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Kettering Foundation
@kettering.org
Nonpartisan, nonprofit, operating foundation rooted in the American tradition of inventive research focused on the needs of democracy worldwide. www.kettering.org
West Dayton is not waiting to be uplifted. It is rising from within. “It’s not going to happen overnight, but it’s surely happening right now.” ☀️
November 10, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Around the globe, power is concentrating in the hands of strongmen.

In this new episode of #TheStakes, @bradrourke.bsky.social invites political scientist and KF Research Fellow Erica Frantz to explain how this shift endangers democracy everywhere and what history can teach us about fighting back.
November 7, 2025 at 10:29 PM
AI is shaping how power works at every level. Spencer Overton, law professor and director of the Multiracial Democracy Project at George Washington University Law School, emphasizes that communities cannot afford to sit this moment out.
November 7, 2025 at 1:30 PM
“This summit is more than just a convening; it’s a call to action.”
At this year’s #DaytonDemocracySummit, hundreds joined together to keep hope alive in hard times. From stories and music to shared acts of courage, see how Dayton’s changemakers are cultivating democracy in our community.
November 6, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Following President Trump’s controversial overhaul of the Kennedy Center, musician Ben Folds argues that the arts must remain a place where all Americans can see themselves reflected and heard. Watch his conversation on @pbsnews.org’s CANVAS series. https://to.pbs.org/3LowsN1
Ben Folds on taking a stand for artistic freedom after Trump's Kennedy Center takeover
Ben Folds’ piano-powered pop music earned him a cult following and made him one of the most respected songwriters of his generation. He also held an influential role in classical music as artistic adv...
to.pbs.org
November 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM
“No one can prevent him from remaining president of the United States for a constitutionally prohibited third term—except the American people.”
President for Life
Donald Trump is trying to amass the powers of a king.
bit.ly
November 5, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Reposted by Kettering Foundation
"A More Perfect Union: Inspiring Civic & Civil Conversations Across America," a @pbs.org special taped @constitutionctr.bsky.social featuring Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, Yuval Levin, Jeffrey Rosen and Melody Barnes, will premiere to the public November 24 at 9–10 p.m. ET (check local listings).
November 4, 2025 at 8:39 PM
On the newest Thank You Democracy Podcast episode from the #GlobalDemocracyCoalition, former Kettering Global Fellow Kudakwashe (Kuda) Chitsike reflects on her work advancing gender equality, human rights, and democratic governance in Southern Africa.
November 4, 2025 at 11:02 PM
History warns us that technology can either strengthen democracy—or fuel hate and violence.

Spencer Overton, a leading voice on civil rights and AI, explains that film, radio, and online forums were once tools for spreading white supremacy. AI could be next—unless we act intentionally.
November 4, 2025 at 2:58 PM
From prison to purpose. ✨

After spending more than 20 years behind bars, Dayton Democracy Fellow Robert Mackey II is turning his past into a path forward. Guided by gratitude, he helps young people make positive choices and find their voice in democracy. https://bit.ly/490981V
Robert Mackey II: The Power of Faith
Dayton Democracy Fellow Robert Mackey II has two pillars of strength at the core of his life: faith and gratitude.
bit.ly
November 3, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Viral “gotcha” moments may rack up views, but they rarely build understanding. The latest #AmericaAtACrossroads segment explores how educators, students, and creators are reclaiming space for real dialogue by balancing free expression with responsibility.
The rise of viral debate videos and their impact on our ability to disagree
The assassination of Charlie Kirk brought renewed attention to the ways Americans debate and engage in political dialogue. Kirk was known for his back-and-forth conversations with students and moments...
to.pbs.org
October 31, 2025 at 5:00 PM
The only thing scarier than the noise of misinformation is the silence that follows it.

It can feel tempting to disengage right now. But as mmfa.bsky.social President
@goangelo.bsky.social reminds us, silence only amplifies the rise of authoritarianism.
October 31, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Charles F. Kettering Global Fellow Flávia Pellegrino is featured on a new episode of the #ThankYouDemocracy podcast from the #GlobalDemocracyCoalition.
October 30, 2025 at 5:31 PM
A new documentary film, Evicting the American Dream, amplifies the voices of children and families confronting eviction and homelessness. Through powerful stories from Dayton residents and experts, the film reveals both the causes of this crisis and the hope for prevention. https://bit.ly/4nnYaGP
Watch Evicting the American Dream online – Prime Video
Evicting the American Dream amplifies the voices and stories of children and families confronting eviction and homelessness. Through interviews with pediatric psychologists, social workers, tenant rig...
bit.ly
October 30, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Reposted by Kettering Foundation
A critically important warning for American democracy from respected jurist and Kettering Foundation Senior Fellow J. Michael Luttig, published by @theatlantic.com magazine.

www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...
President for Life
Donald Trump is trying to amass the powers of a king.
www.theatlantic.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:01 PM
LGBTQ+ communities are showing what courage looks like as institutions give in to fear.

From school boards to hospitals, @erininthemorning.com reveals how local resistance is shaping the national fight for inclusion and democracy in our latest #FromManyWe post. https://bit.ly/4hD48ma
October 29, 2025 at 1:30 PM
If the goal is to bring people together, we have to understand what shapes how they think.
October 28, 2025 at 6:00 PM
“If the world seems on edge these days, with alliances fraying, violent conflicts emerging and volatility as the order of the day, there’s a reason. These are the early shocks of a world being shaped by leaders who govern by personal will instead of rules and consensus.”
Opinion | A New Era of Strongman Rulers Is Upon Us
www.nytimes.com
October 28, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Meet the next generation of changemakers.

In Kevin O’Donnell’s classroom, democracy isn’t theoretical—it’s lived. His students debate issues, pass their own laws in “class congress,” and bring their ideas to local leaders. That’s Democracy 101 in action.
October 28, 2025 at 2:51 PM
What an incredible day at the #DaytonDemocracySummit! Thank you to everyone who participated in building a better democracy for Dayton and beyond.

Let’s keep building together. Sign up for our newsletter at kettering.org to stay inspired and informed.
October 27, 2025 at 8:34 PM
“We are the ones we’ve been waiting for, and we will continue to build this democracy that we deserve. . . . More than ever, we need each other.” As the 2025 #DaytonDemocracySummit ends, we welcome a familiar face to the stage.
October 27, 2025 at 8:27 PM
As the #DaytonDemocracySummit comes to a close, Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II leaves us with a message rooted in hope.

“What I am arguing for, it is time to have a meeting. It is time to get everybody in the room. . . . Everybody who believes in justice, come on in the room.”
October 27, 2025 at 8:21 PM
“This moment is calling on us to intensify and embolden our agitation. This moment we are in, we cannot let the nation go down this path without being maladjusted; we cannot adjust to the evil actions and the greed and the love of money.”
October 27, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Watch the livestream at kettering.org
October 27, 2025 at 7:20 PM
The room is electric as Kettering Foundation Senior Fellow Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II takes the stage at the #DaytonDemocracySummit.
October 27, 2025 at 7:18 PM