Julie Smith is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a Master’s of Science in Urban Studies. Julie is naturally inclined to work in pursuit of a healthier democracy. Starting community organizing at 19 Julie emphasizes the importance of cultural richness to enhance civic engagement and has hosted numerous public events and established an annual music and arts gathering. While earning her graduate degree she worked with 100+ regional and metropolitan area nonprofit organizations as she coordinated UNO’s service events.
ONE Omaha is a citizen-led initiative striving to build the capacity of neighborhood organizations in Omaha Nebraska. ONE will foster resident engagement and support community based collective action. ONE Omaha includes representatives from the Benson-Ames Alliance, Midtown Neighborhood Alliance, North Omaha Neighborhood Alliance, Northwest Omaha Neighborhood Alliance, South Omaha Neighborhood Alliance and Southwest Omaha Neighborhood Alliance.
The mission of ONE Omaha is to actively facilitate the development of neighborhoods in the City of Omaha through communication, education and advocacy. A variety of educational tools and programming will support resident initiated community development projects. Through community resource guides, leadership development programs, and advocacy issue training neighborhoods will be provided with the skills and knowledge to improve and sustain their communities.
The partnership between Civic Nebraska and ONE Omaha is a perfect mission fit for Civic Nebraska’s goal to create a more modern and robust democracy for all Nebraskans. Just as we work to engage youth in their communities through substantive service learning, building strong neighborhoods is just another piece of the puzzle.
