How has the pandemic impacted the ability to deliberate in communities?
New from David Mathews
In 1863, President Abraham delivered his Gettysburg Address, and he spoke of an ideal of government, one that is of, by, and for the people. Do Americans today think our government is really “of” the people? That’s debatable. “By” the people? Doubtful. “For” the people? Perhaps for some, sometimes. This Cousins Research Group Report, based on a forthcoming book by David Mathews, suggests trying another preposition—government with the people. DOWNLOAD NOW
An annual review of the Kettering Foundation
The 2020 issue of Connections focuses on the ways people come to understand their own role in self-governance—another name for democracy. DOWNLOAD NOW
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
Kettering Works Primarily through Learning Exchanges and Other Collaborative Research
It's how we do our research. It's how we share our research...GO TO HOW WE WORK
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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
Jack L. Harper Joins Kettering Foundation as Vice President, Treasurer, and CFO
Written by: Kettering Staff
Jack L. Harper, an executive with over 27 years of public and private experience in tax law and corporate governance, including at Walmart and Discover, has been selected as the new Vice President, Treasurer, and CFO of the Kettering Foundation.
What Matters More, Tribe or Democracy?
Written by: Kettering Staff
As part of the Kettering Foundation’s ongoing research, our staff and allied organizations gather for monthly Dayton Days research sessions to reflect on the ideas guiding our work and to share new insights.
Connections 2020: The Work of Democratic Citizenship
Written by: Kettering Staff
As we began planning the 2020 issue of Connections, it seemed that the world was falling apart.
David Holwerk, 1947-2020
Written by: Kettering Staff
The Kettering Foundation is deeply saddened to share that David Holwerk, Kettering’s director of communications, died of a heart attack on November 23, at the age of 73, at his home in New Albany, Indiana.