In Nebraska, we don’t believe in off-years. Our communities have the opportunity to create meaningful change on federal, state, and local levels every single year. 2025 was a challenging year for many and Nebraska Table continues to stand by Nebraskans to build power through community and coalition building. This year, we saw many advocates unite with us from the city, state, and even national level to foster a better future for Nebraska.
This year, citywide municipal elections gave Lincoln and Omaha voters a chance to make an impact right in their neighborhoods. Through our GOTV coalitions, we contacted over 103,000 voters across Lincoln and Omaha about their upcoming elections. By knocking doors, making calls, and sending texts and mailers, we reach voters where they’re at, letting them know that their voice really matters, especially at the local level. City elections are where voters can see the direct impact of their votes by making decisions on local officials, initiatives, and bonds.
Lincolnites overwhelmingly approved a municipal ballot initiative with 66% of the vote. The initiative Lincoln for Fair Housing banned source-of-income discrimination in housing, meaning Lincolnites can not be turned away from housing based on how they pay such as disability benefits, social security, housing vouchers, and more.
In South Sioux City, a school bond issue that would have provided funding for much-needed public school improvements was on the ballot. Although the bond failed to pass, our team was proud to work with volunteers and community leaders to engage voters in this off-cycle election.
Civic engagement is not just about elections—Nebraskans are building power year-round and ready to learn more! For the first time, Nebraska Table opened its Organizer School program to the public to scale up collective efforts and build long-term civic engagement and organizing capacity across the state. Participants receive valuable information about the foundations of organizing. This fall we trained 20 organizers on how to get started with community organizing, voter outreach, safety practices, and signature collection.
In September 2025, Nebraska Table in partnership with Nebraska Appleseed and Common Cause Nebraska looked 50 years into the future with Democracy 2076, a national movement brought to take root in Nebraska. This workshop brought together 55 participants to dream and think big about Nebraska’s future in 50 years through worldbuilding and scenario planning.
Nebraska Table continues to expand advocacy efforts with Members, Partners, and values-aligned organizations. Through our Lobby School program, nonprofit leaders can learn how to take their advocacy work directly to lawmakers. The cohorts receive dedicated training and mentorship to support beginner lobbyists in navigating policy work. Each class is unique, coming in with a focus on a wide range of policy issues like immigration, education, reproductive health, workers rights, and food access. An additional resource Nebraska Table is proud to provide to nonprofits as part of the Lobby School program is the placement of Policy Fellows with organizations in our nonprofit network to support legislative plan development and engage stakeholders to advance policy in the state. This year, new Policy Fellows are working with Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska and Spark CDI.
Our advocacy support also extends to the next generation of changemakers through our Youth Lobby School program. Nebraska teenagers, particularly those from underrepresented communities, gain an understanding of how our state and local governments work in order to build power and act on civic opportunities. Lincoln and Omaha public school students get to make new connections, receive individualized mentorship, and develop their community building skills.
Nonprofits nationwide have felt the effects of a rapidly-changing and increasingly hostile political climate through harmful Executive Orders and federal legislation. With the staggering amount of uncertainty nonprofits were faced with, we saw a need. Nebraska Table immediately mobilized to introduce a weekly Federal Activity Update Call as a space to navigate federal and legal updates together. These calls are held in partnership with Coalition for a Strong Nebraska, Nebraska For Us, Nonprofit Association of the Midlands, Nebraska Appleseed, and OpenSky Policy Institute, with support from Gutman Law Group and HBS. Originally planned as a temporary series, it became a welcomed staple as nonprofits across the state seek community and critical updates. Should challenges arise for our nonprofit network due to federal or state actions, Nebraska Table’s Legal Fund helps nonprofits remain compliant and navigate the changing landscape. This year 24 grants were given across 20 nonprofits for legal support to ensure their operations and missions may continue to serve Nebraskans.
Our team at Nebraska Table looks forward to the continued growth and collaboration of our network going into 2026. We're here to make sure Nebraskans are represented through advocacy, organizing, and nonprofit support so that real change can be possible. None of this work is possible without the support of voters and advocates like yourself. When we come together to make our voices heard on critical issues, we can see our communities thrive. Thank you for showing up, contributing to democracy, and being a part of building a stronger Nebraska.