Welcoming Convening Session 1: Welcoming Week Tips & Ideas
2023-06-16 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Join our (virtual) annual statewide welcoming convening series – which brings together community leaders from all over Nebraska to share our experiences, insights, and strategies for building welcoming and inclusive communities. During these summer sessions, we will have the opportunity to hear from experienced local leaders, participate in workshops, and network with peers, all with the aim of enhancing our collective knowledge and skills.
Session 1: Every year, communities across Nebraska host September Welcoming Week events as one way of building communities of belonging. Join us to experience a variety of Welcoming Week activities – including a cooking demonstration (yum!) and dance lesson 💃🕺– and get tips and ideas from leaders who have hosted successful Welcoming Week events – large and small – in their local communities! Learn how to get started setting up your Welcoming Week event, whether it’s cooking together, music, dance, community conversations, storytelling, or other ways to bring neighbors together!

Support Appleseed at Urban Abbey Throughout July!
2023-07-01 08:00 - 2023-07-31 17:00 | Urban Abbey, 1026 Jackson Street, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Urban Abbey partners with a different local nonprofit each month, donating 10% of coffee bar sales directly to the organization. Nebraska Appleseed is thrilled to be the Urban Abbey’s Community Partner for July!
If you’re in Omaha, stop by for some coffee or tea, and support our fight for justice! Thank you for supporting Appleseed and local businesses like Urban Abbey.

Welcoming Convening Session 2: Ableism and Belonging
2023-07-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
Join our (virtual) annual statewide welcoming convening series – which brings together community leaders from all over Nebraska to share our experiences, insights, and strategies for building welcoming and inclusive communities. During these summer sessions, we will have the opportunity to hear from experienced local leaders, participate in workshops, and network with peers, all with the aim of enhancing our collective knowledge and skills.
Session 2: Discuss ableism, disability justice, and belonging with Dr. Lauren Obermark from the University of Missouri-St. Louis who will share approaches on moving from assumptions to access, and with Carlos Serván, Executive Director of the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, who has a deep, personal understanding of the challenges facing children and adults with disabilities, especially those from minority backgrounds.

Get Involved with the Paid Sick Leave Campaign!
2023-07-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Urban Abbey, 1026 Jackson Street, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Join Nebraska Appleseed and the Paid Sick Leave for Nebraskans coalition to learn about the campaign to ensure every Nebraska worker can access paid sick leave!
At this event, you’ll learn how you can get involved, make your voice heard, and help circulate petitions to put the paid sick leave petition initiative on the November 2024 general election ballot!

Nebraska Housing Advocates Grill Out
2023-08-06 12:00 - 15:00 | Louisville State Recreation Area – Mesinger Shelter, 15810 Highway 50, Louisville, NE, 68037, United States
Let’s get together for a Housing Advocates Grill Out! Let’s come together to ignite connection and build transformative power among housing advocates across the state of Nebraska while having fun and sharing a meal together.
Whether you’re a seasoned housing advocate or new to the movement, we hope you join us! Together, we can strengthen our collective efforts, share knowledge and resources, and work towards ensuring safe, affordable, and accessible housing for all Nebraskans. Mark your calendars and spread the word! Let’s celebrate our shared dedication to housing justice, connect, and learn from each other. Together we can co-create a future that upholds the inherent dignity and rights of every individual to a place called home.
This is an open house event, check out the schedule below to determine the best times for you to participate.
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Eat and mingle
1:00pm – 2:00 pm: Optional activities, more mingling
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: More activities, get a second helping, make a new friend!
This event has the Meisinger Shelter reserved at Louisville State Recreation Area. It is accessible to wheelchair users, near bathrooms, and near a playground.
A Nebraska State Park Permit is required to enter this park area. A Nebraska Licensed Vehicle Park Entry Permit is $30 for an Annual Permit or $6 for a Daily Permit. If this is a barrier for your attendance, please reach out to Lizzie (contact info below) for assistance.
Reach out to Lizzie Turner at lturner@upgrade.neappleseed.org with any questions or accessibility requests.

