Stories of Local Activism #15
Inclusive Communities
Confronting Prejudice, Bigotry, and Discrimination
Omaha, Nebraska
Inclusive Communities is a longtime human relations nonprofit based in Omaha, Nebraska. Founded in 1938 in response to antisemitism and exclusion, the organization now works to build a more just society through dialogue, youth programming, leadership development, and services for schools, businesses, nonprofits, and public institutions. Its vision is a society strengthened by diversity, inclusion, respect, equity, and justice for all people.
Today, Inclusive Communities describes its work as changing systems through leadership development, community building, and institutional transformation. Its programming spans youth education, community dialogue, workplace and organizational training, public events, and cross-sector leadership development.
Mission
Inclusive Communities’ mission is simple and direct: to confront prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination.
What They Do
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Helping youth explore identity, bias, allyship, and conflict resolution through programs like IncluCity and the Dialogue Project.
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Offering leadership development for professionals committed to fostering inclusion and equity in their workplaces and communities.
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Convening public dialogue through programs such as Omaha Table Talk and Conversations for Change.
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Providing fee-for-service education, workshops, speakers, and planning support for businesses, schools, government agencies, nonprofits, and faith groups.
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Supporting community engagement strategies for planners, developers, and organizations working in public spaces and neighborhoods.
How They Do It
1. Build Inclusive Leaders Early Through Youth Programming
Its education work centers young people as future leaders. Through IncluCity, a four-day residential camp for high school students, participants examine bias, dismantle stereotypes, build cross-cultural relationships, practice peaceful conflict resolution, and learn to become allies for one another. The Dialogue Project extends this work into student-centered campus conversations.
2. Equip Institutions to Shift Culture and Practice
Inclusive Communities offers ACTion Services to businesses, schools, nonprofits, faith groups, and government agencies. These include speakers, workshops, and planning support focused on identity, intersectionality, inclusive communication, bias, and intentional inclusion. For organizations doing development or planning work, it also provides consultation aimed at authentic community engagement and revitalization without gentrification.
3. Create Public Spaces for Courageous Conversation
The organization convenes dialogue-based programs that help communities wrestle with difficult issues and build mutual understanding. Its Conversations for Change series brings national thought leaders to Omaha for live, unscripted public dialogue designed to bridge differences and confront prejudice and discrimination.
4. Strengthen Community Through Relationships and Shared Power
Inclusive Communities emphasizes community building and collective impact. Its public-facing work is rooted in the belief that systems change requires shared power, trauma-informed practice, and partnerships that help communities lead change themselves.
5. Develop Long-term Leadership Ecosystems
Beyond one-time programming, Inclusive Communities has invested in longer-term leadership development. Key initiatives include LeadDIVERSITY alumni, the launch of a Transformational Leadership Program, and the formation of the Nebraska Leadership Coalition.
Theory of Change
Dialogue + Youth Leadership + Institutional Learning + Community Building + Shared Power → More Inclusive Communities
Inclusive Communities believes that prejudice and discrimination can be reduced when people have opportunities to learn, build relationships across difference, and work together for change. By investing in young leaders, supporting dialogue, and helping institutions become more inclusive, the organization works to build stronger communities where everyone feels they belong.
IMPACT
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Nearly 90 years of human relations work in Omaha and the surrounding region.
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A youth-centered education program, IncluCity, serving students across Nebraska, South Dakota, and western Iowa.
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ACTion Services initiative has created 70 volunteer opportunities, 1459 individuals impacted last year, and 1585 youth served over five years.
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Leadership Development program has created 814 leadership opportunities, affecting 6707 individuals and 4041 youth, over five years.
Take Action
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Share this story with your network.
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Attend a public event: Community members can participate in programs like Conversations for Change and other public dialogue events.
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Support the work financially or through sponsorship: Donors and sponsors can support youth programs, public events, and broader mission work.
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Bring programming to your organization: Schools, employers, agencies, and nonprofits can request speakers, workshops, and planning support.
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Volunteer: Sign up to be a volunteer at their IncluCity, Table Talk or Youth Camp programs.
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Social channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube
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Visit Their Website: https://www.inclusive-communities.org
