Weave: The Social Fabric Project
The Lincoln Community Foundation is partnering with the Aspen Institute’s Weave: The Social Fabric Project to recognize 20 individuals and groups in Lincoln who are building trust, belonging and connection. Lincoln is one of 25 communities across the United States participating in this multi-year endeavor to encourage people to build meaningful relationships that help bring about social trust. Over the next four years, 20 people or organizations each year will be awarded $4,000 to foster activities and
projects that bring people together to build social trust and help grow our city.

Amanda Barker, Director of Community Engagement for the Lincoln Community Foundation, and Randy Bretz, a community volunteer and civic advocate, will present the background on the project, and some details of how people can apply.

Lincoln was selected from among more than 100 applications to serve as one of the Weave communities. Those who receive the grants will not only help weave Lincoln’s social fabric, but they will become examples across our community and for the other communities involved in this national project.

Amanda Barker currently serves as the Director for Community Engagement + Partnerships for the Lincoln Community Foundation. Prior to that, she served as Senior Advisor to the mayor of Lincoln, where she managed a portfolio of federal and state policy affairs, and acted as departmental liaison for Parks, Libraries, Police, and Fire departments. She also previously served as the Deputy Executive Director and Director of Civic Health at Civic Nebraska, where she developed a rural civic health program and a civil discourse curriculum. With a deep and sustaining belief in the importance of community engagement, Amanda aims to provide individuals with the tools to meaningfully contribute to the civic fabric of their community. She lives in Lincoln with her husband and two young kids, where she strives to practice civility during bedtime, especially. 

Randy Bretz is known across Lincoln as a connector. His career involved broadcasting, telecommunications, higher education, church leadership, and public corporation leadership. He finished his formal education in 1982 with a Ph.D. in higher education leadership. Most recently, Randy retired from Nelnet, teaches at Nebraska Wesleyan, serves on the Lincoln Foundry Intern Advisory Panel for Nebraska, is a past president of Rotary 14, was the original licensee of TEDxLincoln, and is a founding partner of the Nebraska Storytelling Festival.

Rotary 14’s Rise.Shine.Give. (RSG) is a morning celebration and fundraiser that highlights the power of community. We’re seeking a nonprofit partner to be the beneficiary of our 2027 event to be held in February.

Our Club’s theme for the year, “Be Well, Do Good,” guides our focus to the physical and mental health of our club and community as we work together in service. Therefore, in awarding community grants, including RSG, this year we look to support nonprofits doing work that aligns with this focus.

If you know of any organization that would be a good fit, please pass the application along to them:

https://forms.gle/XFNDpmtU4SsmtPPf9

Deadline: Applications must be submitted by August 21, 2026. If you have questions, contact Rotary 14 PGE Committee Chair Christie Weston at info@rotary14.org.

Help make our Tuesday meetings a success by signing up to volunteer! Serving in one of our meeting roles is a great way to meet fellow Rotarians, stay engaged, earn a make-up credit, and help create a welcoming experience for members and guests.

Please use this link to sign up:
Weekly Meeting Volunteer Sign-Up

If you have questions about any of the volunteer roles, feel free to contact our leaders:

• Greeters: Deen Popoola Aromire
• Check-in & Cashier: Lisa Froehlich
• Zoom Host: Ryan Dobesh
• Membership Table: Anna Hernoud
• Meeting Set-Up/Clean-Up: Michael Eckelkamp

Thank you for helping make Rotary 14 meetings welcoming and successful each week!