On Tuesday, Feb. 21, students shared their visions for the future with local representatives at Night of Listening, an event sponsored by the Center for Civic Engagement, ASUN, the Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services and the College of Arts and Sciences. City Councilpersons Leirion Gaylor-Baird, Carl Eskridge and Jane Raybould were in attendance along with State Sens. John Lowe, Adam Morfeld and Anna Wishart. Sen. Ben Sasse’s outreach coordinator Ryan Broker spoke on his behalf.

First, representatives spoke about the policies they are working to implement. After, leaders from Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) shared their organization’s thoughts, ideas and concerns with the politicians. The RSOs present were the Afrikan People’s Union, the Asian-American Student Union, UNL College Republicans, Define American, the Mexican-American Student Association, the Muslim Student Association, PREVENT, UNL Students for Life, Sustain UNL and Young Democrats. Topics discussed included police brutality, diversity, immigration, education, sexual violence, abortion, the environment and healthcare.

President of UNL College Republicans Kyle Upp spoke on behalf of his RSO at the Night of Listening.

“It didn’t take encouragement to attend this event. This is something that needed to happen a long time ago,” said Upp, who spoke to his representatives about the importance of economic freedom and financial responsibility. “Having these conversations help us know we have a lot more in common with each other. This is a great first step and I’m encouraged by it. [The UNL College Republicans] are ready to attend next year.”

After the RSOs gave their statements, all students had the opportunity to speak.

Sophomore Becca Human was among students who voiced her concerns during the open floor.

“I was really upset when [Sens.] Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse weren’t holding town halls. I saw that a representative [from Sen. Sasse’s office] was here, and I was excited to express that [concern] to him,” said Human. Human also asked her representatives to expand funding for health care in Nebraska.

Following the student remarks, elected officials had a chance to respond to questions and concerns. Throughout the event officials could be seen taking copious notes.

Prof. Max Mueller closed the evening with a speech in which he expressed his excitement for the future of the Night of Listening at the University of Nebraska and universities across the nation. Mueller encouraged students to take an active role in their communities and to participate in democracy.

“For this [night] to matter at all, you need to get to work,” said Mueller.