Civic Nebraska

06/04/2026

👏 Thank you to everyone who joined us for Civic Nebraska’s State of Civic Life Conference.

We are still feeling grateful for the energy, ideas, and conversations shared throughout the day. From community leaders and educators to nonprofit partners, advocates, students, and neighbors, this gathering reminded us how many Nebraskans are working every day to strengthen civic life across our state.

The conference may be over, but the conversations are just getting started. We are excited to keep connecting, learning, and building alongside so many thoughtful civic leaders.

Thank you for being part of this first State of Civic Life Conference.

06/03/2026

Meet Lupita Ayala Montañez, one of Civic Nebraska’s first Apiary fellows. 🐝

The Apiary is a new cohort supporting community leaders, advocates, and organizers across Nebraska as they grow local civic power and lead community-centered initiatives.

Through her initiative, Lupita is focused on supporting immigrant families in Grand Island by helping connect them with legal navigation, community resources, and civic education. Her work reminds us that strong civic life starts when people feel informed, supported, and included.

Read more about Lupita’s initiative and watch her interview: https://civicnebraska.org/apiary-lupita-ayala-montanez/.

Nominations for Year Two of The Apiary will open Sept. 1, 2026.

06/01/2026

To everyone who gave, shared, and supported Civic Nebraska this Give to Lincoln Day: thank you. 💛

This year, 215 donors chose to support our work. Together, you helped raise more than $40,000 to support civic education, civic health, and civic action across Nebraska.

We are grateful for every gift, not only because of what it helps fund, but because of what it represents. Your support is an act of trust. It tells us you believe in a Nebraska where young people can learn to use their voices, neighbors can come together across differences, communities can build power from the ground up, and voters can access clear, nonpartisan information and support.

Give to Lincoln Day may be one day, but your generosity carries this work forward far beyond it.

Thank you for believing in Civic Nebraska and being part of this shared work.

05/30/2026

🐝 Happy one-year work anniversary to Sage Shadoan!

Sage brings a thoughtful, data-driven, and community-centered approach to Civic Nebraska’s statewide voting rights outreach work. Sage supervises our part-time canvassers, supports our nonpartisan get-out-the-vote programs and legislative advocacy outreach, and helps coordinate data across Civic Nebraska and our partners.

Outside of Civic Nebraska, Sage is deeply rooted in community. Sage helps with a mutual aid based community garden in Lincoln’s Near South Neighborhood, making fresh produce and gardening knowledge more accessible to neighbors. Sage also enjoys concerts, time outside with friends, horseback riding, and skating with No Coast Roller Derby of Lincoln.

Thank you, Sage, for the care, curiosity, and problem solving you bring to our team. We’re so grateful to celebrate one year with you!

05/29/2026

We’re grateful to Woods Charitable Fund, Inc. for this support and honored to be recognized alongside so many incredible Lincoln nonprofits. We also want to celebrate Nebraska Appleseed, our partner in this grant and in serving our communities!

Congratulations and thank you to our partners and all of Lincoln's nonprofits for all they do for our city. Read more about WCF's May grant awards at https://woodscharitable.org/news/

05/28/2026

Today is Give to Lincoln Day! 🎉

Your support goes even further today and helps strengthen civic health across our state through youth civic education, voting rights, election protection, and community engagement programs.

Every gift helps build a more informed, engaged, and connected Nebraska. 💙

Join us and make your impact today at https://givetolincoln.com/nonprofits/civic-nebraska

05/27/2026

Civic Nebraska’s work is powered by people who believe in a stronger, more connected democracy.

This Give to Lincoln Day, your gift helps support civic education, civic health, and civic action across Nebraska.

Give today and help build a more modern and robust democracy for all Nebraskans: https://givetolincoln.com/nonprofits/civic-nebraska.

05/27/2026

For the past year, Ty has helped create spaces where young people feel supported, seen, and empowered.

As Site Director at Lothrop Elementary CLC, Ty brings compassion, leadership, and care into every interaction. From her early experience working in her mother’s daycare to her background in nursing and youth development, her journey reflects a deep commitment to helping young people grow with confidence and connection.

Thank you, Ty, for everything you bring to Civic Nebraska, our students, and our communities. We’re so grateful to celebrate your first year with us and excited for all that’s ahead. 🎉

05/27/2026

May is Nebraska Bird Month, and our fifth graders are not waiting to lead. 💛

Our Kid Governor cabinet member, Victoria, interviewed with Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center leader to share important message about nature conservation and bird health.

Through Nebraska's Kid Governor, students research real issues, build platforms, create campaign videos, vote, and show us what civic leadership can look like at any age.

Watch the full interview and other videos on our YouTube page: https://youtu.be/PGsa0pSnTMU?si=jKuzfTOKEmxmDH0Q.

05/22/2026

CCFL staff and YAB (Youth Action Board) members enjoyed attending The State of Civic Life Conference 2026 by Civic Nebraska this week!

This one-day event was designed to strengthen civic health, action, and education by bringing together community catalysts, educators, local leaders, and neighborhood advocates.

📸 Kayla Bogenhagen, Angela Gebhardt, Sarah Cruz, and Jiromi Corona
YAB4housinglincoln