Looking around the United States, it’s easy to see that so many of us are disappointed, disillusioned, angry, or just checked out, feeling powerless to impact our communities or society at large. Civic Saturdays are an antidote to these feelings of despair, and they return to Lincoln at First-Plymouth Church on June 8.
Civic Saturdays are spirited gatherings for friends and strangers to strengthen a sense of community and deepen our shared sense of civic purpose. The 11 a.m. gathering – at Mayflower Hall at First-Plymouth Church, 20th and D streets – will feature live music, original poetry, inspiring readings, and time for socializing and discussion centered on rebuilding faith in one another and our democracy.
The gathering’s theme is “Home Free,” and will focus on the essential role we all play in building a pluralistic nation. Live music will be provided by Jonathan Leach; original poetry will be performed by Zedeka Poindexter; and civic readings will be led by Kwame Gyamfi and Heather Engdahl.
Steve Smith, a writer, mentor, and community advocate, will deliver the “civic sermon.” Smith, director of communications at Civic Nebraska, is a national Civic Saturday Fellow with Citizen University, a Seattle-based organization that began the gatherings in 2016. Since then, Civic Saturdays have spread to more than 200 communities across the country, including Lincoln.
“Many people don’t have places to connect and reflect on the opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities we face and need to embrace in public life,” Smith said. “Our communities need ways to build trust in one another, restore civic faith, and move through the challenges facing our nation together. That’s what Civic Saturday is all about.”
Civic Saturday lasts about an hour, is free, and is open to all. Refreshments and light snacks will be served. For more information about June 8’s gathering and/or to RSVP, please visit https://bitly.com/CivSatNeb.
