Lily Sughroue, a fifth-generation Lincolnite with deep experience in the nonprofit, government, and education worlds, is Civic Nebraska’s new director of civic health programs. She began in the role on April 15. Lily Sughroue, director of civic health programsAs director of civic health, Lily is responsible for directing and sustaining one of our three program areas at Civic Nebraska – Civic Health Programs. She is responsible for the success of the programs and projects within the program area, which include the rural civic health initiative, civil discourse and media literacy programming, Ca ..read more

Listen to full audio from the news conference here. Nebraska’s Voting Rights Restoration Coalition has launched a public education campaign on Nebraska’s new voting rights law. Stemming from the Nebraska Legislature’s passage of LB20, state residents who have completed a felony sentence can now register to vote immediately after completion, rather than wait an extra two years. Jasmine Harris of RISE addresses a news conference following the passage of LB20.“Eliminating the two-year waiting period for the restoration of voting rights bolsters positive social engagement which is one of the keys ..read more

“Today, Nebraska took a significant step toward a more just, inclusive, and participatory democracy. By restoring voting rights to Nebraskans immediately after they have completed felony sentences, our elected leaders have upheld the fundamental principle of redemption by recognizing every person’s inherent dignity and worth, regardless of past mistakes. Nebraskans believe in second chances, and that’s what this bill is all about. “Restoring voting rights to people with felony convictions is a reaffirmation of their return as full members of our society. By removing this antiquated barrier fo ..read more

As summer approaches, so does the season of summer reading lists. What better way to expand your horizons and deepen your understanding of the world around you than through a good page-turner? That’s where Civic Nebraska’s Summer of Democracy Reading List comes in. For the past seven years, Civic Nebraska has curated a selection of thought-provoking books about various aspects of democracy, including history, current events, politics, civic health, and the social sciences. This initiative isn’t just about summertime reading; it’s about empowering us all to be better-informed citizens and more ..read more

National Week of Conversation was created for Americans who are exhausted by the division and hatred in our country. For those seeking ways to turn down the heat of polarization, this is a week to become inspired, equipped and engaged in activities that build bridges across differences.  During the week, individuals, groups, and communities across the United States will participate in conversations to build connections, explore diverse perspectives, and find common ground. This annual event is reminder of our shared humanity and the potential for positive change when we engage in respec ..read more

Every election year, hundreds of thousands of Nebraskans exercise their fundamental right to vote. As we enter the final month before our state’s May 14 primary election, the Secretary of State’s Office has issued the call for Nebraskans to step up and become poll workers. Several Nebraska counties are still seeking election workers to staff their polling places. You can get started by contacting your county’s election commission office, learning what your county’s specific needs are on Primary Election Day, and then signing up to help. It’s our civic duty. That’s the not-so-radical idea that ..read more

In case you haven’t noticed from the constant barrage of polls, campaign stunts, and noise about the “state of the race,” it’s an election year in the United States. It’s a great time for that subset of Americans who consume politics like sports; in this funhouse mirror version of the world, off-the-charts conjecture and unmitigated hype in the early months of the year are like the buildup to the Super Bowl. Even if you’re not a political junkie, it’s easy to get swept up in performative politics. That’s because it’s everywhere. With notable exceptions, mainstream U.S. media tend to frame camp ..read more

Early mail-in ballots for Nebraska’s May 14 general election will soon land in the mailboxes of voters who have requested them. Registered Nebraska voters can vote by mail for any reason – Nebraska is among the nation’s “no-excuse” states regarding absentee voting. You have until April 29 to request an early mail-in ballot in time for the statewide primary. Here are a few best practices for voting via an early mail-in ballot. Double-check your ballot. Be sure you’ve got the right ballot in front of you before you begin. Also, confirm that an election official’s signature is at the very bo ..read more

Over the last year, Civic Nebraska has partnered with the Nebraska Writers Collective to provide civic mentorship to the 2023-24 Nebraska Youth Poet Laureate, Aliyah American Horse. Aliyah chose The Sister Project, a civic initiative to bring attention to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, or MMIW, Movement through the power of words and art. Aliyah American Horse, Nebraska’s 2023-24 Youth Poet Laureate.“My work focuses on at-risk Indigenous communities, talking about real-life struggles, and putting that out there,” Aliyah said during the presentation. “Throughout all my poetry, I’m v ..read more

FIND & CONTACT YOUR SENATOR “More than any other state, Nebraska’s one-house Legislature requires lawmaking to be deliberative. Our Unicameral emphasizes thorough discussion and consideration of proposed legislation, ensuring that state laws reflect our state’s different perspectives and interests. Unlike national politicians, a vast majority of Nebraskans understand that such a methodical process takes time, which is a precious commodity in the legislative calendar. A last-minute attempt to change the state’s long-standing law undermines this well-honed process. It circumvents the neces ..read more