Did you see Civic Nebraska’s virtual Civic Saturday on Sept. 26? It went so well – with great turnout, amazing music, inspiring readings, and festive small-group discussion about reaching across our differences – that we’re going to do it again! Mark your calendars and set a reminder for 11 am CDT Oct. 17 for our latest Civic Saturday.Â
Our theme this time is “Pocket Democracy,” how our ever-fragmenting, ever-isolating lives lead us to sort into like-minded groups. Why is this happening? What does it do to us as people? To our discourse? To our attitudes and actions toward our fellow Americans? And, importantly, what happens after Nov. 3? We’ll reckon with all that on Oct. 17.Â
Here’s what to expect at our Oct. 17 gathering, which will feature music from Tom Steinauer and poetry from Jewel Rodgers. Steve Smith, Civic Nebraska’s director of communications, is a 2020-21 Civic Saturday fellow and will deliver a “civic sermon” on our theme.
Civic Saturday began four years ago in Seattle under the banner of Citizen University. Intended to be a civic analog to a faith gathering, Civic Saturday celebrates our nation’s civic religion, inspiring participants to be powerful, active citizens. In four years, the gatherings have spread across the country to dozens of cities, regions, and states, including Nebraska. Our first in-person Civic Saturday was Dec. 7, 2019, at The Bay in Lincoln.Â
See you Oct. 17 on YouTube Live. We can’t wait!
