Raising Justice

Episode 12 - Food Insecurity with Eric Savaiano of Nebraska Appleseed

Host Juliet Summers is joined by Eric Savaiano of Nebraska Appleseed and Josh Shirk, research coordinator at Voices for Children in Nebraska, to dig into the findings of the latest Kids Count in Nebraska Report. A focused conversation on food insecurity, this episode explores the power of combining research and advocacy to drive change, and what the 2025 Kids Count data mean for improving well-being for Nebraska’s kids and families.

Episode 11 - Mid-Session Check-In: What’s Moving in the Nebraska Legislature

In this mid-session check-in, host Juliet Summers is joined by Eric Reiter, advocacy and community collaborations coordinator at Voices for Children in Nebraska, for a grounded look at what’s moving in the 2026 Nebraska Legislative Session. Eric sheds light on how lawmakers, advocates, and community members often bring very different ideas about what’s best for child well-being—and how those perspectives shape the debates unfolding in the Unicameral. Together, they walk through key bills impacting kids and families, highlight emerging trends, and share what to watch as the session heads into its second half.

Episode 10 - Preparing for the 2026 Legislative Session: What’s at Stake for Nebraska’s Kids

As Nebraska lawmakers head into a budget-heavy legislative session, critical decisions about children and families are on the line. In this episode of Raising Justice, host Juliet Summers sits down with Anahí Salazar, Director of Economic Stability, Education, & Health Policy at Voices for Children in Nebraska, to unpack key anticipated carry-over priorities from 2025, what to expect during a short session, and why funding decisions around programs like the child care subsidy matter.

Episode 9 - Nebraska Youth Perspectives: Understanding Food Security

In this episode of Raising Justice, host Juliet Summers sits down with two members of Voices for Children in Nebraska’s Youth Leadership Council, Ta’Miyah Wright and Tay’Viana Robinson, to explore food security from their perspective. Join us for an honest conversation about what hunger looks like in their schools and communities, potential solutions, and what gives young people hope for the future.

Episode 8 - Early Childhood Matters: Building Strong Foundations for Nebraska’s Kids

Host Juliet Summers sits down with Anne Thompson Brandt, Executive Director of Lincoln Littles, to discuss why early childhood care and education are critical for kids, families, and communities as a whole. They explore barriers like cost and workforce shortages, and how policy and community solutions can build a stronger future for Nebraska’s children.