Creating a Seat at the Table for Nebraska's Next Generation

Some of the most important conversations I had growing up happened around the kitchen table with my grandfather. From a young age, he challenged me to pay attention to the world around me and form my own opinions. We talked about what was happening in our community, the policies being debated, and the leaders making the decisions that affected our lives.

My grandfather never told me what to think; instead, he asked me what I thought and challenged me to explain my reasoning. Our conversations were never about seeing eye-to-eye on every issue. But something far more important: the value of being engaged, asking questions, listening to different perspectives, and having a voice in the conversations that shape our communities.

Those conversations continue to shape the man I am today, which is why I want to return the favor and continue to create opportunities for young Nebraskans to have a seat at the table.

As I travel throughout Nebraska’s Third District, some of my favorite conversations are with our next generation of leaders. Whether I am visiting with students in a classroom, meeting with young people in their communities, or hearing their questions at a local event, I am continually impressed by their curiosity and willingness to engage on the issues that matter most to them. They have thoughtful perspectives on the challenges facing their communities and big ideas about how we can build a stronger future.

That is why I created the Third District Youth Advisory Council.

My Youth Advisory Council gives high school students from across the Third District an opportunity to bring those ideas and perspectives directly to me. Throughout the school year, advisory members discuss local and federal issues, share their thoughts and concerns, and learn more about the legislative process and how decisions made in Washington can affect our communities.  

Through in-person meetings, online forums, and conference calls, students also have the opportunity to hear from their peers, engage in meaningful discussions, and learn from perspectives different from their own. I hope that students leave the Council with a better understanding of how our government works and, more importantly, a greater sense of their own ability to make a difference.  

Applications for my 2026-2027 Youth Advisory Council are now open, and I encourage all interested students to visit my website adriansmith.house.gov/services/youth-advisory-council and apply before applications close on September 25, 2026.

I look forward to listening to Nebraska’s next generation of leaders, learning from their perspectives, and giving them the same opportunity my grandfather gave me: to think critically about the world around them and find their own voice.