We’re No. 1! We’re No. 1!
Starting March 1 – Statehood Day – Nebraska will be the first state in the nation to conduct The Unify Challenge, a statewide, guided video conversation for sets of two people who come from different backgrounds and viewpoints.
As of Jan. 4, nearly 100 Nebraskans have already shared their excitement to participate in The Unify Challenge, which will take place March 1, 3, and 5 on computer screens around Nebraska. Â
“We’re thrilled with the interest so far, and we know that the momentum and excitement will grow in January and February as we get closer to the Unify Challenge dates,” said Nancy Petitto, director of civic health programs at Civic Nebraska, who is coordinating the Challenge locally with national partner Unify America.
“We are hoping for as many Nebraskans as possible to take part and show the rest of the country how we come together to get things done.”
The Unify Challenge is made up of live, one-on-one online conversations (like Zoom) between Nebraskans who may live across the state and have different outlooks on things.
Together, each duo will talk through questions provided in a conversation guide about issues that matter most to Nebraskans – things like safety, water, health, housing, economy, and education.
What it is not is a debate, Petitto said.
“It’s an invitation to have a productive, open conversation with a fellow Nebraskan, share your views from your perspective on the issues Nebraska faces and find common ground,” Petitto said.
Participants must be 18 and live in Nebraska to participate. There will be three event times and dates to participate in the virtual discussions:
›› Tuesday, March 1 at noon CST (11 am MST)
›› Thursday, March 3 at 7 pm CST (6 pm MST), or
›› Saturday, March 5 at 10 am CST (9 am MST).
Of the Nebraskans who have indicated interest in The Unify Challenge so far, about half live outside Lincoln and Omaha.
Unify America is on a mission to replace politics with problem-solving. It creates interactive experiences to help people bust out of their bubbles, build civic muscles, and work together to tackle our country’s biggest challenges. Founded by Harry Nathan Gottlieb (founder of Jellyvision and Jackbox Games), Unify America is a team of game makers, tech makers, anthropologists, and business leaders who share a passion for bringing Americans together. Learn more about Unify America here.
