Location
2021 Transformation Drive
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508
United States
Date & Time
7:30am CDT - 6:30pm CDT
Civic Nebraska’s State of Civic Life Conference on Tuesday, May 19th 2026 will convene community organizers, civic educators, and system reform advocates to collaborate, educate, and plan for the future of our democracy and civic society in the heartland of the United States.
Rooted in the findings of the 2025 Civic Health Index, the conference creates space for practitioners to explore what strengthens civic life - and what actions we can take together to build a more connected, engaged, and informed society. Sessions and convening will be focused on three distinct areas:
›› Civic Health - understanding the conditions that strengthen communities and democratic life, while exploring data, trends, and lived experiences shaping civic well-being.
›› Civic Action - mobilizing communities to participate, collaborate, and lead while highlighting actionable strategies for driving engagement.
›› Civic Education - preparing all people to participate meaningfully in democracy, including formal and informal pathways for cultivating civic knowledge, skills, and confidence.
Civic Nebraska’s State of Civic Life Conference on Tuesday, May 19th 2026 will convene community organizers, civic educators, and system reform advocates to collaborate, educate, and plan for the future of our democracy and civic society in the heartland of the United States.
Rooted in the findings of the 2025 Civic Health Index, the conference creates space for practitioners to explore what strengthens civic life - and what actions we can take together to build a more connected, engaged, and informed society. Sessions and convening will be focused on three distinct areas:
›› Civic Health - understanding the conditions that strengthen communities and democratic life, while exploring data, trends, and lived experiences shaping civic well-being.
›› Civic Action - mobilizing communities to participate, collaborate, and lead while highlighting actionable strategies for driving engagement.
›› Civic Education - preparing all people to participate meaningfully in democracy, including formal and informal pathways for cultivating civic knowledge, skills, and confidence.
Confirmed Sessions and Speakers
Arts Advocacy: A Wellness Program, not an Emergency Room Visit
Dr. Lance Nielsen, Nebraskans for the Arts
Prosper Lincoln: A Decade of Community-Based Solutions
Alexandria Labenz, Prosper Lincoln - Housing Driver
Anne Brandt, Lincoln Littles
Amanda Barker, Lincoln Community Foundation
Rebuilding the On-Ramp: Countering Disenfranchisement Among Naturalized Nebraskans
Lisa Guill, Asian Community & Cultural Center
Leadership in the Public Arena: Why It's Difficult
Racquel Thiesen, Kansas Leadership Center
From Service to Purpose: Helping Students See Civic Engagement as a Path Forward
Anna Spethman, UNO - Office of Engagement
Local Matters: Making a Difference with Strong Towns (PANEL)
Moderator: Abigail Araya, Strong Towns - Omaha
Panelists:
Brian Knudtson, Strong Towns - Blair
Jacob Clark, Strong Towns - Lincoln
Spencer Farley, Strong Towns - Lincoln
Austin Van Velson, Strong Towns - Omaha
Engaging Young Nebraskans in Civics (PANEL)
Moderator: Cleo Zagurski, NEw Voices
Panelists:
Garrett Connely, NEw Voices
Jonathan Renteria, Organizer
Gab Rima, Strongly Worded Letters & Urban Abbey
Melisa Becerra Gonzalez, Nebraska Civic Engagement Table
More coming soon!
Getting There
Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center
2021 Transformation Drive
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508
United States
Location
2021 Transformation Drive
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508
United States
Date & Time
7:30am CDT - 6:30pm CDT
Event Participants
- RG Rachel Gordon
- JR Jonathan Renteria
- SM Sam Meier-Bates
- RT Racquel Thiesen
- TC Tanner Cano
- PS Peyton Savington
- SS Scott Schrage
- JM Juan Milan
- EP Emily Priefert
- AC Allen Chlopek