Bridges for Justice is a new program funded by the United Thank Offering and the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska, connecting Episcopalians for a year of fellowship, formation, service opportunities with our community partner RISE, and public policy advocacy for criminal justice. RISE is Nebraska’s largest nonprofit supporting reentry after incarceration and has partnered with DioNeb on public policy since 2019.
Bridges for Justice believes that conversation fosters understanding and change occurs at the pace of relationship. Join us today!
Formation Opportunities:
Bridges for Justice offers many opportunities for formation for people across the Diocese, regardless of location.
Meet RISE: Our first event will be a night of information and inspiration from RISE on Wednesday, September 16th at 7-8:30 PM. Meet RISE, learn more about their programs, and how we will be working together this year through Bridges for Justice. In-person at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church or on Zoom. To receive the Zoom link for this and other formation events, please visit here.
Gain Skills: At the end of October, examine Community Organizing in a Christian Setting on Wednesday, October 28th from 7-8:30 PM. Bridges for Justice uses some of the tools from community organizing–like curiosity, active listening, and relational meetings–to build relationships across differences. Together we will explore the history of community organizing, practice some of the tools (like active listening!), and learn about faith-based community organizing work in Omaha and Lincoln churches. In-person at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church or on Zoom.
Explore Other Perspectives: On Wednesday, January 13th, author Ryan Burge will join us via Zoom for a discussion on political polarization and his new book, The Vanishing Church: How the Hollowing Out of Moderate Congregations is Hurting Democracy, Faith, and Us. Copies of this book will be available for purchase at Balancing the Scales’ booth during Annual Council. To receive the Zoom link for this author discussion, visit here.
Fall Service and Fellowship Opportunities
Bridges for Justice is partnering with RISE, Nebraska’s largest nonprofit supporting reentry after incarceration, for a series of service and fellowship opportunities. Working together with RISE alumni through their Impact program, we will serve at other area nonprofits for a service project together before sharing a meal afterwards.
- Saturday, October 10th 1-4:30 PM at Siena Francis House
- Saturday, November 14th 11:00 AM-3:00 PM at The Cat House (Lincoln)
To register for these service and fellowship opportunities, please visit here.
RISE offers a 12-week Business Academy focused on developing a prosperous business in the community for those with lived experience with the criminal justice system or their family members. At the end of the program, participants pitch their businesses to a panel of judges. Everyone is invited to serve as a judge at the RISE Business Pitch Competition on Wednesday, December 2nd 8:30 AM-3:30 PM at Omaha Correctional Center.
Please note that participants must apply and receive a background check and screening from Nebraska Department of Corrections to participate, which can take time to process. Email Mother Kaity at kaity@standrewsomaha.org if you’d like to serve as a judge in December!
Bridges for Justice is a yearlong program. More details about 2027 events and opportunities coming soon!
Balancing the Scales of Justice 