This profile is part of a series of conversations with college presidents in various higher education institutions.
Our Research Suggests that a Robust Democracy Requires:
citizens, communities and institutions who are able to apply democratic practices to the problems of democracy. Democracy requires responsible citizens who can make sound decisions about their future, and can act on these decisions...GO TO CORE INSIGHTS
Most of Our Learning Is Shared in In-Person Learning Exchanges
It's how we do our research. It's how we share our research...GO TO HOW WE WORK
The Ecology of Democracy: Finding Ways to Have a Stronger Hand in Shaping Our Future
Everyday life is filled with opportunities for citizens to make a difference. The Ecology of Democracy offers insights into where these opportunities might be found and why the work citizens do is so important...READ MORE
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Core Ideas
Citizens
Democracy requires responsible citizens who can make sound decisions about their future, and can act on these decisions. Through joint learning exchanges, Kettering studies how citizens might accept their responsibility, make sound decisions about what is in the public’s interest, and join forces to act on those decisions.
Communities
Democracy requires a community, or a society of citizens, that can work together. We research the way citizens face persistent problems in their communities. These problems, such as poverty, violence, and gaps in educational achievement, require citizens, communities, and institutions to work together to address them.
Institutions
Democracy requires institutions with public legitimacy that contribute to strengthening society. While institutions can affect the public’s ability to govern itself, they can also unintentionally weaken self-rule by substituting expert knowledge for public knowledge. Aligning institutional routines with citizens’ work is the central challenge.
Blog
A Public Voice 2017: Safety and Justice
Written by: Kettering Staff
A Public Voice 2017, the Kettering Foundation’s annual exploration of public thinking on key issues, will be held in Washington DC at the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, May 9. This year’s event focuses on an issue important to all Americans: safety and justice.
Profiles in Higher Education Civic Leadership
Written by: Kettering Staff
In recent years, Kettering has brought together a series of research exchanges with college presidents on the civic purposes of higher education.
Experience with Deliberation in College Translates to Sustained Political Engagement
Written by: Kettering Staff
According to a recent follow-up study, students who use deliberation to enhance civic engagement efforts in college are still feeling the effects 10 years after the fact.
How Civic Engagement Spread across Six College Campuses
Written by: Maura Casey
Jay Theis had a newly minted doctorate in political science when he became concerned about the fate of a Methodist church that was closing across the street from his Kansas City home.
