Since 2016, countless Americans have found joy, inspiration, and motivation to make meaningful change through the practice of Civic Saturdays. The gatherings, which take place in more than 200 communities around the United States – including Lincoln – strengthen community bonds and help people feel connected to their civic identity.
In February 2024, the founders of this powerful ritual are coming to Lincoln to train Nebraskans how to organize Civic Saturdays in their communities. The Nebraska Civic Saturday Fellowship, a joint project of Civic Nebraska and Seattle-based Citizen University, is a no-cost opportunity for Nebraskans who share a commitment to strengthening civic culture and faith in democracy.
The four-day training will be Feb. 6-9 in Lincoln. Known as “Civic Seminary,” the training is a chance for participants to step back and reflect on the civic health of their community and how it can benefit from Civic Saturdays as a shared local ritual. This 12-person “Cornhusker Cohort” will explore the ideas, values, and tensions of American civic life and learn what it means to practice – and inspire others into – responsible citizenship.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Nebraskans who care deeply about their communities and who are seeking ways to deepen our faith in one another and our democratic institutions,” said Steve Smith, director of communications at Civic Nebraska and a Civic Saturday Fellow who has hosted a dozen such gatherings since 2020.
“I know from experience that Civic Saturdays are a fulfilling and effective way to bring friends and strangers together to reckon with and take action on behalf of our nation’s founding creed, and I would encourage anyone who is seeking a way they can contribute to strengthening democracy to apply,” Smith said.
Following the four-day training, the Nebraska Fellows will establish Civic Saturdays in their own communities. Civic Nebraska and Citizen University will continue to partner with these efforts, providing support and resources for gatherings around the state.
There is no cost to participate in the Fellowship. Those interested in applying for this unique opportunity can do so at this link. Further questions can be directed to Steve Smith at 402-419-4349 or steve.smith@civicnebraska.org. Applications are due by Nov. 22, 2023.
