"Universities might be the last, best place where people can learn to coexist, converse and cooperate with those whose views differ from their own."
– Chancellor Daniel Diermeier
Take One Small Step
An opportunity to sharpen your ability to engage with ideas and people across the spectrum – a skill critical to effective and sustained leadership in the classroom, workplaces and civic life.
Co-create a campus culture built on respect that makes space for complex truths and utilizes that space to empower all community members to more openly and civilly exchange ideas, learn from and grow with one another.
Create a community you feel more connected to and understood by.
One Small Step brings two people with different beliefs together for a conversation: not to debate politics, but simply to learn from each other and get to know one another as people. From this small conversation, a world of understanding and opportunity arises.
One Small Step is not just a social initiative but a scientifically backed approach based on contact theory. This theory suggests that meaningful interaction between people with opposing views can help turn 'thems' into 'us-es.' The initiative's systematic approach is supported by a group of advisors that include scientists, researchers, and psychologists. To date, more than 4,800 people across 40 states have recorded One Small Step interviews.
Together, let's join the dialogue, continue the conversation, and start to change our world through the courage to listen.