One Small Step Experience

KPBS is bringing One Small Step to the KPBS Conrad Prebys Media Complex at Copley Center on Wednesday, October 21. It's a dialogue initiative they're running in partnership with StoryCorps, and the whole thing is built around bringing people of different backgrounds and beliefs together for a conversation that's pointedly not about politics, but about getting to know each other as people.

The evening opens with a respectful exchange between two guests from San Diego's civil liberties and judicial communities: Norma Chávez-Peterson, Executive Director of the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties, and Jan Goldsmith, a retired judge who has served as City Attorney of San Diego, a California State Assemblymember, and Mayor of Poway. After that, the focus shifts to the room, with facilitated table conversations where attendees discuss and share their own viewpoints.

One Small Step is part of Public Matters, a collaboration between KPBS, inewsource, and Voice of San Diego—three independent, non-profit journalism organizations—and it's funded by Irwin and Joan Jacobs. The whole thing is less about debating and more about listening, so it's the kind of night that works best if you're in the mood to actually hear someone out.

Doors open at 5 PM for check-in and a reception, and the program kicks off at 5:45 PM. Tickets are $5, and space is limited to the first 80 registrants, so you'll want to get your name in early. Complimentary parking is provided at the complex, 5200 Campanile Drive, San Diego 92182.