It’s that time again, Nebraska! Nominations are now open for the 2025 Strengthening Democracy Awards, and we want to hear from you.

Every year, Civic Nebraska honors individuals and organizations across the state who go above and beyond to build a more modern and robust democracy. These aren’t celebrities or elected officials (although we tip our hats to the good ones). They’re the everyday heroes, the tireless advocates, passionate educators, committed organizers, and behind-the-scenes changemakers who make our communities more connected, inclusive, and civically healthy.

On Thursday, Oct. 16, Civic Nebraska will celebrate these champions at the Livestock Exchange Ballrooms in Omaha with our special guest, Nebraska State Poet Jewel Rodgers. But before we can raise our glasses, we need your help to identify the people who deserve a standing ovation. Nominations are now open in six categories, and we encourage all Nebraskans to take a moment to recognize someone in their life or community who embodies the values of civic life, education, service, or participation.

No instance of leadership is too small or too large. Whether someone led a neighborhood cleanup, built a coalition to improve their town, inspired the next generation, or defended voting rights, they deserve to be recognized.

Award categories

We’re accepting nominations in six categories. Nominees may be youth or adults, formal leaders or informal influencers, professionals or volunteers. What matters most is their impact and their commitment to a better Nebraska.

›› Community Builder. This award honors a Nebraskan who connects others, builds coalitions, and fosters collaborations toward a shared community goal. They exemplify the belief that “we are all better off when we are all better off.” Nominees might include nonprofit or business leaders, neighborhood organizers, service learners, or extraordinary volunteers.

›› Civic Catalyst. Presented to a Nebraskan who embraces transformative ideas and turns them into action for the common good. Civic Catalysts don’t wait for permission; they imagine what’s possible and make it real. Nominees might include entrepreneurs, public servants, artisans, scholars, legal professionals, community philanthropists, and more.

›› Champion of Learning. This award recognizes those who make learning, in all its forms, a foundation for civic life. They foster informed participation and empower others to think critically and act boldly. Nominees might include teachers, administrators, youth mentors, nonprofit leaders, and educational volunteers.

›› Young Civic Leader. Given to a Nebraskan under 25 who is making a civic impact early in life. Whether they’re a student, recent graduate, organizer, or first-generation leader, these individuals know democracy can’t wait. Nominees might include student club leaders, interns, service learners, or aspiring public servants.

›› The Jan Gradwohl Defender of Democracy Award. Named for the late voting-rights advocate and judge, this award honors those who protect and promote access to the ballot. Whether by organizing, advocating, or educating, they help ensure every Nebraskan’s vote counts. Nominees might include election workers, disability rights advocates, legal professionals, voting rights champions, or multilingual outreach leaders.

›› The Adam Morfeld Founder’s Award. This lifetime achievement honor is awarded to a Nebraskan whose sustained contributions have created lasting civic infrastructure — a movement, an institution, or a new way to engage civic life. Nominees might include institution-builders, democracy innovators, or longtime leaders who have left a legacy of civic impact.

Submit your nomination(s) here!

Why nominate a fellow Nebraskan?

Do you know someone who deserves recognition? Someone whose quiet leadership, bold ideas, or tireless service have made your community stronger. By submitting a nomination, you’re helping us honor that person and telling a broader story about the power of civic action in our state.

Let’s write that story together. Let’s lift up Nebraskans who inspire us and remind one another what democracy can be when it’s in all of our hands.