Finding Common Ground: WYSO’s ‘One Small Step’ Initiative and the Search for Empathy in a Polarized World
In an era defined by increasing political and social division, a new initiative from WYSO Public Radio in Southwest Ohio and the national nonprofit StoryCorps aims to bridge divides through simple, respectful conversation. “One Small Step with WYSO” brings together strangers with differing beliefs, not to debate or persuade, but to simply get to know one another as human beings.
The project, launched in February 2026, encourages participants to practice active listening and share the personal stories that shape their perspectives. A recent conversation featured Kettering resident Candace Potter and Dayton resident Tony Barnes, who met at the Huber Heights Branch of the Dayton Metro Library to discuss online polarization and the relief found in face-to-face interactions. WYSO reported on their discussion.
The Impact of Online Polarization
Potter expressed her frustration with the increasingly polarized nature of online discourse, noting that social media and news sources often present individuals as belonging to opposing camps with little common ground. “It seems like people are very likely one side or the other and nobody has anything in common anymore,” she said. However, her experiences outside of these digital “pockets” suggest a different reality – one where people remain fundamentally kind and approachable.
Barnes echoed this sentiment, observing a “lack of gray area” in contemporary discussions. He described a tendency towards all-or-nothing thinking, where individuals are quickly categorized as either allies or adversaries. He attributed this phenomenon, in part, to the curated nature of online environments, where individuals can easily surround themselves with like-minded perspectives.
The Power of Empathy and Shared Humanity
Despite their potential differences, Potter and Barnes found common ground in their shared belief in the importance of empathy. They agreed that choosing to approach others with understanding can help to alleviate the sense of chaos and division that pervades modern life. Barnes emphasized the fundamental sameness of all people, stating, “Everybody wants the same thing,” despite differences in language, culture, or background.
Both participants highlighted the value of personal experience in shaping their perspectives. Potter recounted growing up in a diverse neighborhood where she was exposed to different languages and cultures, fostering a desire to make others feel welcome. Barnes shared how his experiences in junior high, interacting with friends from various countries, instilled in him a commitment to peacemaking and helping others. WYSO detailed these personal anecdotes.
WYSO’s Commitment to Community Voices
“One Small Step with WYSO” is part of the Eichelberger Center for Community Voices at WYSO, which is dedicated to fostering respectful dialogue and amplifying diverse perspectives within the Southwest Ohio region. WYSO Public Radio serves as a vital source of news, music, and storytelling for the community.
The initiative is supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Charles F. Kettering Foundation, underscoring the importance of these types of conversations in a democratic society.