On October 26, KF Senior Fellow Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II joined multifaith leaders representing more than 10 million people outside the White House in Washington, DC, to launch “A Pledge for Moral Defiance,” a national initiative calling on faith communities across the country to confront authoritarianism and defend democracy.

The initiative grew out of a convening hosted by the foundation, earlier this year, where multifaith leaders examined the growing threats of authoritarianism and explored opportunities for collective action. At the convening, leaders felt called by their faith traditions and moral responsibility to act on the crisis before us. Barber called on the original group to draft “An American Encyclical on Our Authoritarian Crisis” following the gathering.

Grounded in the encyclical, “A Pledge for Moral Defiance” brings together religious leaders across traditions to openly reject authoritarianism and affirm their shared moral responsibility to ensure our democracy works for everyone.

Under the pledge, faith communities are called upon to reject authoritarianism and the political weaponization of religion, defend freedom of conscience, stand in solidarity with vulnerable populations, and strengthen civic participation through voter registration, mobilization, and protection. Participants pledge to translate these principles into sustained action through organizing, peaceful protest, and public accountability.

All are invited to learn more and sign the pledge on A Pledge for Moral Defiance.

Join us for the third annual Dayton Democracy Summit, a two-day gathering bringing together community members, organizers, civic leaders, nonprofit organizations, educators, advocates, and partners committed to strengthening inclusive democracy in Dayton and beyond. The summit, presented by the Kettering Foundation, will be held March 19–20, 2027, at Sinclair College.

Building on the energy, relationships, and conversations of previous summits, the gathering has expanded to two days and will create even more opportunities to connect, learn, collaborate, and explore meaningful pathways for strengthening community voices and civic engagement.

Workshops and panels will engage us in conversations about the future of our democracy and the importance of community voice. Through shared experiences, thought-provoking discussions, and opportunities for collaboration, we will celebrate the people and partnerships working to make civic engagement accessible and meaningful for everyone.

Whether you're a longtime community leader, an emerging organizer, a resident passionate about change, or an organization looking to deepen its civic impact, there's a place for you at the table.

Please save the date and plan to join us March 19–20, 2027, for two days of connection, conversation, and collective action!

Online and in the Streets: Civic Participation and Protest in America by Dana R. Fisher and Arman Azedi

From online activism to mass protests, new national data from the Democracy for All Project reveal how Americans engage in civic life, who is most likely to participate, and their motivation to act.

This Day Live: The Next Realignment

A partnership between Kettering and the history podcast This Day culminated in a live show at the Howard Theatre in Washington, DC, on October 19. Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, KF senior fellow, founding director of the Center for Public Theology and Public Policy at Yale Divinity School, and president of the Repairers of the Breach, joined This Day cohosts Jody Avirgan, Nicole Hemmer, and Kellie Carter Jackson, and Alex Lovit, host of KF's podcast The Context, to discuss whether we're living through the next realignment—political, moral, cultural, and economical—and what people can do to ensure that the future is inclusive.

Learn more, and watch a highlights video from the event, here. The full show will be available in The Context's podcast feed on November 1.

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.

Americans Are Frustrated, Not Apathetic by Erica Frantz

KF Research Fellow Erica Frantz draws insight from the Kettering-Gallup Democracy for all Project about Americans’ attitudes toward democracy. Despite broad feelings that democracy is performing poorly, Americans still see it as the best form of government. Frantz points out that feelings of frustration are signs of a healthy democratic citizenry, one that is willing to voice constructive criticism about their government.

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.

How Democracies Misread the Far Right Part I: Lessons from Germany by Gábor Scheiring

Germany’s far-right surge isn’t a local anomaly but a warning for democracies worldwide. 2025 Global Fellow Gábor Scheiring examines why common responses—isolating far-right parties, adopting their policies, or letting them govern—keep failing to address the underlying problems.

Three Stories of Resilient Leadership by Nada Zohdy

The examples of three Obama Scholars—from Vietnam, Myanmar, and Nigeria—provide leadership lessons in courage and opportunity. For them, leadership involves giving others the chance to act, cultivating inner strength, and forging solidarity.

Sunlight Village is hosting their 20th Anniversary Gala at Sinclair College Conference Center (444 W. Third St., Dayton, OH 45402) on November 7 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. The gala will honor two decades of community empowerment, growth, and dedicated service. The event will be filled with reflection, celebration, and vision for the future as Sunlight Village recognizes the incredible individuals and partnerships that have made their mission possible. You can purchase tickets here.

R.E.A.C.H. Indigenous Advocacy is hosting their 5th Annual R.E.A.C.H. Fest at the University of Dayton's Fitz Center for Leadership in Community (1401 S. Main St., Dayton, OH 45409) on November 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and November 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This Native American heritage festival is free and open to the public and will feature cultural demonstrations, food, music, vendors, and community activities. On November 14, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., R.E.A.C.H. will host an opening night reception that will feature cultural performances, delicious tastings, and the unveiling of this year's Indigenous Art Gallery. Registration is required.

El Puente is hosting its inaugural gala at Antioch Shrine (107 E. 1st St., Dayton, OH 45402) on November 14 from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. The gala will feature music by the Dayton Salsa Project, dancing, great food, storytelling, and a silent auction. Participation will help sustain life-changing programs that bridge the gap in education, health, and mentorship to support brighter futures for the Hispanic children and families in the Dayton region. You can purchase tickets here.