Blogs

Developing Materials for Deliberative Forums

Submitted by Kettering Blog on Mon, 09/08/2014 - 15:51

We are happy to announce the publication of a new report, Developing Materials for Deliberative Forums, a guide for anyone interested in creating materials to support deliberative conversations on difficult public issues.

Citizens and Elected Officials: What Kind of Relationship Should There Be?

Submitted by Jack Becker on Mon, 09/08/2014 - 15:16

Matt Leighninger thinks the capacities of citizens have grown tremendously over the years. But one of the misalignments between having better engagement and more productive use of citizens’ capacities has been the inclination of decision makers to adopt a “child-to-adult” orientation to the public. What we need, he says, is an “adult-to-adult relationship.”

 

Is This Really Working for Us? Public Views on Foreign Policy

Submitted by Kettering Blog on Thu, 07/31/2014 - 11:59

“We, as a country, are just spread way too thin to get involved in anything else . . . “

“I understand the need for world order . . . but it just seems like whenever there is a huge international crisis, the United States is always the first one to run out and open [its] mouth . . . “

“I think we really should focus on this country. We are in such trouble ourselves.”

 

From Concerns to Options: Values and Things Held Valuable

Submitted by Kettering Blog on Wed, 07/23/2014 - 13:10

When framing issues for public deliberation, it’s important to start where the public starts. Practically speaking, this means doing basic research that involves talking to an array of people about what concerns them when it comes to the topic at hand and listening very carefully to what they say.

Retired Kettering Foundation VP and Treasurer Dies at 77

Submitted by Kettering Blog on Thu, 06/26/2014 - 10:12

Jim Schwartzhoff has died at the age of 77.

Most Americans Think Government Should Do More to Fight Obesity – or Do They?

Submitted by Kettering Blog on Mon, 06/23/2014 - 17:15

Except for kids themselves, just about everyone wants children to eat more fruits and vegetables. Even so, there’s plenty of disagreement about what government can or should do to make that happen.

Making Scholarship Tangible: Syracuse University & Imagining America

Submitted by Jack Becker on Tue, 05/27/2014 - 11:45

Former RA Jack Becker interviews Timothy Eatman, codirector of Imagining America and faculty member at Syracuse University’s School of Education.

Valerie A. Lemmie Joins the Kettering Foundation

Submitted by Kettering Blog on Mon, 05/05/2014 - 09:03

Valerie A. Lemmie will join the Kettering Foundation as director of exploratory research, effective May 5.

Observations from a Hub of Local Democracy in Colorado

Submitted by Jack Becker on Tue, 04/22/2014 - 09:39

An interview with Martín Carcasson, an associate professor of communication studies at Colorado State University (CSU) and founding director of the CSU Center for Public Deliberation (CPD).

The Common Core – Why Isn't Public Support More Robust?

Submitted by Kettering Blog on Fri, 04/18/2014 - 11:00

The development and implementation of the new, voluntary Common Core learning standards in literacy and math got off to an impressive start. Now, however, the Common Core is meeting forceful resistance from both the right and the left. How did an idea that started off with so much support become so controversial?