Dear friend, As we reflect on this year, one thing is certain: Your unwavering support for Civic Nebraska and democracy has always been loud and clear. Because of you, we’ve brought civic education to classrooms, mobilized voters, and empowered Nebraskans to build stronger communities. Together, we’re making democracy work for everyone. As the year draws to a close we invite you once again to join our chorus of change-makers. Remember, there are numerous ways to give. Many of our supporters give stock, grant from Donor-Advised funds, or make a Qualified Charitable Distribution, all of whi ..read more

What? Today is National Native American Heritage Day, which is observed each year on the day after Thanksgiving. Our shared American history begins with Natives, and on this day often defined by a full sports schedule and holiday shopping, we pause to honor the first peoples and to reflect upon the injustices they have experienced throughout our nation’s history. This includes discrimination in the form of disenfranchisement – and as events this week have shown, the struggle is far from over.    On Monday, Nov. 20, the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling th ..read more

America began as an argument. From the Founding to today, our American identity is rooted in debate, discourse, and discussion. The very process of never-ending argument is what bolsters democracy. Too often, arguments become fights, and that damages us and our Republic. How do we meaningfully engage with those with whom we vigorously disagree? Here are three suggested questions to ask ourselves, to nurture authentically American arguments. 1. “Is this constructive and productive?”  Yes, it’s tempting to show “the other side” the wrongness of their position, stance, or statement. Y ..read more

Much of Civic Nebraska’s work focuses on Nebraska’s civic health ­– the way that our communities and our state are organized to define and address public problems. Communities with strong civic health have higher employment rates, stronger schools, better physical health, and more responsive governments. Every five years, we publish the Nebraska Civic Health Index, putting data behind the concepts of community engagement, social connectedness, political activity, and trust in our institutions. This work is at the heart of our mission and it’s vital to our vision of a modern, robust demo ..read more

Civic Nebraska hosted its Campbell Elementary Community Learning Center‘s first-ever swearing-in ceremony for student officers on Nov. 10, bringing parents and their children together to welcome new members of the student council. Lincoln City Councilmember Brodey WeberLogan Niedzielski, Civic Nebraska’s Campbell CLC school community coordinator, directed the event – and brought along Lincoln City Councilmember Brodey Weber to speak about community leadership before administering oaths of office for the school’s new student leaders. “Having Councilman Weber with us today not only shows that th ..read more

Intense polarization. A sense of disconnection. Feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness. Across our country, many of us are experiencing these same heartaches and challenges. But we are not stuck. Civic Saturday gatherings are an antidote to this feeling of apathy and despair. On Dec. 9, Civic Nebraska will host Lincoln’s final Civic Saturday of 2023. The 11 a.m. gathering at Turbine Flats, 2124 Y St., will feature live music, original poetry, inspiring readings, and time for socializing and discussion centered on rebuilding faith in one another and our democracy. The gathering’s theme is ..read more

Dear friends, We hope you enjoy the stories, successes, and milestones that are highlighted in Civic Nebraska’s 2023-24 annual report, Loud & Clear. This report captures not only our efforts over the past year but also the positive impacts flowing from your support of a more modern and robust democracy for all Nebraskans. This year raised a number of challenges and uncertainties across our state and nation, and we harbor no illusions about the fragile state of democracy in our state and country. But we at Civic Nebraska have never been known to wring our hands and just idly hope for the b ..read more

It’s an understatement to say that everyone at Civic Nebraska is honored and humbled that our organization is receiving the Freedom Fighter Award from the Omaha Branch of the NAACP. The honor, which will be presented on Nov. 11 at the Association’s annual Freedom Fund Banquet, is in recognition of Civic Nebraska’s partnership and efforts on issues of justice, equity, and inclusion. Director of Voting Rights Heather Engdahl will lead our delegation and accept the award on Civic Nebraska’s behalf. Having worked alongside the NAACP on several issues over the years on voting rights issues, this is ..read more

In a U.S. Senate hearing on Nov. 1, Nebraska Deputy Secretary of State for Elections Wayne Bena discussed several of the state’s election security protocols and ongoing challenges in election administration. Bena was one of five election experts invited to testify before the U.S. Senate Rules and Administration Committee. “There is no doubt that challenges lie ahead in 2024,” Bena testified. “I am proud to work with Nebraska’s county election commissioners, county clerks, their staff, and their poll workers. We have handled all challenges before us one day at a time and one deadline at a tim ..read more

Since 2016, countless Americans have found joy, inspiration, and motivation to make meaningful change through the practice of Civic Saturdays. The gatherings, which take place in more than 200 communities around the United States – including Lincoln – strengthen community bonds and help people feel connected to their civic identity. In February 2024, the founders of this powerful ritual are coming to Lincoln to train Nebraskans how to organize Civic Saturdays in their communities. The Nebraska Civic Saturday Fellowship, a joint project of Civic Nebraska and Seattle-based Citizen University, is ..read more