Melissa Coleman and Christa Galipeau

Melissa Coleman (MC) and Christa Galipeau (CG) introduce themselves.

Participants talk about what made them want to participate in a One Small Step conversation.

CG reads MC’s bio and asks about growing up on a back-to-land homestead and organic farm. MC talks about growing up on a homestead in Cape Rosier, Maine.

CG talks about growing up on a potato farm in Aroostook County, Maine, and how her brother’s kids are the sixth generation to live on their farm.

MC reads CG’s bio and asks what happened 20 years ago that made CG change her political affiliation. CG talks about being raised in a Republican family that believed in pulling oneself up by the bootstraps and rugged individualism. She talks about how her mental health struggles taught her that there’s nothing wrong with asking for help when you need it, becoming an Independent, and eventually registering as a Democrat.

MC talks about her liberal childhood and how she realized that liberal politics were no longer resonating with her.

Participants discuss the importance of questioning authority, and critical thinking skills rather than following a certain political party. They discuss the challenges of speaking out against something the rest of your community is going along with and handling pushback and criticism.

CG talks about “cultural suicide” and what happens when people from rural, conservative communities like herself go to college, get educated, and come home with different cultural attitudes and leanings. MC talks about coming from a family that expected her to go to college and learn liberal ideologies.

Participants talk about their twin daughters. CG talks about how her daughters have different attitudes toward religion than she does and how important it is not to persuade people to think a certain way, and letting her daughters become who they are.

MC talks about the concept of social defaults and a book called “Clear Thinking.”

CG talks about awareness (or lack thereof) around bias and racism.

MC talks about how communication on Twitter (X) during the pandemic and how unkind people could be, the importance of not taking things personally.

CG talks about being a reflective person.

MC shares her perspective on how both sides of the political spectrum engage in reactive and vitriolic communication.

CG talks about what it means to stand up for something/stick to one’s beliefs.

MC brings in a Krishnamurti quote, “Truth is a pathless land.”

CG asks MC about who has influenced her. MC talks about her twin daughters. CG and MC talk about what it’s like to have twin daughters and how younger generations are different from their generation, their interpersonal and communication skills, as well as self-awareness and acceptance.

MC asks CG about who has influenced her. CG talks about her parents and ancestors, having a strong sense of roots. She talks about the importance of providing children with roots and wings.

MC and CG talk about how much they respect their parents'/ancestors’ challenges, especially as it relates to farming/homesteading/economic precocity.

CG asks if there’s something about her beliefs MC doesn’t agree with but still respects. MC talks about being challenged by people who try to tell her that they know what’s best for her, especially as it relates to the Biden administration telling everyone they needed to get vaccinated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants discuss their relationship to COVID-19 vaccinations and how their choices impacted their friendships/relationships.

MC asks CG if she is who she expected her to be.

CG asks MC what her hopes for the future are. MC talks about relationships and conflict as a generative space.