On June 27, Civic Nebraska will honor five Nebraskans whose acts help to build a more modern and robust democracy at our annual Strengthening Democracy Awards gala in Lincoln. Now through May 17, we are accepting nominations from the public in five categories of democracy-building. Do you know someone who fits any of these descriptions? Nominate them today! Community Builder A Nebraskan who connects others, creates collaborations, or builds coalitions toward a shared community goal or issue. This Nebraskan embodies the notion that we are all better off when we are all better o ..read more

Thousands of Nebraskans who are incarcerated in Nebraska’s county jails will have access to voting rights information this spring thanks to a partnership between the ACLU of Nebraska, Civic Nebraska, and RISE. Educational pamphlets produced by the organizations are arriving at county jails this week. The mailed information helps Nebraskans understand whether they are eligible to vote in this May’s primary election and what steps they need to take to ensure they can cast a ballot, including how to comply with the state’s new voter identification requirement. Partners say the goal is to add ..read more

On April 26, a series of tornadoes ripped through eastern Nebraska including the Lincoln and Omaha areas, leaving a trail of destruction that is, days later, still being reckoned with. The storms destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes and businesses, leaving many Nebraskans without power, shelter, or any idea of what to do next.  With a few days’ perspective, we remain amazed and grateful. For a storm of such size and duration, it’s truly incredible no one was killed. We give eternal thanks for that – and for our fellow Nebraskans, who have joined together to support one another followin ..read more

The 2024 session of the Nebraska Legislature ended April 18, with senators and the governor seeming resigned that a special session is needed this summer to take another run at addressing property tax reductions the governor had hoped to win in this short session but did not achieve. Winner-take-all threat This is particularly concerning for voting rights, given the unexpected round of national attention that Nebraska’s unique split Electoral College vote received during the waning days of the session. While LB764 had been introduced in 2023 to make Nebraska a winner-take-all state, the bill h ..read more

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