Join community leaders from Nebraska and beyond who are building inclusive and vibrant communities!
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. We hope you will join us on the following Wednesdays as we work toward building belonging for all.
Save the dates now and register for the series!
(You can register for the series and attend whichever dates work for you!)
Session 1:
Roots of Justice – Reflecting on the past, building our future
Wednesday, June 3
10:30am-12:00pm CT (9:30-11:00am MT)
Explore the histories of race and racism in Nebraska through ‘Roots of Justice’ a profound examination of the state’s racial history – and powerful stories of diverse cultures in our state. This book challenges the long-held belief that Nebraska was free from racial prejudice, offering a nuanced perspective that reshapes our understanding. Two of the authors, Dewayne Mays and Emira Ibrahimpašić, will join us for this exploration and discussion. This book is essential reading for those seeking truth and reconciliation.
Remember to mark your calendars and plan to join us for the rest of the series:
Session 2:
Belonging Barometer: Tools for Building Community
Wednesday, July 1
10:30am-12:00pm CT (9:30-11:00am MT)
The Belonging Barometer is valuable because it provides a clear, research-based way to measure something that is often difficult to quantify. The Belonging Barometer serves as a foundation for action and moves beyond assumptions and anecdotes by offering data that helps organizations understand how community members truly feel about connection, inclusion, and trust. It ensures that efforts to build belonging are data-driven, intentional, and responsive to real community needs and guides program development, policy decisions and resource allocation.
Ultimately, its value lies in turning a complex, deeply human experience into actionable insights that can strengthen trust, connection, and overall community well-being.
Session 3:
The Value of Multisector Partnerships
Wednesday, August 5
10:30am-12:00pm CT (9:30-11:00am MT)
Collaboration creates cohesion and is important to building long lasting infrastructure for sustainable welcoming and inclusion in local communities. Yet every community is unique in its history, in who holds power and who has energy and dedication to grow inclusion. We’ll explore examples of different approaches to multisector partnerships and discuss where we find the energy for bridging and building belonging.
Session 4:
Arts for Wellness and Belonging
Wednesday, September 2
10:30am-12:00pm CT (9:30-11:00am MT)
For the artist and for the observers art can be healing, uniting, and promotes belonging. It fosters community building among individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, resulting in a stronger sense of belonging, reduced isolation and anxiety, and expanded social networks. Join us to hear how local Nebraska communities are using arts for wellness and belonging.
(You can register for the series and attend whichever dates work for you!)
Please let us know what you need to be able to participate!
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that allow all participants to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Christa Yoakum (402-438-8853 x114, cyoakum@neappleseed.org) or Eric Garcia-Mendez (402-438-8853 x113, egarciamendez@neappleseed.org). We will try our best to accommodate requests.