Democracy lives in our relationships, our institutions, and our collective imagination. Here's what we plan to build, sustain, and protect alongside you in the new year. ›› civicnebraska.org/20260101-neb...
National politics dominates headlines. Local democracy does the real work.
From protecting our split Electoral College system to expanding youth leadership and winning local reforms, we focused on community, connection, and shared power in 2025. ›› civicnebraska.org/20251222-202...
Mark your calendars! On 5.19.26, we're hosting The State of Civic Life Conference, a one-day gathering of community catalysts, educators, leaders, neighborhood advocates, and Nebraskans committed to strengthening our shared civic life. ›› civicnebraska.org/20251217-sta...
Dec. 15 is Bill of Rights Day in the United States. How well do you know the original amendments to our founding document? Here's a sequel to our 2023 quiz. civicnebraska.org/20251215-bil...
Our director of communications is heading off on a new adventure, and we've kicked off the search for a new comms leader. This role helps shape our narrative, strengthen our public presence, and share the stories of Nebraskans working to build democracy. More ›› civicnebraska.org/job/director...
We've raised nearly $20,000 toward our year-end $25,000 Democracy Challenge match. That means we're within striking distance of unlocking the full match and doubling the impact of every contribution before year’s end. You can get us there with a gift today ›› civicnebraska.org/20251210-clo...
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A photo of the Baskets for Sudan event at Lincoln High on December 6, 2025. Fans are watching from the bleachers while players prepare to execute (and defend) and inbounds play.
Baskets for Sudan was a slam dunk! NAYLA aimed to raise $500 for humanitarian relief; they crossed $1,000 in on-site donations, and more online. Students led the entire event, from the hoops tourney to community booths. Proceeds go to the Sudanese American Physicians Association. bit.ly/bfsudan
A group photo of about 20 people in an office space, smiling. A blue and yellow square logo with the words "The Apiary" on it and an image of the Civic Nebraska bee is superimposed.
Members of the Apiary around a set of four tables arranged in a square, discussing the coming year.
Three of the Apiary fellows, two men and a woman, discussing the year ahead.
Laura Gamboa Urrego, the group's mentor, making a point during The Apiary's first meeting.
The Apiary came together in style on 12.6.25. Advocates and organizers from around the state met and began building the collective power to design and carry out civic action plans focused on real, community-rooted work that strengthens our state. ›› CivicNebraska.org/apiary
She's back! Kieran Kissler, a lifelong Nebraskan and experienced advocate for opportunity and justice, has returned to Civic Nebraska as our director of public policy. She began Dec. 1. civicnebraska.org/20251205-rei...
Nebraska nonprofits respond every day to urgent needs, emerging challenges, and long-term goals that shape our civic life. On Giving Tuesday, consider donating time, talent, or treasure to join this mission. civicnebraska.org/20251201-buy...
Before heading into the season of holiday gatherings, take a moment to ground yourself with our curated list of resources for civil discourse. ›› civicnebraska.org/civic-health...
A brief scene in the Netflix dramedy "A Man on the Inside" tells us a lot about how we perceive what's real and what's not – and what that means for our shared democratic reality. ›› civicnebraska.org/20251124-scr...
When trust in the system erodes but belief in democracy remains, a vacuum is created that only communities can fill. That's where neighbors, civic groups, and local leaders step in – to show all of us what self-government looks like when it's practiced up close. civicnebraska.org/20251120-dem...
If you believe in strong neighborhoods, thriving youth, and community partnerships that make a real difference, this is your place. Lead programming, support families, guide staff, build relationships, and help students grow. ›› civicnebraska.org/job/site-dir...
“This victory is not just mine,” Charlie told a raucous assembly of fellow students at Meadows, as well as a statewide audience watching along. “It belongs to every fifth grader in Nebraska who wants to make a real difference in our state.” civicnebraska.org/20251118-cha...
What holds democracy together? A shared sense of what’s real. At Civic Saturday on Nov. 15, we dug into how we protect that. Full gathering and sermon here ›› civicnebraska.org/20251115-the...
Less movement can mean fewer opportunities, slower wage gains, and less innovation. But there’s another side to this story, one that’s not about GDP, but about civic life: What happens to it when Americans stop moving? civicnebraska.org/20250818-ame...
When everything gets pulled into the same national argument, we risk seeing others not as neighbors but symbols of what's wrong with the nation. That's when we must invest attention, time, and care in the people and places closest to us. ›› civicnebraska.org/20251109-los...
Fifth graders around the state are voting for one of seven finalists to become Nebraska's first Kid Governor®! Check out this roundup of each student's platform from the Lincoln Journal Star. journalstar.com/news/local/e...
Here we go! From Nov. 3-12, participating fifth-grade classrooms across Nebraska are watching each Kid Governor® candidate's campaign videos, discussing the issues, and casting their ballots. ›› civicnebraska.org/20251103-vot...
Yes, it is. Which is why we elevated it on all of our platforms.
A collage of smiling elementary-age children in a host of activities, including reading, video editing, and showing off their art projects.
This week, Lothrop CLC kindergartners made pizza crafts, pumpkin projects, and sparkling snow globes. Third graders launched the Read and Feed Club, and fifth graders produced an awesome Halloween video with the STEM AIM Institute. Our Panthers learn, lead, and shine every day! #LothropLove
Appreciate the comment. Two quick thoughts:
- 1.) Give the full report – or at least the executive summary – a read. The depth and expertise speak for themselves. - 2.) You might be new to our work, but that doesn’t mean we're new to it.
When truth blurs and citizens tune out, power concentrates. We must pay attention, ask questions, support local journalism, protect fair elections, and stay connected. Here are five ways everyday Nebraskans can stay vigilant and take action. ›› civicnebraska.org/20251028-war...
The Idea of America Fellowship builds strong leaders by building relationships across lines of difference. A past fellow describes how leadership doesn’t mean always agreeing, but being willing to learn, listen, and stay in conversation. ›› civicnebraska.org/20251028-fin...
"The things that are happening in Nebraska make me optimistic for our future. However we can share that with the rest of the country, that's ultimately what we're here to do.” – Nancy Petitto, Civic Nebraska
thefulcrum.us/civic-engage...
Civic health is a shared belief that institutions serve the public good, education is an investment, and our state grows by nurturing talent. Those foundations weaken when we frame higher ed as a partisan battleground or reduce it to a ledger line. ››
civicnebraska.org/2025-protect...
A collage of photos showing elementary-age children creating with Lego blocks, gathered around a table with more blocks, using an iPad for a field activity, and learning how to operate a professional video camera.
There's always something fun, educational, and enriching happening at our Sherman Elementary CLC. #ThePlaceToBe
