The Free Speech Society was created in 2016 to facilitate healthy discussion regarding civic and political issues. It’s an in-person, non-partisan forum guided by principles of non-confrontational debate, with a focus on listening and discerning – valuing the input of all.
The public is welcome to attend our events on the 3rd Saturday of every month at the Centris Federal Credit Union headquarters building at 13120 Pierce Street in Omaha, Nebraska.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
April 18, 2026
Flipping Brain Drain to Brain Gain
8:30 – 10:00 AM at Centris, 13120 Pierce Street
Mike Cassling and Dana Bradford are the founders of Strengthening Nebraska Families. Their work uncovers the fact that all six geographic regions of Nebraska are losing families and individuals due to, among other things, a lack of quality job opportunities and a lack of wage growth. The growth of wages for families and individuals is not keeping up with inflation and, as a result, decreasing their discretionary income. With Nebraska families and individuals struggling with a loss in discretionary income and unable to find quality paying jobs, the opportunity for higher wages and quality jobs in other states is prompting too many of them to leave the state.
RECENT EVENTS
March 21, 2026
Science. Facts. Climate.
8:30 – 10:00 AM at Centris, 13120 Pierce Street
Jack Kasher, Ph.D is ProfessorDr. Jack Kasher, Professor Emeritus of Physics, UNO will present his work tracking extreme weather events, sea level rise, the positive effects of carbon dioxide, the importance of fossil fuels, deaths from hot and cold weather, and the saturation effect of greenhouse gases.
Dr. Kasher taught physics and astronomy for 34 years. For 17 summers, he conducted research at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, California, had a security clearance, and did classified research in electromagnetic theory, including, among other areas,
work on the Star Wars defense system. In 1993 he began research for NASA, studying the surface of the sun, and continued that work until he retired in 2001.
February 21, 2026
Making the Case for Latin America.
8:30 – 10:00 AM at Centris, 13120 Pierce Street
Dr. Brett Kyle, Director of International Studies and Chair of the Graduate Program in Political Science at UNO will present his view of Latin America's role at this important juncture.
Latin America’s historical and economic ties to the United States, from the Spanish-American War to the Monroe Doctrine, has shaped the Western Hemisphere. When U.S. engagement faltered, figures like Hugo Chávez filled vacuums. Today, constructive, respectful partnership matters more than dominance. Join us on February 21st to learn more about this important moment in our regional future.
January 27, 2026
Film Streams and Free Speech Society Present – Orwell: 2 + 2 = 5.
6:30 PM at Film Streams - Ruth Sokoloff
George Orwell was one of the most visionary authors of the 20th Century, whose novels, 1984 and Animal Farm, foretold a chilling, authoritarian future. Acclaimed director Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro) interweaves clips, readings from Orwell's diary, cinematic references, and modern-day footage to craft not only a portrait of the writer, but a fresh take on how prophetic his work has become.
The January 27th screening was SOLD OUT, thank you for supporting our new initiative!
January 17, 2026
Words vs. Actions.
A Free Speech Group Discussion.
8:30 – 10:00 AM at Centris, 13120 Pierce Street
Actions matter. What can YOU do to take your words and create something meaningful for our region, our nation, and our world?
December 20, 2025
Jewel Rodgers – Nebraska State Poet.
8:30 – 10:00 AM at Centris, 13120 Pierce Street
Art expands our ability to think critically, connect deeply, and communicate across differences. In this keynote, Jewel Rodgers – the 2025–2029 Nebraska State Poet, a 2025 Academy of American Poets Fellowship recipient, and a 2025 AIRIES Fellow – will connect these dots to the vital role art plays in strengthening communities and fueling Nebraska’s economy. Through her voice, we’ll see how art is not just culture, but a powerful force that helps keep our democracy alive.
November 15, 2025
Leo Louis II – Taking Your White Card:
How to End Racism.
8:30 – 10:00 AM at Centris, 13120 Pierce Street
Leo Louis II is a Native of the land we call "Omaha, Ne." He has experience in various disciplines including gang intervention, urban farming, entrepreneurship, public speaking, fatherhood, facilitation, and more. Leo has led various community efforts including leading the March for Solidarity of 2000+ people on 72nd & Dodge during the 2020 unrest. He's also prominently featured in the 2025 documentary My Omaha which addresses racial and cultural perspectives.
He currently continues his work serving as a community organizer, strategist, owner of Visionary Lions LLC, and builder of humanity.
October 18, 2025
Threat or Theater? – When political tensions turn physical.
8:30 – 10:00 AM at Centris, 13120 Pierce Street
It’s one crisis after another. Which are perceived, which are real? Daily existential emergencies foster apocalyptic language, sending us into downward spirals where blame replaces objectivity. It’s not us… it’s them, right? This isn’t new.
It’s time to learn from history, refresh ourselves on the dangers of political extremism, and find better ways to balance our perceptions with our values to create productive outcomes. We hope you can join us this Saturday to discuss in small groups and try and do just that.
September 20, 2025
Redistricting – What you know, what you think you know, what you don't know.
8:30 – 10:00 AM at Centris, 13120 Pierce Street
Rachel Gibson will join Free Speech for an engaging and informative discussion on the messy business of redistricting – a very hot and timely topic just 14 months before our next major national elections. What is legal and not legal (or likely not legal)? What is the history and what are the trends... and more importantly – where are we headed?!
Currently serving as the Vice President of Action for the League of Women Voters – Nebraska, Rachel previously served on the Fair Maps redistricting committee, the Education Policy Action Team, and the Social Policy Action Team.
August 16, 2025
Restoring Balance to Our Government –
What ideas or approaches could help restore balance among national, state, and local party politics?
8:30 – 10:00 AM at Centris, 13120 Pierce Street
Over the past century, the role of the federal government in American life has transformed in remarkable ways. Fast forward to today, and we see another dramatic shift. For the nation to maintain a vibrant and healthy two-party system — we have to be involved in mission, strategies, and policies for the years ahead. Many voters agree: the status quo feels unsustainable.
We’ll explore these two big questions:
• What do you see as the fundamental duties of our government?
• What ideas or approaches could help restore balance among national, state, and local party politics?
July 19, 2025
Immigration Reform is Essential Work – for Nebraska and the Nation.
8:30 – 10:00 AM at Centris, 13120 Pierce Street
Allison Heimes is a Managing Attorney leveraging 10 years of immigration experience to identify sound solutions for all types of corporate immigration matters. She has deep experience in a variety of nonimmigrant matters, including H-1B, L-1, and O visas, as well as immigrant petitions. She holds a degree in Political Science from University of Nebraska – Omaha, as well as a law degree from Creighton University where she completed both a Juris Doctor and a Masters degree in Government Organization and Leadership.
June 21, 2025
Housing Crisis – Climate Crisis. How Are These Connected?
8:30 – 10:00 AM at Centris, 13120 Pierce Street
Dave Pantos embodies the belief that the law can improve the lives of everyone by employing his expertise to help create a more equitable society. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers College and a law degree and master’s in environmental science from Indiana University-Bloomington.
Dave is the treasurer of Threshold Continuum of Care for the Homeless and also volunteers his time for the Tenant Assistance Project through the Volunteer Lawyers Project.
FREE SPEECH AFTER DARK
May 8, 2025
Nervous Laughter –
The Changing Politics of Comedy
6:30 PM at Barrett's Barleycorn Tavern, 43rd & Leavenworth
Featuring:
Dylan Oakes (The Backline Comedy Theatre)
Hosts:
Harrison Johnson and Tom Becka
