Connect Community Needs to Meaningful Public Action: Apply for Lobby School

This is a guest blog from Renee Fry, Policy Consultant for the Weitz Family Foundation. This blog is estimated to take 4 minutes to read.

Changing public policy is one of the most powerful tools nonprofits and community-based organizations have to create lasting change. But for many organizations, lobbying and policy engagement can feel intimidating, confusing, or out of reach.

That is exactly why Lobby School exists.

Run by the Nebraska Civic Engagement Table, Lobby School is a practical training opportunity designed to help organizations build confidence, skills, and strategy around public policy. I am excited to support this work as a co-founder and mentor through my work with the Weitz Family Foundation.

Lobby School is built for organizations that want to better understand how policy decisions are made, how to communicate with elected officials, and how to connect community needs to meaningful public action.

Why Lobby School Matters

Too often, the people closest to the issues are left out of policy conversations. Nonprofits, grassroots organizations, and community leaders understand what their communities need, but they may not always have the tools, relationships, or confidence to engage in policy.

Lobby School helps change that.

Participants will learn how to clarify policy priorities, tell a compelling story, build relationships with policymakers, and understand where and how to engage in Nebraska’s policymaking process.

This is not about turning every organization into a full-time lobbying operation. It is about helping organizations recognize that engaging in policy is part of their mission work – and giving them the tools to do it well.

Application Timeline

Applications for Lobby School open on June 15 and close on July 13.

Acceptance notifications will be sent on August 3.

Lobby School Session Dates

Lobby School will begin in August and continue into early 2027. Sessions will be held in Omaha and Lincoln, with some locations still being finalized.

• August 31 – Omaha
• September 28 – Omaha
• October 26 – Omaha
• November 30 – Omaha or Lincoln
• December 14 – TBD
• January 6 – Lincoln
• Rest of 2027 Dates – TBD

What Participants Can Expect

Participants can expect hands-on, practical training that goes beyond theory. Lobby School will cover the basics of policy engagement while also helping organizations think strategically about their own goals, capacity, and role in public policy.

Topics include relationship-building with policymakers, storytelling, coalition work, legislative engagement, and how to stay grounded in community priorities while navigating policy spaces.

The program also creates space for peer learning. Organizations will learn alongside others working across Nebraska, building connections that can support stronger public policy efforts over time.

Eligibility Requirements

Participation in the Summer Policy Institute is a prerequisite for Lobby School unless the applicant has two legislative sessions’ worth of experience working with the Nebraska Legislature. The Summer Policy Institute is co-hosted by the Weitz Family Foundation, the Lozier Foundation, and the Institute for Public Leadership. You must be willing to have a piece of legislation introduced to maximize your experience. Your mentor will help you every step of the way!

Who Should Apply

Lobby School is a good fit for organizations that want to:

• Build public policy skills and confidence
• Better understand Nebraska’s policymaking process
• Strengthen policy priorities
• Learn how to communicate effectively with elected officials
• Connect direct service or community work to systems change
• Prepare staff, board members, or leaders to engage in public policy

You do not need to be an expert to apply. In fact, this program is designed for organizations that are ready to grow their policy work and want support getting there.

How to Apply

Applications open June 15 and close July 13 through the Nebraska Civic Engagement Table at this link here.

Applicants should be prepared to show they have completed the Summer Policy Institute or have two legislative sessions worth of experience working with the Nebraska Legislature. You should also have an idea for the legislation you would like to have introduced.

Selected applicants will be notified on August 3.

I encourage organizations that are ready to strengthen their voice, build practical skills, and engage more confidently in Nebraska policy conversations to apply. Lobby School is an opportunity to learn, practice, and build the kind of capacity that can move communities forward.