Mark your calendars: On May 19, 2026, Civic Nebraska will host The State of Civic Life Conference at Nebraska Innovation Campus, 2021 Transformation Drive in Lincoln. This one-day gathering invites community catalysts, educators, local leaders, neighborhood advocates, and all Nebraskans who care about strengthening our shared civic life to come together, learn, and spark meaningful action.
As civic life across the country faces enduring commitments and growing challenges, this unique gathering will offer a space to collectively ask a vital question: How do we build a more connected, engaged, and informed Nebraska? Rooted in insights from the 2025 Nebraska Civic Health Index, this event sets the stage to explore what strengthens communities—and what actions we can take together to shape a healthier civic ecosystem for every Nebraskan.
Why you should participate
Civic health is the extent to which people participate in community life, connect with neighbors, engage with public institutions, and work together to address shared challenges. The Civic Health Index, published by Civic Nebraska every five years, offers a data-rich look at how Nebraskans are doing across important civic indicators – community involvement, political activity, faith in institutions, and social connectedness. This conference builds on that foundation and turns insights into action.
Nebraska’s civic fabric is woven through everyday actions: volunteers showing up for causes they believe in, neighbors organizing to solve local problems, students learning about democratic participation, and leaders across sectors creating space for inclusive decision-making. But new data indicate gaps that warrant attention, including disparities in civic engagement and trust in institutions across specific communities. The conference will help participants understand these dynamics and collaborate on solutions that resonate across towns, large and small.
Three focus areas, one goal
The State of Civic Life Conference will center on three key focus areas essential to strengthening our shared civic life:
›› Civic health. Explore the conditions that strengthen communities and democratic life. Sessions will dive into the data, trends, and real-world experience shaping civic well-being today, helping participants gain a clearer understanding of where Nebraska stands, and where it can go.
›› Civic action. Discover practical strategies for mobilizing communities to participate, collaborate, and lead. Whether you’re deep in grassroots organizing or looking to spark engagement in your hometown, conference discussions will highlight actionable approaches to foster meaningful civic involvement.
›› Civic education. Preparing all Nebraskans to participate meaningfully in democracy is more important than ever. From formal classrooms to community learning spaces, sessions will share innovative ways to cultivate civic knowledge, skills, and confidence across generations
These focus areas provide a roadmap for how individuals, organizations, and communities can contribute to a thriving civic life – one that is inclusive, dynamic, and rooted in mutual respect and shared responsibility.
Built for everyone
Our 2026 conference is for anyone who calls Nebraska home and believes in the power of civic engagement. Whether you are a community organizer working on local initiatives, an educator shaping young minds and civic understanding, a nonprofit leader seeking collaborative tools, a neighborhood advocate looking for fresh ideas, or a resident eager to connect with others who care about civic life, there’s a place for you at this gathering.
More details will be announced in early 2026. If you’re ready to be part of shaping Nebraska’s civic future, make sure to stay tuned. For updates on registration and session details, visit Civic Nebraska’s conference page and subscribe to our updates.
We look forward to seeing you this coming spring!
