With this one act, Rep. Ryan has strengthened the American experiment.
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
An Annual Journal of the Kettering Foundation
The 2021 issue of Connections focuses on the tension and the opportunities in the relationship between citizens and institutions. The articles explore what can be done to increase trust and, in so doing, strengthen democracy. 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
WATCH: Lemmie Speaks at 2022 Annual Meeting of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)—Economic Change in a World Divided
Written by: Kettering Staff
Valerie Lemmie, the Kettering Foundation’s director of exploratory research, joined an illustrious panel of development and civic engagement professionals at the annual meeting of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
Reflections on Illiberalism
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.
Race and Political Trust in the United States
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.
Four Decades of Democratic Learning: David Mathews and the Kettering Foundation
Written by: Kettering Staff
On Tuesday, September 27, the Kettering Foundation board of directors, staff, colleagues, friends, and family joined on our Dayton campus to honor David Mathews and his four decades of service to the Kettering Foundation. Mathews was president and CEO from 1981 to 2022.