Welcoming Convening Session 3: Building Capacity for Racial Equity & Justice
2023-08-18 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
Join our (virtual) annual statewide welcoming convening series – which brings together community leaders from all over Nebraska to share our experiences, insights, and strategies for building welcoming and inclusive communities. During these summer sessions, we will have the opportunity to hear from experienced local leaders, participate in workshops, and network with peers, all with the aim of enhancing our collective knowledge and skills.
Session 3: With the interactive exercise “Everyday Racism” we will identify real situations of racism and recognize how internalized, interpersonal, institutional, and structural racism are interwoven. We’ll learn together while also practicing an interactive tool we can use in our communities.

Turn in Paid Sick Leave Signatures by August 30!
2023-08-30
We need a progress check!
Knowing exactly how many signatures we now have for paid sick leave is very important to know if and how we need to adjust our field plan to meet our coalition goals.
Please turn in all signatures you’ve collected so far by the end of the day on Wednesday, August 30.
Omaha turn in times and locations:

Heartland Workers Center (4923 S 24th St., STE 101) – Tuesdays from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Landslide office (13750 Millard Ave Ste 100) – Everyday from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Blue Line Cafe – On the following Mondays from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm: 8/28, 9/18, 10/2, 10/16, 10/30

Lincoln turn in times and locations:

Nebraska Appleseed office (947 O St. Suite 401) – Mondays from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Nebraska AFL-CIO office, (2012 S 13th St) – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

You may also send notarized petitions by mail:
ATTN: Omaid Zabih
Nebraska Appleseed Action Fund
PO Box 83613 | Lincoln, NE 68508-3613

Welcoming Week! Nebraska Events
2023-09-08 08:00 - 2023-10-08 22:00
Community members across Nebraska and the world are celebrating the values that unite us as neighbors, parents, and colleagues to make our communities more welcoming to all.
Click here to find local events NEAR YOU!

Welcoming Convening Session 4: Welcoming Week Kick Off!
2023-09-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
Join our (virtual) annual statewide welcoming convening series – which brings together community leaders from all over Nebraska to share our experiences, insights, and strategies for building welcoming and inclusive communities. During these summer sessions, we will have the opportunity to hear from experienced local leaders, participate in workshops, and network with peers, all with the aim of enhancing our collective knowledge and skills.
Session 4: Focus on positive practices and tips for storytelling and how to use storytelling locally to promote belonging! We’ll celebrate together how our stories are core to our communities on this first day of Welcoming Week. This year’s Welcoming Week is September 8-17… and beyond!

TIF Talk
2023-09-21 17:30 - 19:30 | NeighborWorks Lincoln Meeting Room, 2530 Q St, Lincoln, NE, 68503, United States
Join Collective Impact Lincoln and NeighborWorks Lincoln for a talk about TIF, aka Tax Increment Financing! We’ll go over how TIF works, what it means for an area to be blighted and substandard, the but-for test and more!
Transportation: The nearest bus stop to NeighborWorks Lincoln is located at 25th & Q. Limited parking is available for free in the NeighborWorks Lincoln parking lot as well as street parking in the neighborhood.
We will provide free dinner from 5:30 to 6:00 PM from Pickleman’s with vegetarian options.
We’d love for you to let us know you’re coming by RSVPing. This will help us know how much food we should order, but don’t worry if you forget to RSVP. All are welcome, and we’ll have enough food for you!
For any questions, please email allie.christianson@civicnebraska.org

5th Annual United by Culture Festival
2023-09-24 11:00 - 19:00 | Kirkpatrick Memorial Park, 1002 N Monroe St, Lexington, NE, 68850, United States
United By Culture Media aims to build a positive cultural identity among people of color living in the heartland. The festival is designed to inspire, educate and connect people from all walks of life. The 2023 United By Culture Festival promises to be an immersive experience. Whether you are a parent, young adult, organization, or simply a lover of good music and food, this event is a must-attend.

Rally for Trans Rights
2023-10-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Nebraska State Capitol, 1445 K St, Lincoln, NE, 68509, United States
On October 1st, certain restrictions on gender-affirming care resulting from the passage of LB 574 will go into effect. Join us on the steps of the Nebraska state capitol as we remind elected leaders that we have not forgotten how they voted against the rights of trans Nebraskans.
You will hear remarks from trans youth, parents of trans Nebraskans, medical professionals supporting gender-affirming care and more.
Make your voice heard.
Co-hosted by ACLU of Nebraska, OutNebraska, and Nebraska Appleseed.

