About

Civil discourse is the foundation of a functioning democracy, yet it feels increasingly fragile. The Do Good Conversation Series invites our community to come together and explore how we can replace barriers with bridges, bringing together voices from different political parties and diverse perspectives in civic, policy, and political life.

Today, listening is an act of courage. Connecting with someone you don’t see eye to eye with—and walking away with mutual respect—is more important now than ever. 

Join HMK Impact as we explore the humanity in all of us and how we can hold onto respect and connection, even in the hardest conversations.

FEATURED PANELISTS

• Idaho State Senator Melissa Wintrow Sen. Melissa Wintrow is a lifelong advocate for equity, fairness, and education. A former Boise State educator and Women’s Center Director, she has spent over 25 years empowering students and leading programs in leadership development, diversity, and victim advocacy. As a legislator, she became involved in the National Institute for Civil Discourse, serving as co-chair of a national network of state legislators (Nxt Gen) committed to leading with civility. Today, she brings that same commitment to the Idaho Legislature, where she champions civil discourse and stands up for those treated unfairly. Melissa also co-owns SAGA Strategic Consulting, helping organizations strengthen leadership and collaboration.
• Todd Cranney – Political Strategist: Todd Cranney is Managing Partner of Riverwood Strategies, bringing decades of experience leading major national and state-level political campaigns. Before co-founding his Idaho-based firm, he served as National Deputy Political Director for Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign, overseeing teams in key battleground states and managing delegate relations for the Republican National Convention. Todd previously held senior roles including Political Director for Meg Whitman for Governor, Western Regional Political Director for Romney 2008, and leadership positions on campaigns for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and President George W. Bush. He also served as a political appointee at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and as a legislative aide to Senator Orrin Hatch. Raised on a family farm in southern Idaho, Todd brings both strategic insight and a deep understanding of western values to his work across Idaho and the West.
• Nancy Buffington, Public Speaking Coach: Nancy Buffington is an English professor turned public speaking coach/trainer. Since 2011, she has helped hundreds of individuals and groups learn to speak with clarity, confidence, authenticity and joy. Nancy helped start TEDxBoise and has coached TED and TEDx speakers across the world. She is the speaker coach for Idaho Listens, a community-based, connection-across-differences event held across Idaho, and is involved with a range of other political depolarization projects. She and her husband have a blended family with five adult sons and two geriatric cats. She's currently working on a nonfiction book involving her colonial ancestry, a racially motivated killing in the 1960s, and a Bob Dylan song. Any chance she gets, she sings with the Boise-based soul band, The Soulmates
• Event Host – Crispin Gravatt: Crispin Gravatt is the host of The Idaho Weekly Podcast and the founder of Idaho Media Network. He is the Executive Director of Idaho Smart Growth and serves as Chair of the City of Boise's Public Works Commission. With a background in sociology, economics, and community engagement, Crispin is passionate about fostering responsible growth, affordability, and vibrant communities. An advocate for collaboration and actionable change, Crispin brings a fresh perspective to conversations that matter.

Arts & History Grant Program

The City of Boise’s Arts & History Grant program funds quality arts, history, and cultural projects that benefit people living in Boise city limits. Since 1997, the city has awarded over 500 grants with a total disbursement of over $2.1 million. Follow along using #AHGrant. Learn more.