Democracy must be loud. As the will of the people, it cannot endure in silence. Democracy must also be clear. It compels us to hold ourselves and others accountable, especially in times of disruption and clamor. Nebraskans count on Civic Nebraska to guide them on the path to a more modern, robust democracy, and we take on this duty by empowering connection, building understanding, and cultivating advocacy. Civic Nebraska is a potent signal amid the noise.
Here’s what we have planned for 2024 – and beyond.
Our Voting Rights Initiatives will …
›› Lead the push at the State Capitol to end Nebraska’s arbitrary two-year waiting period for voters who have fully paid their debts to society following felony convictions.
›› Educate and assist Nebraska voters in navigating the state’s new voter ID law.
›› Recruit, train, and deploy dozens of Election Protectors to conduct nonpartisan election observation at polling places around the state.
›› Knock thousands of doors to help register voters for the 2024 primary and general elections, and ensure there are as few barriers to the ballot as possible.
Our Civic Health Program will …
›› Distribute funds in partnership with the Community Builder Coalition through the Strong Neighborhoods Grants program to support neighborhood projects and professional development opportunities for neighbors.
›› Share education and resident leadership skill-building/skill-sharing through a Renter’s Rights guide and Democracy Cohorts in rural Nebraska.
›› Expand Capitol Experience Days with Nebraska youth and community groups who have irregular access to our State Capitol and government.
›› Develop a civic health self-assessment tool for individuals and groups to identify their current level of civic health, plus resources for areas of improvement.
Our Youth Civic Leadership programs will …
›› Solidify our relationships with the communities each of our school-based Community Learning Centers serves through family events, collaboration, skill-sharing, and other initiatives.
›› Use the 2024 elections as real-time ways to study and understand the issues before us, the voting process, and the roles and habits of active, responsible citizens.
›› Increase civics-aligned programming opportunities so students master the skills to navigate – and thrive in – their worlds.