Good Apple Awards
2023-10-05 18:00 - 20:30 | Livestock Exchange Building Ballroom, 4920 S 30th St, Omaha, 68107, United States
Join Nebraska Appleseed as we honor people who stand up for justice for all Nebraskans, and celebrate the year’s accomplishments.
Visit upgrade.neappleseed.org/goodapple for more details, including 2023 honorees, sponsorship opportunities, and tickets!
Questions? contact Drew Duncan at dduncan@upgrade.neappleseed.org or (402) 438-8853 x137.

Legislative Graveyard Event
2023-10-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual
Join us for an enchanting evening of legislative insights and spooky fun! Our mission for the night is to cast a spell of enlightenment over some of the most fiendish legislative matters.
What to expect:

Dive into the mysteries of the biennium system.
Explore spine-tingling bills that have come back from the dead.
Family-friendly conversation about how some of these bills are going to impact Nebraskans.

Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just curious about the legislative process, this event is perfect for you and your family.
Register | Learn More

Housing Advocates Potluck
2023-10-26 17:30 - 19:30 | NeighborWorks Lincoln Meeting Room, 2530 Q St, Lincoln, NE, 68503, United States
Hey neighbors! Join us to connect with other housing advocates around Lincoln and explore ways we can use our collective power to strengthen Lincoln!
This potluck is for Lincolnites who care about affordable, safe, and accessible housing to get to know one another and discuss housing topics that are important to them and that may inspire future advocacy projects and collaborations. While we encourage folx to bring a food dish to share, it is not required, and we always end up with lots of delicious food. We look forward to having you join us again or for the first time!
Together, we will:

Share a lovely meal together
Create a shared agenda for which housing topics we’d like to discuss as a group
Maybe break out into small group discussions on the housing issues that are important to you or continue the conversation as a large group
Shout out upcoming events, projects, and any other announcements

For any questions, please contact Allie Christianson at allie.christianson@civicnebraska.org or (402) 312-2025.

An Honest Community Convo on Access to Health Care
2023-11-16 18:30 - 19:30 | Bennett Martin Public Library, 136 S 14th St, Lincoln, NE, 68508, United States
Please come join us in Lincoln for an in-person community conversation about health care access! This event is an opportunity to learn more about our communities’ needs to access care.
Light refreshments will be provided, and everyone who registers and attends the duration of the conversation will have their name entered into a drawing to win a $40 Walmart gift card!
Register by November 14

Issue Cafe: Paid Sick Leave
2023-11-27 08:00 - 17:00 | Urban Abbey, 1026 Jackson Street, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Join Omaha Together One Community, Urban Abbey, and Nebraska Appleseed for a discussion regarding the ballot measure campaign for Paid Sick Leave for Nebraskans.
Register
Facebook Event

Rally for Source of Income Protections in Lincoln
2023-12-18 17:00 - 17:30 | City/County Building, 555 S 10th St, Lincoln, NE, 68508, United States
The Coalition for Source of Income Protections in Housing has been collecting signatures of Lincolnites on our petition. We are planning to submit the petition and signatures to the City Council on Monday, December 18 at their council meeting that evening. In advance of that meeting, we will also be holding a press conference and rally outside the city county building to publicly ask the council to pass an SOI ordinance.
You’re invited! The press conference and rally starts at 5:00 pm outside the entrance to the city/county building at 555 S 10th St. Following the press conference, we will be attending the city council meeting that starts at 5:30, inside the city/county building. At the end of the council meeting, there is an open mic opportunity for members of the public to speak about anything not already on the agenda. At that time, members of the coalition will hand in our petition and signatures and speak to the importance of an SOI ordinance.

How to Make Your Voice Heard in Nebraska’s Legislature
2024-01-16 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual
Advocating for the first time can feel like a huge step, but you don’t have to learn the many ways you can engage in Nebraska policy changes alone!
Join us and others from the community on Tuesday, January 16 from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM CT for a virtual beginner’s workshop highlighting how you can use the power of your voice to advocate on topics you care about. We will cover the basics of Nebraska state government, how a bill becomes law, and how you can use your voice to make an impact in multiple ways.
This virtual session is open to anyone who wants to learn the basics of advocating at the legislature. No previous experience or knowledge is required! Bring yourself, invite your friends, and join the conversation.

