John Cartier: What Civic Nebraska means to me

When I was going through the trials and tribulations of law school, I dreamed that I would one day have the opportunity to work for an organization like Civic Nebraska. The work we do not only engages my area of study over state and federal constitutional law, but allows me to work in a space that keeps me on the ground organizing and working directly with people who are passionate about government and all the ways, we as citizens, can improve our experiment with democracy.

Thinking about the mission of Civic Nebraska, what makes me the most excited is how we’ve created a framework in the state with other nonprofits for grass roots lobbying. We’ve combined the organizing expertise that happens in elections with lawmaking.

The Voting Rights Team encompasses this by the incredible work done by Shannon Casey, our Community Organizer, and Westin Miller, our Communications Coordinator. 

By operating like a campaign and with the resources to support a communications plan, we can reach thousands of Nebraskans and engage them directly to speak with their senator. From there we have Brad Sallis, our Policy Organizer, who can coach our Voting Rights Advocates on how best to influence lawmakers and then creates opportunities for them to do so. These important actions go a long way in letting senators know how their constituents think, thereby protecting the voting rights of all Nebraskans. 

Nebraska needs nonprofits like Civic Nebraska because it is a full-time job organizing Nebraskans and making sure we have legislation moving forward that encompasses Nebraskan values. Not only that, but it is equally important we remain strong opponents of harmful voter impediment legislation such as Voter ID laws. 

A modern and robust democracy encourages Nebraskans everyday to each carry their voices to the Unicameral. Civic Nebraska helps facilitate this process and more. I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this organization and look forward to our future successes on behalf of all Nebraskans.