STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
The Wood River Women’s Foundation does more than award grants to nonprofits and help them make the most of those bucks.
Once a year the nonprofit organization holds a State of the Valley in which it convenes community leaders and others to look at challenges facing the Wood River Valley.
The 7th annual State of the Valley is titled “Solving the Civility Crisis.” A moderated panel will address the increasing polarization and breakdowns in civil discourse, examining whether they’re showing up locally. And it will look at what individuals and institutions can do to foster respectful, constructive engagement.
The event will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, in The Den at Wood River High School in Hailey. It will also be shared via Zoom.
It will feature:
Mark Davidson, Executive Director of BCRD
Chenele Dixon, (R) Former State Representative for Southern Idaho; Founder, Idaho Solutions
Pam Morris, Editor, Idaho Mountain Express
Ryan Redman, Founder, Flourish Foundation
Michelle Stennett, (D) Former State Senator for Blaine County
2-3 Students from Wood River High School
The evening will include a short interactive experience designed to help attendees connect with one another around what locals love about living here and what’s worth protecting.
The event is to be a launch point for a year-long series of community dialogues hosted by partner organizations through the valley, including libraries, faith communities, civil and recreation groups.
“This year’s State of the Valley reflects what we’re hearing from so many in our community — a desire to reconnect, to listen more deeply, and to remember what we share,” said Karissa Price Rico, WRWF Education Committee chair. “Civility isn’t about agreement. It’s about learning how to stay in relationship, even when we differ.”
The event is free but registration is recommended at https://woodriverwomensfoundation.org/state-of-the-valley/.
WRWF President Jeannie Shroads said her organization hopes to record the event, as well.