator. Those interested in participating in the July 14 – July 17 Shreveport recording days can sign up at https://onesmallstep.storycorps.org/shreve-memorial/.

In addition to the facilitated conversation, StoryCorps is expanding the One Small Step program to all Americans, regardless of location. Those interested in conducting their own One Small Step conversations remotely, can learn more at a webinar on Wednesday, May 19. The webinar will be conducted via Zoom and teach attendees how to use the organizations new online recording platform, StoryCorps Connect, to have a One Small Step conversation with someone in their life. The webinar will begin at 1:00 p.m. Registration for the webinar can be completed via StoryCorps’ online registration portal here.

For more information about One Small Step, visit https://takeonesmallstep.org.

For more information on Shreve Memorial Library programs and updates, please visit www.shreve-lib.org.