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Civic Nebraska
@civicnebraska.bsky.social
350 followers 75 following 430 posts
We create a more modern and robust democracy for all Nebraskans.
›› CivicNebraska.org
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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
A collage of smiling elementary-age children in a host of activities, including reading, video editing, and showing off their art projects.
October 31, 2025 at 3:20 PM
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There's always something fun, educational, and enriching happening at our Sherman Elementary CLC. #ThePlaceToBe
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.
October 23, 2025 at 3:22 PM
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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.
October 17, 2025 at 9:27 PM
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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
LAST CALL for tickets to STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY AWARDS - RSVP DEADLINE is Monday, Oct. 6 at 11:59 pm CDT - the AWARDS CEREMONY is Thursday, Oct. 16 from 5:30 to 8 pm CDT at the Livestock Exchange Ballrooms in Omaha.
October 6, 2025 at 2:37 PM
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“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...
September 22, 2025 at 12:43 PM
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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
THESE TRUTHS a civic saturday celebration Nov. 15, 2025 > 11 am CST The Gathering Grove 2649 N. 48th St. Next to Mo Java ALWAYS FREE & OPEN TO ALL
September 19, 2025 at 2:14 PM
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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.
A blue graphic with three photos, one of eight Civic Nebraska staff members smiling in a conference room in Washington DC. Another is of a speaker at a lectern with the National Conference on Citizenship logo and branding behind him. The third is of four women participating in a panel. A screen next to them says "Women Voters' Transformative Role in Re-Imagining Civic Health." The hashtag #NCoC2025 is superimposed on the graphic.
September 16, 2025 at 7:30 PM
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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.
A blue graphic with the silhouettes of six unidentified people under the words "Strengthening Democracy Awards."
September 10, 2025 at 1:29 AM
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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.
A blue-and-orange graphic with eight fifth-grade children of different genders and races smiling toward the camera. The Nebraska Kid Governor logo, the Civic Nebraska seal, and the URL of ne.kidgovernor.org is superimposed.
September 3, 2025 at 9:41 PM
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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
A picture of LJ McElravy wearing a red polo. The "State of Civic Life" logo is followed by "Virtual Series; Civic Trust in Rural Nebraska - Dr. LJ McElravy, NU Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication - Thursday, Sept. 25, Noon CDT, on Zoom."
September 2, 2025 at 9:11 PM
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The nomination window for our 2025 Strengthening Democracy Awards closes at 5 pm CDT this Friday [Aug. 29]. This week is your last chance to recognize Nebraskans who dedicate themselves to building stronger, more connected, and more democratic communities. ›› CivicNebraska.org/sda-2025
A blue graphic with the words "Strengthening Democracy Awards - Last Chance! Nomination deadline, Aug. 29, 5 pm CDT. Link: CivicNebraska.org/sda-2025."
August 27, 2025 at 4:13 PM
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Aug. 26, 1920: The 19th Amendment was certified, granting women the right to vote. Women’s Equality Day honors that struggle, and reminds us that voting rights must be defended and expanded in every generation.
A blue graphic with the quote: "The cure for the ills of social freedom is political freedom, for that means responsibility. Woman's ballot will be the balance-wheel of feminism; the orderly marshaling of the forces of progress." By CLARA BEWICK COLBY
August 26, 2025 at 8:11 PM
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Our after-school directors recently gathered with other leaders for a Collective For Youth training in Omaha. Every day, these leaders show up for kids with expertise, heart, and an unyielding faith in the future. They create spaces where young people can learn and thrive beyond the school day.
August 21, 2025 at 3:19 PM
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On Aug. 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified, granting women the right to vote after decades of marches, vigils, and arrests. But barriers – especially for women of color – remained. The lesson is clear: rights must be fought for, defended, and expanded, generation after generation.
A purple and blue graphic with the large capitalized words: HARD WON, NOT DONE.
August 18, 2025 at 1:56 PM
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Today [8.12.25] is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, a reminder that our elections run on people. In #Nebraska, being one is as simple as contacting your county’s election commissioner. You’ll help keep voting safe, secure, and accessible for everyone. bit.ly/NebElex
As a POLL WORKER, you: › Help neighbors vote. Poll workers are essential to secure, accurate, and accessible elections. • Learn and earn. Get trained, gain civic knowledge, and earn a wage or raise funds for a cause. • Serve your community. Be part of the checks and balances that keep our democracy strong. bit ly/NebElex
August 12, 2025 at 8:57 PM
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Imagine your fifth-grade student running a campaign, giving speeches, and becoming a statewide leader. The Kid Governor® program launches in Nebraska this fall — educators and parents can learn more and sign up today at ne.kidgovernor.org!
This year, Nebraska will elect its first Kid Governor! Register your class at ne.kidgovernor.org!
August 8, 2025 at 1:31 PM
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Jewel Rodgers, Nebraska’s State Poet, is a force. Her words move rooms. Her work moves communities. And this fall, she will help move us toward a stronger democracy. Join us Oct. 16 in Omaha as Jewel headlines our 2025 Strengthening Democracy Awards. ›› CivicNebraska.org/sda-2025
A photo of Nebraska State Poet Jewel Rodgers smiling. The words STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY AWARDS Featuring STATE POET JEWEL RODGERS.
