Kettering Foundation

“This is one of the largest projects that has ever been done on American democracy.” The newest data from the @kettering.org - @gallup.com #DemocracyForAll Project is now available.

At St. Leonard CHI Living Communities in Ohio, KF President and CEO Sharon L. Davies drew on her family history and our nation’s past to explore what it means to strengthen democracy for future generations. Watch Community Conversations: Our Democracy at 250: https://bit.ly/4ibRA71

In last week’s episode of #TheContext, host Alex Lovit talks with Dorian Warren, co-president of Community Change, about what it takes to make government more accountable to the people it is meant to serve. Listen to the full episode: https://bit.ly/GetTheContext

At a recent JFK Jr. Forum at Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics, KF Senior Fellow @davidfrenchjag.bsky.social explored how growing public attention to national politics is drawing focus away from local news, local elections, and the issues that directly affect communities.

Thank you to everyone who joined and supported This Day Live: The Next Realignment in DC! We were proud to partner with the This Day podcast to explore what history teaches us about the political changes shaping democracy, with a special appearance by KF Senior Fellow Rev. Dr. William Barber, II.

KF Senior Fellow @ruthbenghiat.bsky.social examines how authoritarian leaders use elections to consolidate power, drawing parallels between Mussolini’s Italy and modern-day efforts to manipulate electoral systems while maintaining the appearance of democracy: https://bit.ly/3W8U3Xl

Silence is not an option when our democracy is at stake. At the Kettering Foundation, we stand with Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II and the many faith leaders who are gathering today to launch A #PledgeForMoralDefiance. Their call for courage and moral leadership could not be more timely.

KF Senior Fellow @RuthBenGhiat speaks with retired federal judge Shira A. Scheindlin about judicial independence and the importance of civic education in upholding the rule of law and American democracy: https://bit.ly/47K4jb4

Impeachment isn't just for presidents. KF Senior Fellow @davidfrenchjag.bsky.social examines how Congress can hold other federal officials accountable for violations of public trust: https://nyti.ms/4jzMBOF

KF Senior Fellow @judgeluttig.bsky.social argues that Speaker Mike Johnson could try to prevent duly elected members of Congress from being seated after the midterms. Watch the Jim Acosta Show to learn more about Luttig’s warning: https://bit.ly/4eRHh5T

“Ukraine is providing an example of freedom.” In a new essay, KF Senior Fellow Timothy Snyder explains why he believes Ukraine’s resistance to Russia matters beyond the war itself: https://bit.ly/4i3rnrj

Trying to understand what the latest Trump-Putin talks could mean for Ukraine? KF Senior Fellow William Kristol and Tom Joscelyn break it down: https://bit.ly/3Uj5CKR

Why does everything cost more? KF Senior Fellow Stacey Abrams talks with former US Secretary of Labor Robert Reich on Assembly Required: https://bit.ly/4yE6S9y

Sometimes doing something in defense of democracy can be as simple as using your voice and making a choice. 🎶 Find your way to take part with #JinglesForDemocracy. #ArtInAction https://bit.ly/4BmS2ad

Congratulations to the honorees of the Davton Branch NAACP's 75th Hall of Freedom Awards. We're proud to support our KF Board Member Edwin C. Moses and celebrate those whose dedication is moving our community and our democracy forward.

Our team has been connecting with people who share a commitment to strengthening democracy. Take a look at where our colleagues have been showing up, exchanging ideas, and building connections that move our work forward. #KetteringFoundation

The only thing better than making the @out.com 100 list is finally getting to pitch my West Wing/L Word crossover. Your move, Ilene Chaiken! www.out.com/out100/2026/...

#TheContext podcast is a 2026 Anthem Awards finalist for nonprofit Content & Media in the Belonging & Inclusion category! Now we need your vote to help us bring home the Anthem Community Voice Award! 🎉 Help us celebrate this milestone and show your support by casting your vote by October 29:

Today, 10/20, at 4pm ET I'll be in conversation with Nora Krug about our collaboration on the graphic edition of "On Tyranny." Join virtually by registering here: munkschool.utoronto.ca/event/timoth...

“Hold people accountable for what they said they were going to do and what we're going to demand next” by voting in the midterm elections! KF Senior Fellow @staceyabrams.com with a reminder to vote. Find your polling location here: https://bit.ly/3Ctpfll

KF Senior Fellow @timothysnyder.bsky.social joins historian Sharon McMahon for a conversation about fascism, truth, and the forces shaping American democracy: https://bit.ly/4eAjfw4

KF Senior Fellow Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II’s latest essay pairs his call for democratic participation in the midterms with a clip from Bad Faith, a documentary examining Christian nationalism’s influence on American politics: https://bit.ly/4hLVJyo

“Hold people accountable for what they said they were going to do and what we're going to demand next” by voting in the midterm elections! KF Senior Fellow @staceyabrams.com with a reminder to vote. Find your polling location here: https://bit.ly/3Ctpfll

KF Research Fellow @andrew-whitehead.bsky.social joins The Underview podcast to explore Christian nationalism, its historical roots, and how it shapes American civic life. https://bit.ly/4BhsafY

Democracy isn’t just about voting. It’s something we make together. Curated by Corky Siegel, #JinglesForDemocracy celebrates people using music and creativity to take part in civic life. 🎶 #ArtInAction Explore the playlist: https://www.jinglesfordemocracy.com/kettering

Voting early can do more than beat the Election Day line. It can give voters more time to address problems before Election Day. KF Senior Fellow @mariateresakumar.bsky.social talks with Indivisible cofounder Leah Greenberg about how collective participation can strengthen democracy.

One side effect of not voting? Not being heard. #JinglesForDemocracy offer one more reason to stay engaged. 🎶 #ArtInAction https://bit.ly/4yW03kM

KF Senior Fellow @timothysnyder.bsky.social argues that US policy toward Iran and Russia is eroding power, making the world more dangerous in the process: https://bit.ly/3WuLkia

A First Amendment fight over campaign finance is raising a bigger question about when political spending becomes protected speech. KF Senior Fellow @davidfrenchjag.bsky.social and Sarah Isgur break down how the Supreme Court could shape the rules. https://bit.ly/4yKARwR

Looking for thoughtful insights on democracy? News & Notes delivers ideas and updates from the Kettering Foundation community every two weeks. Check out the latest issue and subscribe: https://conta.cc/4ijY7

KF Senior Fellow Ruth Ben-Ghiat examines what history shows can happen when state violence becomes something people are invited to watch: https://bit.ly/4hQOqph

What are Americans most concerned about heading into the 2026 midterms? @dwj.eurosky.social breaks down what we’re hearing from more than 23,000 Americans through the Kettering-Gallup #DemocracyForAll survey about the state of democracy and the issues weighing on voters.

Two Supreme Court immigration cases could have major consequences on who can seek asylum and how far the government can go in deportation cases. KF Senior Fellow @davidfrenchjag.bsky.social and Emily Bazelon break down what’s at stake: https://nyti.ms/4jj9Kor

With the 2026 midterms just weeks away, KF Senior Fellow @billkristolbulwark.bsky.social sits down with veteran political analyst Ron Brownstein to unpack where the races stand and what could happen with Congress: https://bit.ly/4hOIWvc

In this conversation with Steve Schmidt of The Warning, KF Senior Fellow explores the challenges facing American democracy, from preserving the rule of law to preparing for the work of rebuilding institutions. https://bit.ly/4i034t1