In a small town in southeastern Nebraska, a new initiative aims to bridge the generational divide by revitalizing community engagement. Crete Connect, co-founded by former State Senator Laura Ebke, seeks to bring together residents of Crete in response to declining participation in traditional clubs like Rotary and Sertoma. This effort was inspired by the tragic shooting death of political activist Charlie Kirk, which underscored the need for community solidarity.
Addressing the Decline in Civic Participation
When asked why fewer people are joining clubs, Ebke identified several factors contributing to this shift. “I think there’s a lot of reasons for that. You know, part of it is that we’re just all busy. We have more two-income families, and it’s a world that’s different than when I was a kid,” she explained. Ebke also noted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which accustomed people to virtual interactions, reducing face-to-face engagements.
Facilitating Respectful Conversations
Navigating political discussions in community gatherings can be challenging. Ebke emphasized the importance of keeping conversations civil. “Well, you know, historically, what’s happened is that people of differing political views will get together for a non-political purpose, right? And in civic organizations, that’s really what we want to do,” she said. The focus remains on service projects and social activities rather than political debates.
Measuring Success
The success of Crete Connect may be difficult to quantify, but Ebke believes the ultimate goal is to foster a community where the next generation values collaboration over political division. She stated, “I think the end goal is to — I won’t see it in my lifetime — but, the end goal is that the next generation gets together, that they learn that the world isn’t all about politics.”
Engaging Younger Generations
One of the challenges is attracting younger people, who are often more accustomed to forming connections online. Ebke acknowledged the need to harness digital platforms to draw them into in-person interactions. “We have to figure out how to, you know, which platform to use to get folks to turn out in person,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of face-to-face communication.
Overcoming Social Anxiety
For those who have grown up online, attending social events can be daunting. Ebke’s advice is to start small and find activities of interest. “I mean, if it’s something, you know, game night on Nov. 1 in Crete, right? If it’s something that you’re kind of interested in, go try it out,” she suggested. By taking gradual steps, individuals can ease back into social settings.
