Policy programming

The Nebraska Table works with our network of nonprofits and community advocates to promote legislation in key issue areas that supports underrepresented Nebraskans and to build up the policy infrastructure in our state. Our policy-related programming includes:

Youth Lobby School

This program is intended to expand advocacy and build power, particularly among youth who identify as part of a historically exploited/marginalized community who have had less access to power and civic opportunity. Participants join a cohort where they can make new connections, receive individualized mentorship, and develop their skills in community building. This opportunity is open to 10th-12th grade students in the Lincoln and Omaha Public School Districts. 

Applications are currently closed for Youth Lobby School. Please check later for updates.

Lobby School

Through our Lobby School program, we aim to support participants in taking a 360-approach to movement building by connecting elections and grassroots efforts to policy work. This program is intended to expand the advocacy infrastructure in our state and build power, particularly among Nebraska’s BIPOC and rural communities. Participants receive dedicated training and mentorship to support beginning lobbyists in navigating policy work.

This program is open to Nebraska Table Member and Partner organizations, as well as others whose mission and vision are in alignment with our network. Those not already involved with an organization are invited to apply to the Lobby School program as a Policy Fellow. Policy Fellows are placed with one of our nonprofit members to develop a legislative plan. Policy Fellows integrate grassroots strategies, center impacted voices, and engage stakeholders throughout the program with the goal of advancing policy in our state.

Applications are currently closed for Lobby School. Please check later for updates.

Legislative Update Calls

In partnership with the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands and the Coalition for a Strong Nebraska, we hold weekly Legislative Update calls to facilitate advocacy and lobbying work during the Nebraska Legislative Session. Through this collaborative space, nonprofits and community advocates are able to efficiently set a shared policy agenda that moves forward change in our state. 

Legislative Advocacy Update Calls are currently ongoing. Please send us a message to learn more about how to join these calls on behalf of your nonprofit. 

Election Accessibility Efforts

Our Election Accessibility Coalition works to advance policy that expands voting rights and makes elections accessible to all Nebraskans. Coalition members build strategy, engage key stakeholders, and coordinate legislative activities.

In the news...

New voting bills introduced in Nebraska Legislature [KLKN]

DMV, polling places would be audited for ADA compliance under Nebraska bill [Nebraska Examiner]

Nebraska state senators hear testimony over three voter ID bills [KETV]

Don't rush voter ID [Lincoln Journal Star]

Coalitions back bills to expand voting rights for Nebraskans convicted of felonies [Omaha World Herald]

Affordable Housing Efforts

Our Affordable Housing Coalition works to promote policy that addresses housing affordability, tenant protections, and homeownership equity. 

In the news...

Nebraska state senator says affordable housing crucial to solving workforce shortage [KETV]

Nebraska nonprofits advocate for affordable housing, tenants' right bills [KOLN]

Behavioral Health Efforts

Our Mental Health Coalition advocates for policy that supports Nebraskans in accessing mental health services and expanding the mental health infrastructure in our state.

In the news...

Pillen crosses political aisle to support mental health bill 

State's mental health providers tout 'transformational' bill aiding development of community clinics

Childcare Efforts

Our Childcare Coalition advocates for policy that supports 

In the news...