Who We Are

Who We Are

The Nebraska Organizing Project (NOP) is building a network of local chapters in Nebraska to address pressing issues that impact rural communities. We work together to build power to transform the world around us through relational meetings and leadership development. Our mutual interest lies in understanding that everyone’s well-being is tied up in each other and community care is vital to sustained growth in rural Nebraska.

NOP is a project of Western Organization of Resource Councils.

What We Believe

We are rural Nebraskans who believe in the power of relationships and the inherent dignity of every person. By focusing on our shared values and concerns, we find common ground and create meaningful change for all. We believe that we can build a rural Nebraska that everybody’s kids want to come home to.

Our Values

Accountability
We are dedicated to the common good of Nebraska’s diverse communities by upholding democratic values and seeking constructive evaluation of our efforts.
Curiosity
We commit to continuous learning and developing an informed worldview by asking questions, listening deeply, and drawing on social knowledge to guide decision-making.
Connection
We activate the resilient spirit of rural Nebraska to pursue common ground through our shared values and affirm the inherent dignity of all people with honesty and respect.
Empowerment
We awaken and nurture the ability to speak and act on one's own behalf and encourage civic participation through grassroots leadership development.
Transformation
We build our collective power to win issues that transform our rural communities and achieve an equitable and just Nebraska for all.

Staff

Mo Bailey

Mo lives in her hometown of Norfolk, NE with her family and 2 dogs. Mo started formally organizing in 2021 when she joined WORC’s staff as an organizer for the Nebraska Organizing Project. Informally, Mo has been organizing around issues of importance to her and her community for years! Prior to joining the WORC network, Mo started her own small business to provide consulting services to non-profits around mission and vision development, branding, strategic planning, and more. Mo Bailey is currently serving as Advisor for the Nebraska Organizing Project and WORC’s Leadership and Capacity Organizer.

Email her at [email protected]

Anneka Ramirez

After exploring life beyond her hometown, Anneka ultimately returned to Norfolk, NE, where her roots run deep. With over a decade of experience in public libraries—serving as a director, supervisor, and consultant—she developed a profound belief that equal access to information and resources is vital to creating vibrant, healthy communities. Her passion for community led her to discover organizing. She was an original member of the Norfolk Chapter’s Organizing Committee and a Chapter Campaign Team member. A poet, mother, and haphazard gardener, she honors the inherent dignity in every individual. In October 2024, she joined the Nebraska Organizing Project as Director, furthering her commitment to building a more just and inclusive Nebraska.

Email her at [email protected]

Grant DeFor

Grant grew up in Norfolk and always had an interest in culture and the arts. After living out of Nebraska for two years, he returned and spent some time working as a barista. Mo invited Grant to volunteer with the Nebraska Organizing Project in January of 2023 as a part of an Organizing Committee. Grant was interested in organizing from the start and found a passion for it. Six months later, he was hired as the Organizer for the Norfolk Chapter! Grant’s love for the community he grew up in has grown since he started organizing, and now he gets to work with everyday people to create meaningful change in Norfolk. In the fall of 2024, Grant also began organizing in South Sioux City. He is working with eight dedicated Organizing Committee members to build a chapter and address pressing issues in their community. When Grant isn’t organizing, he enjoys his time working on a Dungeons and Dragons podcast project and playing in local music groups!

Email him at [email protected]