Laura Carlson
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Laura Carlson
@carlsonlj.bsky.social
Political science 51%
Law 28%

Reposted by Laura Carlson

RNS @rns.org · 17d
Faith groups in Springfield, Ohio are hosting rapid response trainings, coordinating food deliveries and preparing to offer sanctuary as the city’s embattled Haitian population braces for potential deportations.
religionnews.com/2026/01/26/a...
As Springfield's 15,000 Haitians brace for deportations, local churches train to resist ICE
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (RNS) — Over a year since Donald Trump and JD Vance spread falsehoods about the city's migrants eating pets, Haitians’ temporary protected status is set to run out Feb. 3.
religionnews.com

Reposted by Laura Carlson

Via @kathrynpost.bsky.social: As Springfield's 15,000 Haitians brace for deportations, local churches train to resist ICE —> religionnews.com/2026/01/26/a...
As Springfield's 15,000 Haitians brace for deportations, local churches train to resist ICE
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (RNS) — Over a year since Donald Trump and JD Vance spread falsehoods about the city's migrants eating pets, Haitians’ temporary protected status is set to run out Feb. 3.
religionnews.com

Reposted by Laura Carlson

@sarahlongwell25.bsky.social: "Democrats are finally finding their spine on this. Democrats have got to start going on offense on these things. The American people will be with you if you show leadership in this moment…Speak up for what's happening in our country! That's what time it is."
Editor Commentary: Keep Springfield, Ohio peaceful. It doesn’t need a campaign of state violence, vengeance, and hate ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/01/23/k...
Keep Springfield, Ohio peaceful. It doesn't need a campaign of state violence, vengeance, and hate • Ohio Capital Journal
After being subjected to hateful lies, bomb threats, neo-Nazis, chaos, and pain during the 2024 campaign, Springfield, Ohio does not need a vengeance tour from a wrathful, lawless regime. Any adults…
ohiocapitaljournal.com

Reposted by Laura Carlson

Seven ways to stay engaged in the fight against rising authoritarianism.

Throughout this year, guests on #TheContext shared practical steps anyone can use to stay informed, take action, and strengthen our democracy. Here are some of the insights that stayed with us.

A lovely interview with poet Joy Harjo. Listened while shoveling snow on my lunch hour, and paused to watch two V-shaped flocks of geese fly overhead as Joy read one of her poems. Both were antidotes to stress. Don’t miss this episode of “The Context” podcast.
“Art emerges out of cultural stress because it’s needed.”

Former US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo joins #TheContext to share why creativity rises exactly when a society feels stretched thin. Listen to the full conversation with Joy Harjo, Kettering’s Ruth Yellowhawk Fellow: https://bit.ly/4r52Pkb

Reposted by Laura Carlson

“Art emerges out of cultural stress because it’s needed.”

Former US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo joins #TheContext to share why creativity rises exactly when a society feels stretched thin. Listen to the full conversation with Joy Harjo, Kettering’s Ruth Yellowhawk Fellow: https://bit.ly/4r52Pkb

Reposted by Laura Carlson

Gallup highlights areas of consensus in their article here: news.gallup.com/poll/696494/...
Americans Show Consensus on Many Democracy-Related Matters
A Kettering Foundation/Gallup survey finds most Americans support political compromise, view multiculturalism as a strength and reject political violence.
news.gallup.com

Reposted by Laura Carlson

I enjoyed this CNN piece on our Democracy For All Project survey. Based on our data, if your crazy relatives bring up politics at holiday, start talking about democracy and you might find common ground. www.cnn.com/2025/11/22/u...
Think politics will ruin Thanksgiving? Smerconish has some advice | CNN
Think your holiday table is destined for political chaos? Smerconish says the real divide isn’t at Thanksgiving, it’s in our heads. Here’s why.
www.cnn.com
Tonight, @pbs.org debuts “A More Perfect Union,” a companion special to the new PBS series #TheAmericanRevolution filmed at the @constitutionctr.bsky.social with support from the Kettering Foundation.
A More Perfect Union | Trailer
Explore America’s founding ideals in A More Perfect Union, premiering Nov 24 at 9p ET on PBS.
video.kpbs.org
Research fellow @andrew-whitehead.bsky.social does a great job of capturing the energy of our Democracy Prize celebration honoring Alexei Navalny and Judith Browne Dianis. andrewwhitehead.substack.com/p/courage-is...
Courage is Contagious.
Reflections on the importance of recognizing the courageous ones, allowing art to feed our souls, and that we the people can build the country we deserve.
andrewwhitehead.substack.com
New post with reflections on the @kettering.org Democracy Prize ceremony from earlier this week.

