For over 35 years, Valerie Lemmie, director of exploratory research for the Kettering Foundation in Dayton, Ohio, has worked to solve public problems and controversial issues in government organizations and local communities.

She discusses today’s national and local threats to democracy, including Kansas’ alleged gerrymandering in redistricting and Missouri’s controversial changes to voter ID requirements. She also offers strategies for individuals and groups: ways a community can hold onto what it values, how to be better citizens, and creating and building trust.

A National Academy of Public Administration fellow, Lemmie holds leadership positions in the National Civic League, the Center for New Democratic Processes, and numerous other local, national, and international organizations. Her presentation is co-presented by the Mid-America Regional Council.

The following day, June 9, Lemmie offers the keynote address at MARC’s Regional Assembly and Leadership Awards.