Housing Advocates Guide to the Legislative Session
2024-01-25 17:30 - 18:30 | Virtual
Join Collective Impact Lincoln (a partnership between Nebraska Appleseed and Civic Nebraska) to learn about housing bills this session and how you can advocate for affordable, accessible, and safe housing!
We will discuss:

Which housing bills we’re keeping track of
How these housing bills would impact our community
How and when to advocate for these bills to make your voice heard

No prior experience or knowledge required, come as you are!
Please RSVP for the Zoom link at bit.ly/CIL-GUIDE-24
Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/683cB8MYR

Workshop: How to Advocate for Food Bills in the 2024 NE Legislature
2024-01-30 18:30 - 19:45 | Virtual
Food is as essential to human life as breathing. Because of this, ensuring our neighbors have the food they need is part of how we help our communities thrive.
Join us on Wednesday, January 30th from 6:30-7:45 CT to learn about the food access bills that have been introduced in the Nebraska Legislature for 2024. We’ll share an overview of bills that could impact…

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps)
Child Nutrition Programs (like school meals for kids)
And everything else food access!

We’ll also share our best tips and tricks for how you can advocate at the Nebraska Legislature for the bills you care about and how to stay up to date on upcoming legislative actions.
This webinar is for ANYONE who is wanting to learn more about food access and how to use their voice to make change! No previous knowledge or experience required! Let’s make sure our state senators make the responsible choice when it comes to feeding Nebraska!
Register
Facebook Event

Conservation Nebraska Community Organizing Training
2024-02-10 09:00 - 14:00 | The Foundry, 411 N 14th St (2nd floor), Lincoln, NE, 68508, United States
Join us for a community organizing training! Learn from local organizers on how to organize your own communities to take action on issues you care about. Organizers from Collective Impact Lincoln, Conservation Nebraska, and Nebraska Civic Engagement Table will be sharing how to start organizing yourself and your neighbors and learn how to participate in local government. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Seats are limited, sign up today!
Seats are limited, save your spot by registering here: https://secure.everyaction.com/k_W9VU-Uk0OwjYxAfXgOtg2
Sessions presented at the training are:
Organizing 101: Learn the basics to community organizing and what it means to be an organizer.
Community Building: Building relationships with your neighbors is a vital part to have a civically engaged community.
Engaging with the Political Seat: Learn how to meet and engage with political figures who hold office in your communities.
Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/1H4hh9Z8I

Paid Sick Leave Community Listening Hour
2024-03-03 18:00 - 19:00 | Indigo Bridge, 624 S 17th St Ste 200, Lincoln, NE, 68502, United States
Join us for a community conversation about access to paid sick leave. You will have an opportunity to share your experience and learn about ways to share your story to support the Paid Sick Leave for Nebraskans Campaign. Click here to register!

Mid-Session Mixer
2024-03-11 17:00 - 19:00 | Zipline Downtown Omaha Taproom, 721 N. 14th St., Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Gather with Nebraska Appleseed, Voices for Children in Nebraska, and the Women’s Fund of Omaha to get to know other Nebraska change makers, get an update on the 2024 Nebraska Legislative session, and learn how you can get involved!
Light refreshments will be provided. A cash bar will be available.
Click here to register!

2024 Housing Affordability & Justice Lobby Day
2024-03-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Lincoln Community Foundation, 215 Centennial Mall S #100, Lincoln, NE, 68508, United States
2024’s Housing Affordability & Justice Lobby Day is an inclusive advocacy event designed to address key housing issues in Nebraska.
The morning features an enriching Advocacy 101 training session at the Lincoln Community Foundation from 9am to 10am, covering advocacy essentials and fostering collaborative strategies. Participants then transition to the Capitol for a 10:30am press conference, in a Capitol hearing room. The press conference will feature influential speakers, community leaders, and policymakers. Finally, participants will have the opportunity to apply their newly acquired skills by engaging with state senators to discuss our focus bills, utilizing the advocacy messages crafted earlier in the morning. Additionally, attendees will be acknowledged in the gallery by state senators on the statehouse floor.
The 2024 Housing Affordability and Justice Lobby Day provides a unique platform for participants to learn, engage, and advocate for positive change in the housing landscape of Nebraska. Join us in amplifying the voices calling for housing justice and working towards a more equitable and affordable future for all.
Register
Facebook Event

