A letter from Melinda Gilmore & Randall Nielsen.
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
John R. Dedrick Named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Kettering Foundation
Written by: Kettering Staff
John R. Dedrick has been named executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Charles F. Kettering Foundation.
Journalists at DDEx Grapple with Helping Citizens See Themselves in Public Issues
Written by: Kettering Staff
The journalists from five different countries who gathered at the Deliberative Democracy Exchange (DDEx) had many things in common, but most of all, they were worried.
Watch A Public Voice 2018 Via Facebook Live
Written by: Kettering Staff
We want YOUR stories in YOUR words to be part of the conversation in DC.
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.
