Watch: The 2022 Strengthening Democracy Awards

June 13, 2022
By Civic Nebraska

Civic Nebraska on June 9 honored five Nebraskans who create a more modern and robust democracy in the Cornhusker State.

Nearly 150 friends and supporters joined us at DelRay 817 in Lincoln for the 2022 Strengthening Democracy Awards. This year’s honorees included educators, advocates, students, activists, and everyday Nebraskans who demonstrate exceptional civic leadership and who embody Civic Nebraska’s vision of a collaborative, innovative democratic society.

“At Civic Nebraska, we often describe democracy as a garden. A successful garden performs according to the unending cycles of nature, of course – but it also requires regular tending, the setting of goals, and an understanding of connected ecosystems to flourish,” Executive Director Adam Morfeld told the audience. “A garden requires individual effort and contribution to succeed, but also cooperation and collaboration to serve as many people as possible. So does democracy.”

In addition to honoring Valeria Rodriguez (Community Builder), Erin Feichtinger (Civic Catalyst), Ebony McKiver (Champion of Learning), Brooklyn Terrill (Young Civic Leader), and Jennifer Yi-We Hernandez (Voting Rights Guardian), the event featured performances by Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason and Zedeka Poindexter, co-director of the Nebraska Writers Collective.

Thank you, sincerely, to everyone who joined us and helped to make Strengthening Democracy such an inspiring, reflective, and energetic celebration. We couldn’t do this work without you.

Did you miss Strengthening Democracy but want to support our mission of building a more modern, robust democracy in the Cornhusker State? Consider a donation to Civic Nebraska by clicking the button below.