A new graphic novel dramatically asks and answers the question: What if the January 6, 2021, insurrection had been successful?
Kettering Conversations with Democracy Innovators
June 13 | 1:00-2:15 pm ET
This June the Supreme Court will rule on Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. In anticipation of the decision, Kettering Foundation president and CEO Sharon L. Davies will moderate a panel focused on recent attacks on higher education and their implications for democracy. REGISTER
We live in a time of deep distrust―of each other, the media, and institutions of all kinds
In this volume of essays, innovative journalists from newspapers, public radio, civic media groups, and new media collectives examine how we've reached this point. LEARN MORE
With Willis "Bing" Davis and Sharon L. Davies
Kettering Conversations with Democracy Innovators highlight individuals who can share transformative ideas and insights into democratic innovation. In this speaker series, we explore ways to strengthen democracy, focus on positive narratives amid democratic crisis, and consider opportunities to build upon the strengths of our diverse communities and nation to make them more inclusive and equitable. LEARN MORE
Report on the Kettering Foundation’s Global Outreach: The Year in Review—2022
This report encapsulates, in words and photographs, the efforts of the foundation in 2022 and how it endeavored to learn from and alongside the international network. It also captures how Kettering has begun to reimagine the possibilities for international work in advance of a foundationwide strategic planning process that is taking place in 2023. READ MORE
An Annual Journal of the Kettering Foundation
Connections 2022 is a deep dive into Kettering research: what we’ve done—and where we want to move in the future. The issue, edited by KF director of strategic initiatives Melinda Gilmore with KF senior associate Maura Casey, features research spearheaded by Kettering program staff and colleagues. DOWNLOAD NOW
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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.
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Kettering Foundation News
Join Us: Kettering Conversations with Democracy Innovators
Written by: Kettering Staff
During Kettering Conversations with Democracy Innovators, we explore ways to strengthen democracy, focus on positive narratives amid democratic crisis, and consider opportunities to build upon the strengths of our diverse communities and nation to make them more inclusive and equitable.
Kettering Conversations with Democracy Innovators: Willis “Bing” Davis and Sharon L. Davies
Written by: Kettering Staff
Kettering Conversations with Democracy Innovators highlight individuals who can share transformative ideas and insights into democratic innovation.
Kettering Foundation announces promotions of key staff
Written by: Kettering Staff
The foundation is strengthening its capacity to meet the needs of democracy in a changing world.
The Psychology of Polarization
Written by: Kettering Staff
In December 2022, we invited Mylien Duong, senior director of research of the Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI), to join us. CDI uses the psychological processes that influence decision-making to create tools that can help students and professionals have conversations across differences. We asked, What roles do unconscious mental processes play in how we understand and respond to shared problems, and how can these tools help reduce the levels of political mistrust, division, and animosity?