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.
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
Robert J. Kingston: A Tribute
Written by: Kettering Staff
Robert Kingston, a leading member of the Kettering Foundation family for more than 35 years, passed away August 20 in Long Island, New York. A celebration of his life will be scheduled in October.
Robert J. Kingston, 1929-2016
Written by: Kettering Staff
Robert J. Kingston, a senior associate at the Kettering Foundation for more than 30 years, died August 20 at Hospice on Long Island, New York. He was 87.
NIF STARTER VIDEOS NOW AVAILABLE FOR STREAMING & DOWNLOAD
Written by: Kettering Staff
The National Issues Forums Institute and the Kettering Foundation are excited to announce NIF On Demand.
Ranking Systems to Prioritize the Civic Mission of Higher Education
Written by: Kettering Staff
A university’s ascent or fall within the rankings are newsworthy developments. A rise in rankings leads universities to promote the ranking and their placement.
