Many of us feel disconnected, disheartened, or anxious about the state of our nation. At the same time, we feel glimmers of hope for a better future. Gathering together, reckoning with others, and committing to live like citizens are key ways to build civic muscle.
That’s why Civic Nebraska hosts Civic Saturday – a national phenomenon inspiring Americans to become more powerful and active citizens. Our latest gathering will be from 11 a.m. to noon CDT on June 25 at Oak Lake Park in Lincoln. It’s our first in-person Civic Saturday of 2022, and we’re looking forward to having you join us!
What happens at Civic Saturday? The gatherings, which began in Seattle in 2016, are very loosely modeled on a faith gathering. They feature songs, poetry, readings of civic texts, and a “civic sermon.” Civic Saturdays also provide opportunities for participants to engage in small-group discussions about a specific topic.
Civic Nebraska has hosted the gatherings in Nebraska since 2019, and June 25’s gathering marks our tenth Civic Saturday.
“Civic Saturday gathers friends and strangers to build a sense of shared purpose in our democracy,” said Steve Smith, director of communications. “We gather in civic community, are inspired and encouraged to reflect and connect around American ideals and our role in upholding them, and create new civic traditions that are joyful and communal.”
The theme of June 25’s gathering is Just: Like That, and will focus on ways we all can create a more justice-oriented society. Music selections will be performed by Jack Rodenburg; original poetry will be performed by Bianca Swift; and civic readings will be led by Alicia Phillips and Sarah Walker.
Smith, a writer, mentor, and community advocate, will deliver the “civic sermon.” He is a national Civic Saturday Fellow with Citizen University, which started the program six years ago.
Those who attend Civic Saturday often express how energized and recharged they are. That’s because as Americans, it’s vital for us all to connect. Let’s live as powerful, responsible citizens – and inspire our neighbors to do so as well. See you there!
