Making the Most of Your Youth Leadership Lincoln Program Year
by Lily Sughroue
As you begin this year-long journey, you’ll not only explore leadership and community service, but also the building blocks of something bigger: civic health. Just like physical or mental health, civic health is about the strength and resilience of our communities. It shows up in how we trust one another, participate in public life, and solve problems together.
Youth Leadership Lincoln gives you the chance to strengthen civic health while developing your own leadership. You’ll discover that leadership isn’t just about having a title — it’s about connecting to one another and your community, engaging, and working alongside others to make positive change and solve problems.
Throughout your time in YLL, you’ll gain tools and experiences that will serve you long after the program year ends. Don’t just go through the motions of the exercises or monthly sessions — use the tools you’re given. Each seminar, activity, and conversation is designed to help you grow, and the real impact comes when you take those tools back into your own communities, schools, and leadership opportunities.
Build Connections Across the City
Each month you’ll spend time with peers, while also interacting with folks in formal and informal leadership roles throughout Lancaster County. This is a chance to step outside your usual circles, learn from one another, exchange contact information, and understand the unique challenges and strengths of different neighborhoods, communities, and schools.
Learn From Leaders
You’ll meet community leaders from various sectors — business, government, health, and human services. Ask questions, pay attention to how they make decisions, and consider how their leadership styles might shape your own, and again, stay connected with them long after your program year ends.
Practice Teamwork and Communication
From the opening retreat to monthly seminars, you’ll work in teams to solve challenges and explore new ideas. Use these moments to practice collaboration, problem-solving, and respecting different perspectives.
See the Bigger Picture
As you learn about how Lincoln functions — from city government to nonprofits — you’ll begin to see how all the pieces fit together. Understanding that bigger picture will help you think more creatively about how you can contribute now and in the future.
This is the time to lean in and do the work. And remember, your voice and leadership matter.
Lily Sughroue works with Civic Nebraska and volunteers her time to help lead Youth Leadership Lincoln.
