Contemporary Issues   

The U.S. Constitution of 1789 lays out the mechanism for calling subsequent conventions, but that mechanism has never been used. Now, Nebraska is one of 19 states who have signed on to the effort to call for a Convention of the States to propose amendments to the Constitution. A minimum of 34 states is required to make a convention happen. Proponents say we need a convention to bring power back to the states and the people and out of the hands of bureaucrats. Opponents say the convention could endanger the nation’s principles and institutions since the U.S. Constitution includes no rules or boundaries for what can be done at a convention. This course’s first session will feature a constitutional scholar explaining the history and philosophy behind the Constitution and the principles it lays out. At the second session, an opponent and proponent of calling a convention will present their arguments.

The U.S. Constitution of 1789 lays out the mechanism for calling subsequent conventions, but that mechanism has never been used. Now, Nebraska is one of 19 states who have signed on to the effort to call for a Convention of the States to propose amendments to the Constitution. A minimum of 34 states is required to make a convention happen. Proponents say we need a convention to bring power back to the states and the people and out of the hands of bureaucrats. Opponents say the convention could endanger the nation’s principles and institutions since the U.S. Constitution includes no rules or boundaries for what can be done at a convention. This course’s first session will feature a constitutional scholar explaining the history and philosophy behind the Constitution and the principles it lays out. At the second session, an opponent and proponent of calling a convention will present their arguments.

Understand the stages of dementia, potential treatment options, how to care for a loved one, and prepare for what comes next in your journey.

The Food Bank of Lincoln works to alleviate hunger in Southeast Nebraska, where an estimated 1 in 10 neighbors—and 1 in 7 children—are experiencing food insecurity. In its most recent fiscal year, the organization connected neighbors in its 16-county service area to more than 9.1 million meals. Touring the Food Bank’s new facility in Northwest Lincoln will offer insight into the operations of food banking and the programs and services addressing food insecurity in Southeast Nebraska, while answering common questions about food sources, community involvement and ongoing needs. The Food Bank of Lincoln is a proud member of the Feeding America network.

The Food Bank of Lincoln works to alleviate hunger in Southeast Nebraska, where an estimated 1 in 10 neighbors—and 1 in 7 children—are experiencing food insecurity. In its most recent fiscal year, the organization connected neighbors in its 16-county service area to more than 9.1 million meals. Touring the Food Bank’s new facility in Northwest Lincoln will offer insight into the operations of food banking and the programs and services addressing food insecurity in Southeast Nebraska, while answering common questions about food sources, community involvement and ongoing needs. The Food Bank of Lincoln is a proud member of the Feeding America network.

Join Founding Director Megan Elliott, along with faculty and students, at the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts as they prepare for their annual Spring Open Studios. We will get a sneak peek at some of the projects they will be presenting and will have an opportunity to speak with the creators. After the class, stay for an evening of exploration and experimentation, and tour the Open Studios from 5-7 p.m. Examples of projects may include augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, interactive video, projection mapping and immersive experiences.

The following video programs are previously recorded OLLI courses. Learn at your own pace, on your own time and at your convenience. Over 40 hours of programming is available for a single cost of $30. After registration, you will receive an email with a “Join Code” and instructions on how to access programming.

All programming originates from OLLI at UNL.

Rural America: Wasteland or Reason for Hope – OLLI Fall, 2024 Symposium (2 sessions)

The United States seems to be divided into two different countries – an urbanized “Blue” region of social and cultural liberalism and the “Red” rural regions rebelling against social and demographic change and resenting coastal elitism. It seems everyone has an opinion about rural America. Is it gripped in a tragic decline? Or is it on the cusp of a glorious revival? Is it the key to understanding America today? Perhaps, we’re missing the real question…is rural America even a thing? Prominent experts examine this supposed divide from a social, economic, and political perspective. Presenters include: Steven Conn, W.E. Smith Professor of History, Miami (OH) University; Jena Ochsner, Double O Farms, Sutton, NE; Brad Lubben, Extension Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, UNL; Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, Extension Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, UNL; L.J. McElravy, Associate Professor of Ag Leadership, Education and Communication, UNL; Ronnie Green, Chancellor Emeritus, UNL; Erin Schoenberg, Development Manager, Center for Rural Affairs; Jillian Linster, Policy Director, Center for Rural Affairs.

The Women of the Manhattan Project (4 sessions)

Instructor: Lynn Roper

The secrecy of the project hid the roles of women, leaving the perception that it was done by a few brilliant male scientists. Learn the stories of women who served as physicists, chemists, mathematicians, and lab technicians. Forbidden to talk about their work, thousands of young women never knew what purpose their tasks would accomplish. Thousands of men, women and children endured hardships in their everyday lives sequestered inside Los Alamos. They lived in hastily built barracks and had to lie to their families about where they were and what they were doing as they disappeared for years.

The Early Days of Nebraska Volleyball (4 sessions)

Instructors: John Mabry, Vicki Highstreet

Volleyball has been a part of the UNL athletic landscape for more than a century, but the sport didn’t gain much notoriety until the early 1970s, when the Huskers began to put together a program that is now known worldwide.Learn how its reputation grew from its humble beginnings, reaching a pinnacle in August 2023, when Volleyball Day put 92,003 in Memorial Stadium stands. Meet some of the players who made it possible from those early Title IX days at Mabel Lee Hall and the Coliseum.

