Civic Nebraska invites Nebraskans to gather for Civic Saturday: DRIVEN at 11 am CDT on Saturday, July 19, at Sower Books, 914 N. 70th St. in Lincoln. This free, in-person gathering is a unique opportunity to connect, reflect, and reenergize around what it means to live as powerful citizens in a time of deep division and rapid change.
Civic Saturdays are gatherings for the civic soul. Organized and led by Civic Nebraska, these community-driven experiences are part civic ritual, part cultural celebration, and all about building a stronger, more compassionate democracy. Rooted in the belief that democracy is not just something we have, but something we do, Civic Saturdays bring people together to reflect, reckon, and renew their commitment to a common life.
The July 19 gathering will be a timely exploration of how modern life – especially the way we move through the world – is built around speed, convenience, and isolation. From highways to parking lots to solitary commutes, our infrastructure is often designed to keep us apart. And when that happens, it’s easier for conflict to grow and empathy to wither. The gathering will invite us to slow down, look up, and rediscover each other not as enemies or strangers, but as fellow citizens.
The gathering will feature live music from Lincoln’s own Jonathan Leach, inspiring readings of “civic scripture” by Astrid Munn of Omaha, and original poetry from Omaha-based writer Gina Tranisi. The civic sermon — the emotional and intellectual heart of every Civic Saturday — will be delivered by Steve Smith, a national Civic Saturday Fellow from Lincoln and Civic Nebraska’s director of communications.
“Civic Saturdays are about reconnecting to the idea that democracy begins with us,” Smith said. “In a world that keeps pulling us into silos and causing us to speed past one another, these gatherings create space to reflect, reconnect, and recommit to a shared civic life. They remind us that we’re not alone, and that we all have a role to play in something bigger.”
This gathering is free and open to all. RSVPs aren’t required but strongly encouraged to aid in planning for seating, refreshments, and snacks. Let us know you’re coming at bitly.com/CivSatNeb or by filling out the form below.
Bring a friend. Bring your curiosity. Bring your love of democracy. Join us on July 19 to get grounded, get inspired, and get connected, because the road to a stronger democracy runs through all of us.
