Why Renters should get involved with the Near South Neighborhood Association

As renters, whether you’re just starting out or have been a long-term resident of your community, we often get labeled as uncommitted. While that may be true of a small portion of us (though not to say that students, people in transition, and other “types” of renters shouldn’t also be a part of the conversation), we know that most of us do care about the places in which we live. While not always able to shape our front porches or yards, we do, through collective action, have the power to make our voices heard and sit as equal partners in the future of our neighborhood. One avenue to this is engagement with neighborhood associations like the Near South Neighborhood Association (NSNA). 

One of the oldest associations of its type in Lincoln and certainly a role model for others across the city, the NSNA has one of the most developed leadership structures of our cities neighborhoods and numerous opportunities to volunteer though it’s community events throughout the year. Whether it’s participating in the tour of homes, showing up at peach park, or braving the winter to set out candles for the Luminaries event, there are varying degrees of commitment you can make and still be an active member. The N.S.N.A.’s history and established rapport with other organizations also means that its board has the ability to platform resident voices to elected officials and other community decision makers. 

That platform, in my eyes, is the greatest asset of NSNA membership for renters. While the NSNA, at this time, is mostly composed by homeowners, renters are able to join. I am one of them. While we may not own our homes or apartments, the Near South is our neighborhood, and we do have a right to shared ownership of our public spaces. Alongside our homeowning neighbors, our voices should and could be better heard through partnerships with one another. More importantly, we can act together to make our neighborhood a better place for all.

-Brent Lucke