August 3, 2025 at 3:04 PM
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Calling all Nebraska fifth-grade teachers and families! This fall, students can step into real civic leadership through Kid Governor®, a statewide program that teaches democracy by doing. Learn more and register your class for this unforgettable experience ›› ne.kidgovernor.org
A blue and orange graphic with a series of children dressed up in formal clothes. One has a blue sash that reads “Kid Governor.” The words NEBRASKA’S KID GOVERNOR WANTS YOU! are superimposed.
August 1, 2025 at 3:21 PM
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Mark your calendars: Our final Civic Saturday of 2025 is set for Saturday, Nov. 15, in Lincoln. It’s your last chance this year to gather with fellow civic-minded Nebraskans for poetry, song, reflection, and inspiration. Venue details are on the way – stay tuned. ›› bitly.com/CivSatNeb
A graphic featuring the round Civic Saturday Nebraska logo and the words SAVE THE DATE — NOVEMBER 15, 2025.
July 31, 2025 at 2:13 PM
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Now's the time to invest in the future of Central Nebraska. Civic Nebraska's Idea of America Fellowship is seeking bold, thoughtful leaders ready to rise above the noise and rebuild civic trust. Grand Island, Kearney, and Hastings will host this fall’s cohort. ›› bit.ly/IoAc325
A parchment-colored graphic with a rustic eagle at the top, with the words: "The Idea of America: • Nominations are open for the fall 2025 Idea of America Fellowship in Central Nebraska. • The program develops civic leadership through in-person sessions and engagement with democratic ideals. • Fellows attend at no cost, with meals, lodging, and travel fully covered by Civic Nebraska. Sign up at https://bit.ly/loAc325"
July 30, 2025 at 2:32 PM
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Our 2025 Youth Civic Leadership Fall Kickoff is wrapping up at UNO — and we’re feeling fired up for the year ahead to serve our students and community. Thanks to Tracy, LeeAnn, Bonnie, and Kwame for guiding a day full of connection, growth, and purpose. Let’s go! 👊 🇺🇸
A photo of LeeAnn Pancharoen at a desk, with a screen with a PowerPoint presentation in front of her. A photo of Bonnie Perry-Adams speaking to a group of after-school employees. An orange-colored PowerPoint slide is projected on a large screen behind her. A wide view of Kwame Gyamfi talking with Civic Nebraska after-school site directors Ayanna Almaguer and Liseth Reyna. A photo of Tracy White sitting and smiling during a training session. She is wearing a blue Civic Nebraska t-shirt.
July 29, 2025 at 7:46 PM
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July's almost over ... how's your summer reading going?
›› civicnebraska.org/20250526-sod... ‹‹
High Conflict Amanda Ripley Women & Power Mary Beard I Never Thought of it That Way Monica Guzman The Afterlife of Malcolm X Mark Whitaker The Exvangelicals Sarah McCammon Propaganda Edward Bernays Into the Bright Sunshine Samuel G. Freedman The Psychology of Totalitarianism Mattias Desmet Palaces for the People Eric Klinenberg Meet Me at the Library Shamichael Hallman The Year of Living Constitutionally A.J. Jacobs The Small and the Mighty Sharon McMahon Autocracy, Inc. Anne Applebaum
July 29, 2025 at 4:56 PM
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Civic Saturday on July 19 was a reminder that civic life is everywhere, even in our cars. Gina Tranisi’s poem "Old Car, New Joy" tells a beautiful, funny, heartbreaking story of a woman, a Duster, and the road to connection. Take the ride ›› bit.ly/OldCarNewJoy
A blue graphic with an excerpt from Gina Tranisi's poem "Old Car, New Joy": Every below freezing morning the Duster’s engine turns over is a church choir warming up, the miracle of someone’s new lung. We cannot know that I will drive 20,000 miles between Lincoln and Omaha those grad school years, where every meal away from my mother’s table is an overturned hourglass. That the old dog I call my father will learn new habits, will look for my car, that perfect green gem, as it crests over Chicago Street. That he’ll beg my forgiveness in one hundred imperfect ways: an original hubcap to complete the Plymouth’s set, oil changes, quietly paid invoices that read brake pads, heater, FM radio dial. We cannot know that the Plymouth will gift him his voice. That he’ll break a decade of silence to ask how we are and I’ll know he doesn’t always mean the car.
July 28, 2025 at 3:18 PM
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We’re still revved up from Civic Saturday: DRIVEN at Sower Books, one week ago today. Collectively, we asked what our car culture says about our democracy. From road rage to courtesy waves, it’s all connected. Revisit this joyful and reflective gathering at bitly.com/CivSatNeb.
A photo at Sower Books in Lincoln. Astrid Munn is at a podium speaking, while several rows of attendees are seated and listening. Gina Tranisi reciting her poem about her 1993 Plymouth Duster. A photo of Jonathan Leach seated at a piano and singing into a microphone. A photo of Lily Sughroue addressing the audience from the lectern.
July 26, 2025 at 1:52 PM
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You care about your community. You believe in better conversations, stronger connections, and stepping up when it counts. That’s what the Idea of America Fellowship is all about. This fall, it’s coming to Central Nebraska — and you can help shape it. Learn more at bit.ly/IoAc325.
A parchment-colored graphic with a maroon-brown eagle stamped-image at the top, followed by the words: "The Idea of America • Nominations are open for the fall 2025 Idea of America Fellowship in Central Nebraska. • The program develops civic leadership through in-person sessions and engagement with democratic ideals. • Fellows attend at no cost, with meals, lodging, and travel fully covered by Civic Nebraska. Learn more at bit. ly/loAc325/ "
July 22, 2025 at 2:38 PM