On July 28, the Kettering Foundation will host Solidarity across Borders: Meeting the Moment, a series of provocative plenary discussions where we’ll explore the interconnected nature of global democratic erosion and possibility as well as what this moment asks of those working to advance inclusive democracy across different contexts. Together, we’ll consider how cross-border learning can deepen solidarity, sharpen strategy, and help us to imagine and build the coalitions and collaborations this moment requires.

These conversations will feature insights from our 2026 CFK Global Fellows Patrick Gathara, Julia Neiva, Urban Strandberg, and Kristóf Szombati. Other panelists include Nicholas Opiyo, KF Senior Fellow Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Kettering Democracy Prize Laureate Judith Browne Dianis, and KF Research Fellow Deva Woodly.

Please register to join us on July 28 via Zoom from 1:30–4:30 p.m. ET.

We hope you’ll join us online for this timely conversation about what it means to meet this moment together.

Alice Young-Basora: Peace, and Democracy, Starts with Listening by Maura Casey

As executive director of Dayton’s International Peace Museum, Alice Young-Basora sees the impact honest conversations and compassion have on handling conflict. She makes the case for empathy, peacebuilding, and community connection as democratic practice.

Stephanie Van Hoose: Indigenous Culture Is Medicine for Democracy by Maura Casey

Stephanie Van Hoose, a member of the Kenhte:ke, The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, advocates for those who lack representation and an equal voice. She founded REACH Indigenous Advocacy to increase tribal collaboration in Ohio and beyond—creating community where everyone can be seen, heard, and celebrated.

The Constitution Is Not the Problem

The US Constitution is more than two centuries old. For most of that time, its purpose has been to maintain representative government and the peaceful transfer of power. That’s started to break down in recent years. Melissa Murray, Frederick I. and Grace Stokes Professor of Law and the faculty director of the Birnbaum Women’s Leadership Center at New York University and cohost of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, discusses the Supreme Court’s role in this democratic decline and how the Constitution can be a roadmap to reverse it.

The Resilience & Resistance blog series aims to help turn the tide of democratic backsliding by creating space to explore global patterns of authoritarianism, uplift courageous efforts of resistance, and reimagine democracy. It is an initiative of the Democracy around the Globe focus area.

Between the Vote and the Street: Rethinking Democracy in East Africa by Anne Rose Osamba

Across East Africa, civic space is shrinking and hard-won democratic gains are being dismantled. At the same time, young people are organizing online, in the streets, and at the ballot box. Anne Rose Osamba asks what democracy now demands of Africa's youth.

Gen Z as Forerunners of Change by Urban Strandberg

What if democracy’s next renewal is already underway? CFK Global Fellow Urban Strandberg traces how Gen Z movements worldwide are turning courage, solidarity, and imagination into civic power. Today’s youth are more than just democracy’s future; they are present-day examples of truth tellers for other generations.

The From Many, We blog series aims to distill the aspirational goals of a diverse democracy, recognize patterns of exclusion and authoritarian creep, and identify and respond to urgent democratic threats. We invite you to join us in reading, thinking, and engaging with the insights in each post.

Our Imperfect Union by Alex Lovit

America has never been perfect, but its promise still matters. Throughout its history, there’s been a tension between America’s founding ideals and unfinished work. For the nation’s 250th anniversary, Alex Lovit explores how honest patriotism can confront failure and fuel democratic renewal.

Impunity: Democracy and the Toll of Unchecked Harm by Gaea Logan

Impunity is more than a failure to punish. Unchecked harm can reshape public life, turning accountability into grievance and putting democracy at risk. When we remember that responsibility is vital to freedom, says Gaea Logan, we can preserve democracy.

In an era of fragile public trust and complex governance challenges, citizen engagement is no longer a supplementary activity—it is a core function of effective public administration. On Wednesday, July 29, from noon–1:30 p.m. ET, the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) is hosting the webinar “Citizen Engagement at the Crossroads: Innovation, Governance, Procurement, and Local Leadership.” This panel brings together NAPA Fellows and experts, including KF’s Senior Advisor for State and Local Government Valerie Lemmie, to dissect the multifaceted challenge of building a responsive, collaborative democracy. Throughout the discussion, panelists will highlight practical examples, structural barriers, and emerging innovations. It will conclude by exploring how these different perspectives can be synthesized to build a more resilient and effective 21st-century public service.

Kettering is a proud supporter of Judy Woodruff Presents: America at a Crossroads, a series on the PBS NewsHour that examines the many divisions fracturing the US and hosted by KF Fanning Fellow Judy Woodruff. We’ll feature new installments in each issue of News & Notes. They can also be viewed on the NewsHour website.