Case Studies

Real-World Examples from Communities Across the Country
Explore the many ways partners have adapted One Small Step to fit their communities. Borrow, adjust, and try these programs in your own setting.
Visit our toolkits page to explore the inspiration behind these programs.
Starting with Written Reflections in a Small Community
DR. FRANK L. LEGGETT LIBRARY, MS

Testing Conversation Tools Inside Everyday Programs
BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY, NY

Using Shared Memories to Start Conversations
COUNCIL BLUFFS LIBRARY, IA

Story Circles, Coffee, and Everyday Connection
GLENWOOD SPRINGS LIBRARY, CO

Hosting Community Talks Through a Library Civics Lab
KINGS PARK LIBRARY, VA

Students Leading Connection Across Difference
LA CAÑADA HIGH SCHOOL, CA

Learning How to Talk Across Differences at School
MAGGIE L. WALKER GOV SCHOOL, VA

Layering One Small Step into Established Library Dialogue
NORTH LIBERTY LIBRARY, IA

Practicing Hard Family Conversations Before the Holidays
ONE SMALL STEP LIVE! EVENT

Listening to Short Stories Through a Public Phone Station
SALT LAKE CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY, UT

Sparking Student Reflection with Story Prompts
ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY, NY

A Community-Led Podcast for Dialogue Across Difference
JOHNSON COUNTY, KS

Practicing Conversation Indoors and Outdoors
UNITY PUBLIC LIBRARY, ME

A Second Step Conversation in Guided Groups
VA TECH RICHMOND CENTER, VA

Bringing Youth and Elders Together Through Conversation
WERU COMMUNITY RADIO, ME

Making Space for Civic Courage Through Storytelling
WICHITA PUBLIC LIBRARY, KS

Conversation Skills Practice in a Member-Led Community
WIDER HORIZONS VILLAGE, WA

Transforming Youth Engagement in Public Media
WTIP RADIO STATION, MN

Conversation Practice and Play in Crozet
CROZET LIBRARY, VA

Share Your Work With Us!
Using OSS DIY in your community? We’d love to hear how it’s going. Share what you’ve tried, what you’ve learned, or what you’re curious about next—your experiences help us learn and grow alongside you.