"It’s in the doing that we embody the democracy we deserve & that we the people, all of us together, have plenty of courage. And courage, it’s contagious."

andrewwhitehead.substack.com/p/courage-is...
Courage is Contagious.
Reflections on the importance of recognizing the courageous ones, allowing art to feed our souls, and that we the people can build the country we deserve.
andrewwhitehead.substack.com
Experience the full reflection and see the event video on our website. bit.ly/4iy9Vdf
Inaugural Kettering Democracy Prize Ceremony Honors Alexei Navalny and Judith Browne Dianis
bit.ly

Reposted by Laura Carlson

I was honored to attend the inaugural Kettering Democracy Prize ceremony this evening. I’ll have more to share soon. It was an incredibly inspirational evening, w/ two amazing laureates.

The Truth: democracy is up to us and we all, together, can build the country we deserve.
As we conclude tonight’s program, we thank you for joining us for the inaugural #KetteringDemocracyPrize and for standing alongside those whose extraordinary courage and steadfast commitment continue to shape a more inclusive democratic future.

Over the next year, @AspenInstitute with support from @Pivotal_Ventures will lead @AspenWINChallenge, a nationwide $60M grant competition that’s looking for bold ideas to change the workplace.
Register to apply by 5pm ET on December 11, 2025: winchallenge.org

Reposted by Laura Carlson

☝️ Democratic resistance takes shape in unexpected ways.

🗣️ “Every time you confront an authoritarian regime, society has to do a certain amount of throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing which strategies work.”

Reposted by Laura Carlson

💰 What does financial justice have to do with democracy?

Reposted by Laura Carlson

How does No Kings represent a new form of protest, and why might it have the potential to reverse America's democratic backsliding? Social movements expert Deva Woodly joins our blog: kettering.org/no-kings-jus...
No Kings, Just Citizens: Civil Society Asserts Its Democratic Power
A call that came about amidst a long protest wave that started right at the turn of the century.
kettering.org

Reposted by Laura Carlson

Read more about the dangers of unchecked presidential power in this latest installment of #FromManyWe: kettering.org/our-duty-is-...
Our Duty Is to the Constitution, Not One Person
The Trump administration's persistent preoccupation with their political opponents has led to the deployment of troops to US cities, disregarding the wishes of local and state authorities.
kettering.org

Reposted by Laura Carlson

“There is nothing at all to stop this president for the next three and a half years other than the American people.”

KF Senior Fellow @judgeluttig.bsky.social joins us on #TheStakes to sound the alarm: Trump’s first 100 days mark a revolt against American democracy.

Reposted by Laura Carlson

What if “getting back to normal” isn’t an option?

Tomorrow’s podcast guest, @sarahlongwell25.bsky.social, says we’re in a new political era where the old playbook won’t save democracy. Coalitions have shifted. Communication has changed. Even the word “democracy” has become polarized.

Reposted by Laura Carlson

Navalny was an international symbol of courage who ceaselessly challenged authoritarian rule in Russia.

Their lives of activism and bravery reflect the purpose of this prize, which celebrates courageous dedication to democracy. kettering.org/judith-brown...
Judith Browne Dianis, Alexei Navalny Win Kettering Democracy Prize
A new prize to honor individuals who embody an uncommon commitment to democracy work despite real threats.
kettering.org

Reposted by Laura Carlson

This new international award honors those who go beyond the ordinary to champion and defend inclusive democracy.

Dianis has spent a lifetime fighting voter suppression, racial injustice, and the criminalization of students in the United States.

Reposted by Laura Carlson

With immense pride, the Kettering Foundation announces the first recipients of the Kettering Democracy Prize: Judith Browne Dianis (@jbrownedianis.bsky.social) and the late #AlexeiNavalny.

Oooph

Fabrique Bakery
fabriquebakery.com

Fabrique Bakery, 550 5th Ave. Recommend the cardamom buns.