Kettering Foundation

We are thrilled to announce the appointments of @ruthbenghiat, @BillKristol, and @TimothyDSnyder as our newest senior fellows at a most urgent time for our democracy.

Today at 4 p.m. ET, tune in to 91.3 @WYSO's Think Twice and listen to #TheContext. Discover what it will take to safeguard free and fair elections in 2026 🗳️

KF Senior Fellow @ruthbenghiat's latest essay explores a core truth about autocracy: when leaders surround themselves with enablers and shut out expertise, it threatens stability. This weakens the democratic institutions and public trust needed to keep power accountable around the world. bit.ly/40JWI92

On March 23, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case that could change the future of mail-in voting. Tune in to the latest episode of #TheContext where @marceelias, one of the most experienced and prominent voting rights lawyers in the country, discusses Watson v. Republican National Committee and explains why the outcome could affect millions of voters: bit.ly/GetTheContext

With Step Two of her 10 Steps to Freedom and Power series, KF Senior Fellow @staceyabrams makes the case for staying informed with purpose in order to help build a better democracy. That means checking the facts, sharing clarity instead of confusion, and using what we learn to help others take action. Read her latest on Assembly Notes and share it with someone in your circle: bit.ly/40JOAoY

What does the global state of freedom look like right now? According to @freedomhouse's Freedom in the World 2026 report, global freedom declined for the 20th straight year in 2025. Some of the greatest losses were seen in media freedom, personal expression, and due process. Even so, the report also finds that many democracies remain resilient in the face of serious challenges. @KetteringFdn is proud to support the Freedom in the World 2026 report and the ongoing work to monitor threats to freedom and democratic resilience worldwide. bit.ly/4sWDVmP

What are the central challenges of this moment? Kettering Senior Fellow @RevDrBarber says they are helping people to reclaim their moral vision, recognize their collective power, and move from protest to sustained organizing. Reflecting on a recent 51-mile march in North Carolina, he calls for deeper solidarity among poor and low-wage voters. Watch the newest episode of #TheStakes with @BradRourke and hear why this fight requires all of us.

What happens when more than 700 people come together to celebrate women changing a community? You get a room full of joy, pride, and a lot of cheer! It was an honor to be the Next Generation Sponsor of the @ywcadayton's 2026 Women of Influence awards program to celebrate six remarkable leaders. KF President and CEO Sharon L. Davies shared remarks on behalf of the Kettering Foundation, reminding us that when women’s leadership is honored, democracy and communities grow stronger. Congratulations to these incredible women whose leadership is shaping Dayton and making history every day. #WomensHistoryMonth

Regardless of party, we all have a role to play in preserving our democracy. KF Senior Fellow @staceyabrams has launched a new series on her Assembly Notes Substack called 10 Steps to Freedom and Power. Each week will "focus on one step—what’s happening, what it means, where we’ve seen progress. And what you can do next." Step one? Commit. "Before strategy, before turnout, before victory—comes the decision to stay engaged." bit.ly/3N8QxIw

Listen on your favorite podcast platform: bit.ly/GetTheContext

On the latest episode of #TheContext, @DemocracyDocket Founder @marceelias points out that progress on issues like the economy, the climate, and health care begins with protecting free and fair elections.

With so many obstacles and concerns facing Americans today, it’s understandable that democracy isn’t always their main concern.

Democracy depends on participation—and on systems that protect every citizen’s voice. In this interview, KF Senior Fellow @staceyabrams discusses the challenges facing free and fair elections and why defending voting access is essential to a healthy democracy. Her insights reflect core Kettering values: that democracy thrives when citizens are empowered, institutions are accountable, and barriers to participation are removed. youtu.be/Uvk3GJBW-Mw?si…

In a new op–ed, KF Senior Fellow @DavidAFrench reflects on the role of character, compassion, and civic virtue in public life. At a moment of deep political and religious division, he argues that integrity and love of neighbor—not cruelty or contempt—should guide our politics. At the Kettering Foundation, we believe democracy depends on exactly that kind of civic responsibility. nyti.ms/4bu7vsY

Congratulations to KF Senior Fellow @neal_katyal on being named Appellate Lawyer of the Year by Benchmark Litigation! Katyal leads Milbank’s Supreme Court and Appellate practice and has argued more than 50 cases before the US Supreme Court. His work defending constitutional principles and the rule of law reflects the values at the heart of our mission. 👏 bit.ly/4bnjud3

“While Gen Z may have detached or negative feelings toward the current state of American democracy, that does not mean they are disengaged.” Young adults are reshaping civic life through activism, voting, and community action despite deep skepticism toward democratic institutions. #DemocracyForAll bit.ly/4rpMTYB

Staying informed about democracy today can feel like trying to follow many conversations at once. Our biweekly newsletter, News & Notes, offers a simpler way to keep up with the ideas, research, and collaborations emerging from the Kettering Foundation community. Every two weeks, we gather these updates in one place and send them directly to your inbox. Subscribe for the next issue here: kettering.org/newsletter-opt…

Political analysis alone is not enough to guide us through this year's midterm elections. We also need moral clarity. This April KF Senior Fellows @RevDrBarber, @ruthbenghiat, and @judgeluttig will gather to examine the spiritual and ethical questions facing our democracy at the 2026 @Yale Center for Public Theology & Public Policy Conference: bit.ly/4bpCDtk

6 DAYS TO GO! On March 19, we convene for the second GDC Africa Pre-Forum Webinar: Hosted by @GlobalDemCoal Co-hosted by @NuruTrust & @YouthForSDGsKe supported by @KetteringFdn 📅 March 19 | 4:00 PM EAT 📍 Online Register: docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/e/… #GDCAfricaForum2026

As Americans attempt to make sense of the administration’s congressionally unauthorized war against Iran, @KetteringFdn Senior Fellow @TimothyDSnyder, a globally respected expert on authoritarianism, suggests that retribution against the US may be the goal, not just a consequence.

Defending democracy is not just the work of courts and lawyers. @DemocracyDocket Founder @marceelias says it starts with ordinary people in everyday places. It takes conversations with neighbors, calls to legislators, and a refusal to stay silent to ensure our government responds to the needs of the people. Hear his call for courage on the newest episode of #TheContext: bit.ly/GetTheContext