Religion in Society: Exploring Its Influence (6 sessions)

Instructor: Dr. Jonathan Redding

Obtain a comprehensive understanding of the complex and often contentious relationship between religion and contemporary society. Examine the intersection of religious beliefs, practices, and institutions with key societal domains, including the legal system, public education, LGBTQ+ rights, economics, and responses to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Minimizing Radon Health Danger in Nebraska (1 session)

Instructor: Adrienne Moody

Naturally occurring Radon can gather in Nebraska homes. It increases the risk of lung cancer but can be easily mitigated. Learn the best testing practices and how to make informed decisions on mitigating your home or not. We will dispel myths of radon and focus on the clear facts of the invisible gas.

Politics of Punishment: Implications of Being the World’s Largest Jailer (4 sessions)

Instructor: Dr. Kevin Smith

Why does the United States lock up more of its citizens than any other liberal democracy? How does having the world’s largest incarcerated– and formerly incarcerated – population influence the social, economic and political life of the nation? The key takeaway is that incarceration levels are rooted in struggle to manage a growing violent crime problem during a historical period marked by social changes that include widening economic inequality, increasing racial diversity and sharpening ideological divides. That struggle has produced several unintended and under-explored consequences affecting everyone in society.

Walking in the Footsteps of Our Ancestors (5 sessions)

Instructor: Christina Goodson

The Otoe-Missouria people once called south and eastern Nebraska home before they were forcibly removed to Indian Territory, present- day Oklahoma. They now reside in Red Rock, Oklahoma, the headquarters of the tribe. Learn the origins and history of the tribe, along with their migration from Minnesota and Iowa, the split from the Ho-Chunk, as well as their removal within Nebraska and further removal into Indian Territory.

Welcome to Medicare: Avoiding Confusion and Empowering You (1 session)

Instructor: Jonathan Burlison

Are you confused about Medicare? Nebraska’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) educates people about Medicare, empowering older adults and people with disabilities to make informed decisions about health care. Become more educated with Medicare so you can identify and report possible Medicare scams, errors, or waste. Learn more regarding your health insurance options, benefits, and choices.

Because the System Isn’t Broken – Non- Profits, Grant Money and White Saviors: Poverty Pimping in North Omaha (1 session)

Instructor: Schmeeka Simpson

This session critically examines the complex dynamics among non-profit organizations, philanthropic funding, and the perpetuation of systemic inequities within North Omaha. It delves into how well-intentioned charitable initiatives often inadvertently reinforce existing power imbalances and contribute to a cycle of dependency rather than fostering genuine empowerment and community-driven change. Explore the impact of "poverty pimping" – the phenomenon where poverty is commodified for financial gain – and listen to discussions on alternative approaches to creating sustainable, equitable solutions.

Democratic Partners (1 session)

Instructor: Mike Lux

Mike Lux, a political consultant who provides a variety of services for candidates and political organizations, is founder of Democracy Partners, a political consulting firm with offices in Washington D.C., Maine and California. He was born and raised in Lincoln and is a graduate of Lincoln Northeast High School. Lux was a White House employee during the administration of President Bill Clinton, served on the Obama- Biden presidential transition team and was also a staffer for the 1988 Joe Biden Presidential campaign. He discusses his career and the types of services his firm provides (e.g. fundraising, messaging, campaign services, etc.) and trends he sees from his three decades in national politics.

Podcasts: Free,  Fun and Customized for You (2 sessions)

Instructor: Kelli Bohling

Podcasts are on-demand, user-selected audio content that allows listeners to go beyond radio's geographic and temporal restrictions and listen to content at their leisure. More than 50% of Americans over 12 have listened to a podcast, and 22% consider themselves regular podcast listeners. But what are they listening to? That’s the cool part: Whatever they want! News, music, stories, comedy, history, theatre, and more are ready and waiting for you 24/7. What will you listen to? Learn from an avid fan of podcasts, specifically true crime, about how this new information source came to be, how to get started enjoying podcasts, and her recommendations for a few to try in different genres. Come prepared to be wowed by this new media option.

Understand the stages of dementia, potential treatment options, how to care for a loved one, and prepare for what comes next in your journey.

We will discuss major foreign policy issues facing the United States. The Foreign Policy Association has selected eight topics, and we will cover the final four in Term 4. The course is a continuation of Great Decisions from Term 3. Each topic will be covered through FPA’s 25-minute “Master Class” video lecture as well as written articles. You will be expected to read articles prior to watching the video each day of the class. Topics to be discussed in Term 4 include the future of NATO and European Security; AI and American National Security, India; between China, the West, and the Global South, and After Gaza; American Policy in the Middle East. Class members may purchase the “Great Decisions Briefing Book” online at www.fpa.org.

We will discuss major foreign policy issues facing the United States. The Foreign Policy Association has selected eight topics, and we will cover the final four in Term 4. The course is a continuation of Great Decisions from Term 3. Each topic will be covered through FPA’s 25-minute “Master Class” video lecture as well as written articles. You will be expected to read articles prior to watching the video each day of the class. Topics to be discussed in Term 4 include the future of NATO and European Security; AI and American National Security, India; between China, the West, and the Global South, and After Gaza; American Policy in the Middle East. Class members may purchase the “Great Decisions Briefing Book” online at www.fpa.org.

Tour five senior independent living communities in Lincoln and learn what an active, carefree lifestyle can be. In the first session, we will learn the aspects to consider when selecting a senior living community, to ensure social, physical, medical, and financial needs are met. Then, each week we will tour one of five senior living communities in Lincoln gathering information specific to each facility such as type and number of units, costs, special amenities and features and dining options. Start your search by learning about the different personalities of retirement communities.