Civic Nebraska’s Capitol Experience Days are tailored to each participating group and immerses them in our state’s unique government. Your daylong session can include Q&A sessions with elected officials, observing floor debate or public hearings, building advocacy skills, behind-the-scenes tours, and mock committee hearings in which participants literally put themselves in senators’ chairs. Capitol Experience Days gives Nebraskans the tools and confidence to engage with our state’s institutions and the people with whom they are entrusted.
If you are unable to participate in a Capitol Experience Day be sure to check out our Civic Education Resources page for alternative teaching tools.
George Norris, the founder of Nebraska’s unicameral system, said that the state’s citizens were “the second house of the Legislature.” Participants experience one of the core duties of Nebraska citizenship by participating in a mock committee hearing during Capitol Experience Day.
With guided direction, participants role-play as senators, proponents, and opponents of a real-life bill. This time is dedicated to hearing both sides of a policy proposal and includes personal testimonies and question-and-answer sessions. This fun and engaging exercise, which takes place in the very rooms actual lawmakers consider new bills, develops critical thinking and civil discourse skills.
“This day is always eye-opening to our students. I always enjoy seeing and talking with the students after (Capitol Experience Day) — they take themselves and school more seriously. Thank you again for making this day possible!”
— Kate Damgaard, Lincoln Public Schools
Schedule a Capitol Experience Day!
A sample agenda is included below, but please note that Capitol Experience Day is customizable to various age groups and subject matters. Additionally, Civic Nebraska has worked with teachers to develop related lesson plans that meet state social studies, English, and reading standards. To help us customize the day so your students get the very most from their time at the Capitol, please complete this short form.
For more information or if you have questions, please contact Audrey Nance, program coordinator, at audrey.nance@civicnebraska.org.
Volunteer with Capitol Experience Days!
We are always grateful for volunteers from our community to assist us with Capitol Experience Days! Our volunteers provide additional supervision and assistance to ensure a positive educational experience for all participants. Sign up to learn more about this fulfilling and intellectually stimulating volunteer opportunity!
