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...

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

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...

There's always something fun, educational, and enriching happening at our Sherman Elementary CLC. #ThePlaceToBe

Let's experience Strengthening Democracy Awards one last time together, shall we? civicnebraska.org/20251021-rep...

Marching shows you care. Now, show you’re committed. Our open letter from June has six suggestions on where to go from here. ›› civicnebraska.org/20250614-ope...

The 2025 Strengthening Democracy Awards was a night of inspiration, art, and gratitude. Jewel Rodgers’ thunderous keynote and the joy that filled the room showed us that democracy is alive, creative, and made real by people who care and connect. Relive the evening at CivicNebraska.org/sda-2025.

Kris oversees the Finance and People & Culture teams, directs core operational strategies, and works closely with senior leadership to build efficient, transparent systems that align with Civic Nebraska’s long-term goals. Welcome, Kris! civicnebraska.org/20251010-mee...

RSVPs close at 11:59 pm CDT today [10.6.25]. Reserve your seat now and join us for a powerful evening honoring civic courage and community. Get tickets here ›› bit.ly/SDA25tix

Leo Louis II has been a force for civic connection in Omaha – from gang intervention and urban farming to rallies, youth mentorship, and the film MY OMAHA. We’re proud to honor him with the 2025 Founder’s Award. Join us 10.16.25 to celebrate! ›› civicnebraska.org/strengthenin...

Strengthening Democracy Awards are almost here. Join us Oct. 16 as we celebrate six Nebraskans whose everyday actions make our democracy stronger. Tickets are available on a pay-what-you-can basis. RSVPs close Oct. 6. Be a part of this inspiring evening! ›› civicnebraska.org/20251002-six...

Civic Nebraska’s new Apiary Fellowship empowers local leaders to strengthen democracy from the ground up. 🐝 Nominations open through Oct. 31. ›› civicnebraska.org/20250929-api...

We're proud to honor Ella Fundus with the 2025 Young Civic Leader Award. Through years of service, Ella has empowered young people, amplified unheard voices, and helped shape Nebraska’s civic future. Join us 10.16.25 to celebrate Ella and her fellow honorees! ›› civicnebraska.org/20250929-str...

Sept. 29 marks the launch of #Nebraska 's first Kid Governor® program, where fifth graders campaign, debate, and vote in a real statewide election. One will become Kid Governor, but all will become civic leaders. civicnebraska.org/20250928-kid...

Join us at noon CDT today! Dr. LJ McElravy will discuss the results of Nebraska U.'s Rural Poll on trust in institutions from 2017, 2021, and 2025. What does each say about changing confidence in local, state, and federal government, and what does it mean for our communities? ›› bit.ly/chitalk02

Civic Nebraska celebrates Nicolas Jaramillo with the 2025 Civic Catalyst Award. From Latino business storytelling to the Latino Golf Association, his leadership is building community and opportunity. Join us Oct. 16 for Strengthening Democracy Awards in Omaha! ›› civicnebraska.org/20250924-str...

Free expression doesn't collapse overnight. It narrows step by step, until silence feels safer than speaking. The sidelining of Kimmel and Colbert is part of that pattern. We unpack what's happening and what citizens can do. ›› civicnebraska.org/20250923-wsw...

The federal government wants Nebraskans' unredacted voter data turned over – for reasons unknown. Our friends at Common Cause Nebraska have answered this demand on behalf of every #Nebraska voter. ›› www.commoncause.org/nebraska/pre...

“Laura finds a path forward when there doesn’t seem to be one.” That’s why Laura Gamboa Urrego of Grand Island is our 2025 Community Builder honoree at Civic Nebraska’s Strengthening Democracy Awards. Join us on 10.16 to celebrate our winners. ›› civicnebraska.org/20250929-str...

Abigail Adams Edith Bolling Galt Wilson Eleanor Roosevelt Rosalynn Carter Barbara Bush Michelle Obama

Democracy is more than laws and elections; it’s about culture, connection, and civic spirit. That’s what we cultivate at Civic Saturday. Our final gathering of 2025 will be Saturday, Nov. 15. Join us for music, poetry, speeches, and fellowship! ›› bitly.com/CivSatNeb

DOJ has demanded Nebraska’s unredacted voter files. Sensitive identifiers like driver’s license numbers and SSN digits should NEVER leave state control. Protecting voter privacy is protecting the right to vote. Tell state leaders to protect your info. ›› civicnebraska.org/20250917-red...

It's Constitution Day! How well do you know our nation's founding document? To celebrate the anniversary of our supreme law of the land, here's a sequel to our 2023 Constitution Day Super-Quiz. Go get 'em! ›› civicnebraska.org/20250917-con...

Civic Nebraska is in D.C. for the National Conference on Citizenship. The theme is civic resilience, and we’re bringing Nebraska’s story to the national conversation about building strength and connection. We're proud to share our work and learn from partners across the country.

Louisiana reviewed decades of voter rolls. Out of tens of millions of votes, only 79 possible noncitizen ballots turned up, and those are unconfirmed. The evidence is overwhelming: Non-citizens aren’t voting. The real danger is the myth. ›› tinyurl.com/5hchkjfu

The newest cohort of Civic Nebraska’s Idea of America Fellowship has begun in Grand Island, Hastings, and Kearney. Fellows from across the region are exploring leadership, identity, and belonging to strengthen democracy. ›› civicnebraska.org/20250911-idea-america-fellowship-central-nebraska/

Everyday Nebraskans are the architects of democracy. On Oct. 16, we’ll honor six who are leading with vision and courage at the 2025 Strengthening Democracy Awards. Join us at the Livestock Exchange Ballrooms in Omaha for an evening of recognition and artistry. ››

Who will be honored with Strengthening Democracy Awards on Oct. 16 in Omaha? We'll announce the winners this Wednesday [9.10.25]. Get tickets for our annual shindig at www.civicnebraska.org/sda-2025.

It's high time to consider a nonpartisan redistricting commission for #Nebraska. That is, unless all 2 million of us enjoy being used as pawns in a hyperpartisan game that no one ever wins. nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/08/w...

Civic character is how we live and act together in public: showing up to do the work, treating opponents with respect, choosing hope over cynicism. It's also about balancing self-interest and the common good, and then passing these learned habits down. ›› civicnebraska.org/20250908-civ...

Nebraska’s ballot initiative process is a powerful expression of direct democracy — and it’s under pressure. Heidi Uhing shares how ballot initiatives work, the barriers they face, and why protecting them matter. ›› www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp93...

Today [9.5.25] is the International Day of Charity, honoring Mother Teresa’s legacy and encouraging volunteerism and generosity. Giving your time, talent, and treasure strengthens communities and helps build a healthier democracy for the next generation. ›› civicnebraska.org/20220307-dem...

What happens when you give 5th-graders a platform to lead? You get Kid Governor, a statewide civics program where students nominate peers, run campaigns, vote, and build a vision for Nebraska. The 2025 race kicks off this fall. Register your classroom at ne.kidgovernor.org.

Nebraska U.'s Rural Poll measured rural trust in institutions in '17, '21, and '25. What does the data say about changing confidence in local, state, and federal government, and what does it mean for our communities? Join us Sept. 25 for a virtual talk with NU's LJ McElravy. ›› bit.ly/chitalk02

Bad ideas don’t die; they just get rebranded and return, return, return. Whether it's pushing winner-take-all, ending mail-in voting, or worsening ID mandates, the sooner we name these bad policies, the easier it is to stop them. ›› civicnebraska.org/20250902-mai...

Some heroes don't wear capes. ››