We want YOUR stories in YOUR words to be part of the conversation in DC.
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
New Volume Presents Perspectives on the Longtime Collaboration Between KF and Cuban Environmental Organization
Written by: Kettering Staff
Active Citizenship compiles some of the most compelling presentations from the 2016 conference, including many stories of how citizens in Cuba, as well as the US, have worked to address problems in their communities.
Reflections on the February 2018 Presidents’ Group Meeting at Denison University
Written by: Kettering Staff
After two and a half years of animated discussion and work in an ongoing research exchange with the Kettering Foundation, a group of college presidents concerned with the civic mission of higher education gathered at Denison University in Granville, Ohio, on February 15 and 16, 2018, at the invit
Higher Education Exchange 2017: Deliberation as Public Judgment
Written by: Kettering Staff
The 2017 volume of HEX attempts to distill Kettering’s understanding of deliberation.
Libby Kingseed
Written by: Kettering Staff
We are deeply saddened to announce the loss of our dear and valued colleague, Libby Kingseed. She passed away suddenly as a result of a heart problem on Sunday, December 24, 2017.
