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The Foundry Community exists to support, educate, and develop the Nebraska purpose-driven community.

  • Organizations Impacted

    300+

  • Foundry Members

    180+

  • Nonprofits Served

    61%

  • Students Served

    50+

 

*Data from the 2025 year.

TESTIMONIALS

 

Intern Foundry equipped me with the education, professional leadership skills, and something even more valuable - a vision for Nebraska's future. Through purpose-driven work, the program helped me move from a potential brain drain statistic to a community catalyst. I found my voice testifying before state legislators, built confidence mentoring peers, and discovered that staying in Nebraska isn't limiting; it's where I can lead the most meaningful change. Intern Foundry taught me that reversing brain drain starts with leaders who choose to stay, build, and inspire others to do the same.” 

— Livia Ziskey, Spring 2024 and Summer 2025 Intern Foundry Student

"The Intern Foundry program has been so important to OutNebraska. The process is so supportive and each student we've worked with has been highly motivated to add to our work,"

— Abbi Swatsworth, Executive Director, OutNebraska

"We love officing within The Foundry. The community connections are invaluable, the IF internship program has been incredibly beneficial to our organization, and the leadership provided by Julie is inspiring.  The Foundry team ensures that we are equipped with the tools and space to bring our mission to life and make an impact with our community."

— Tiffani Childress, Linked2Literacy

“One of the most important things I learned through the Intern Foundry program was how to blaze my own trail...I’m so grateful to the Foundry for helping me build that foundation.”

— Drew Baldridge, 2023 intern and 2024 coordinator

"The first meeting with [Base Camp Foundry] , I explained what my frustrations were, and they gave me the perspective shift I needed to make everything make sense. It was a relief because I was so close to getting there and I was stuck. Their help has re-positioned me to continue better prepared and better equipped."

— Base Camp Client

How to Positively Live a Positive Lifestyle

Smiley face on the ground.

There’s a lot going on in the world right now. Television, media, and news broadcasts press in from all sides and tell us all of the horrible events our society is experiencing. Sometimes it seems that no matter where we turn, there’s another negative source trying to influence us.

With all of this outside pressure, it can be difficult to try and live a positive life. How do we pay attention to current events while still living positively? Well, today we’re going to find out. Check out these tips for how to positively live a positive lifestyle.

1. Remember positivity is a choice.
One of the biggest mistakes we make is believing outside forces control our attitudes. As the saying goes, the glass can be half-empty or half-full, depending on how you look at it. While cliché, nothing is more true when it comes to positive living.

No matter what is going on in the world around us, we can choose to be kicked and stay down, or choose to look at things from a positive perspective. Had a bad day at work? Tomorrow will be better. Had a fight with a friend? Trials create stronger friendships. When we choose to look at our lives positively, we unconsciously create a positive life around us.

2. Find daily inspiration.
Positive living is made easier when we find inspiration daily. Whether your inspiration comes from a mentor, a friend or family member, a religious affiliation or an internal spiritual focus, finding inspiration rejuvenates us every day to live a more positive lifestyle.

So next time you feel negativity seeping in, take time to find inspiration in the world around you through nature, a sweet song or just a solid good book.

3. Take care of yourself.
You can’t feel positive about yourself if you don’t first feel healthy. Physical, mental and emotional well being are all key components of living a positive lifestyle. Even though life can be busy, take time to focus on promoting your own health and nutrition every day.

Eat clean, find ways to exercise throughout the day and focus time on de-stressing. When you feel well physically, mentally and emotionally, you’ll be more able to continue that positivity through every aspect of your life.

4. Stop comparing.
One of the quickest ways to feel negative is by comparing ourselves with others. Friendships, work interactions and social media are all key examples. When we compare ourselves with others, we’re looking at their “main stage” and our “behind the scenes.” There’s nothing equal about it, and yet we feel the negative sting of jealousy and self-denigration.

So stop comparing. No more scrolling through social media just to see everyone’s perfect pictures; no more jealous glances across the cubicles. Focus on growing yourself and living well and you will undoubtedly feel more positive.

5. Be grateful and give back.
One of the best ways to live a positive lifestyle is to focus on gratitude for the positive things we have in our lives. Show the ones you love how much you appreciate them by spending time together. Take time to journal about the positive aspects of life, and how much they mean to you. Practice gratitude every day by using 5 minutes to reflect on the things you’re grateful for.

When you feel gratitude and positivity seeping into your life, pay it forward by giving back to those who are less fortunate. Not only will you be more appreciative about your own life, but you will feel more positive through helping improve others’ lives.

Living a positive lifestyle can undoubtedly be a difficult challenge in today’s overwhelming world. However, you can take positive steps by trying out some of these tips. When you live a positive lifestyle, you shine as a light for other people to follow, and promote positivity to all.