Housing Advocate Workshop: Code Enforcement
2024-03-28 17:30 - 19:00 | NeighborWorks Lincoln Meeting Room, 2530 Q St, Lincoln, NE, 68503, United States
Join fellow Lincoln Housing Advocates as we learn from Sean Stewart with the Lincoln Building & Safety Department about code enforcement basics, the review process, and questions they frequently receive from the community.
Lincoln Housing Advocate’s goal is to promote and support systems that provide affordable, accessible, and safe housing for all!
Contact Chelsea Egenberger with any questions, feedback, & to join our housing advocacy listserv: Chelsea.Egenberger@nwlincoln.org 402-477-7181 EXT 204
This event is co-hosted by NeighborWorks Lincoln & Collective Impact Lincoln.

Housing Advocate Potluck
2024-04-25 17:30 - 19:00 | Educare Lincoln, 3425 N 14th St, Lincoln, NE, 68521, United States
Join us to connect with other advocates around Lincoln over a shared meal and guided group discussion to explore ways we can use our collective power to strengthen Lincoln!
A food item is not required for attendance.
Signup to let us know you’re coming here: bit.ly/AprilHousingPotluck
Signing up is not required for attendance.

Lincoln Housing Advocate’s goal is to promote and support systems that provide affordable, accessible and safe housing for all!
Contact Lizzie Turner with any questions, Feedback, & to join our Housing Advocate listserv: lturner@upgrade.neappleseed.org

Demystifying Health Care Access in Our Nebraska Communities
2024-04-27 12:00 - 13:30 | 3Sisters, 1941 S 42nd St Suite F, Omaha, NE, 68105, United States
Let’s talk about health, resources, and community well-being.
On Saturday, April 27, we’ll be with our friends and partners at 3Sisters for an honest community conversation about health care resources available to you, and to discuss strategies for enhancing overall health and wellness in our communities.
Why “Demystifying”?
Demystifying health care access involves breaking down the barriers that prevent individuals from obtaining the medical services they need. This can include improving awareness about available resources, ensuring affordability, and promoting inclusivity for all members of society. By increasing transparency around health care options, reducing stigma associated with seeking help, and advocating for policies that prioritize accessibility, we can work towards a healthcare system that is more equitable and responsive to the needs of everyone.
Come be a part of this meaningful conversation! Together, we can foster healthy environments that cultivate thriving communities.

Appleseed Post-Session Happy Hour
2024-05-01 17:00 - 18:30 | Cosmic Eye Brewing, 6800 P St, #300, Lincoln, NE, 68505, United States
You’re invited to gather with Nebraska Appleseed and other advocates for a post-session happy hour!
We’ll recap the 2024 legislative session and share how you can get involved on two key ballot initiative campaigns: Paid Sick Leave for Nebraskans and Protect Our Rights.
Appleseed Post-Session Happy Hour
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Casual come and go from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Brief Legislative Update at 5:45 p.m.
Cosmic Eye Brewing
6800 P St, #300
Lincoln, NE
Light refreshments will be provided with a cash bar.
Plan to attend? RSVP to let us know! RSVP is not required, but appreciated to help us anticipate numbers.
Questions? Contact Denni Mitchell, dmitchell@upgrade.neappleseed.org.
Thank you for being a part of the Appleseed community. We look forward to catching up with you at Cosmic Eye Brewing on Wednesday, May 1!

Medicaid Renewal Community Conversation
2024-05-11 12:00 - 13:30 | Essential Gathering Place, 5001 N 42nd St, Omaha, NE, 68111, United States
Join our Medicaid Renewal Community Conversation on Saturday, May 11th, from 12-1:30 pm at Essential Gathering Place.
Dinner, childcare, and a gift will be available for families who attend.
Come with questions, and we’ll come with as many answers as possible!
Registration is required!
