June 2003
Vol. IX, No. 4

Web Redesign Launched

Greatly expanded web site—www.usip.org—substantially increases reach of Institute programs.

The Institute is pleased to announce the launch of its redesigned web site—www.usip.org. The product of three years of research, consultation, and implementation, the new site provides a new and invigorated presence on the World Wide Web as part of the Institute's ongoing efforts to increase the reach of its programs to interested audiences around the globe.

"The Institute of Peace was one of the first federal institutions to embrace the Internet," noted Institute president Richard Solomon. "Our redesigned web site will ensure that we continue to apply cutting-edge technologies to conflict resolution and management."

The new site features improved navigation and graphic design, and expanded content across the site. The launch was spearheaded by web developer Amy Bucci and web editor Burt Edwards, with design supervision provided by production manager Marie Marr-Jackson, library support by computer systems librarian Ellen Ensel, and technical advice and support by the Institute's Information and Communications Technology team.

Improving navigation and increasing content has been a gradual process over the past two years and has resulted in traffic almost doubling. The redesigned site has such new features as:

• A centralized resource page providing quick access to Institute reports and online materials such as the Institute Library's digital collections of peace agreements and truth commissions.
• Enhanced application forms for those looking for funding for research, education, training, and the dissemination of information on international peace and conflict resolution through the Institute's Grant and Fellowship Programs.
• Additional information on projects and activities of the Institute's Public Outreach, Professional Training, Rule of Law, and Education Programs in addition to work done in areas such as the Balkans and Muslim world.
• A closer look at some of the people—from policymakers and researchers to students and educators—that participate in Institute activities every year, including an expanded section on the Institute's National Peace Essay Contest and Peace Scholar and Senior Fellowship Programs.
• Enhanced online event resources for those unable to attend in person, including event summaries and transcripts as well as special multimedia resources—including a reorganized index of archived audio and video.
• Expanded information about the Institute, its history, goals, and plans for the future. This includes a new section on the Institute's origins and permanent headquarters project as well as a redesigned digital version of this newsletter.

The new site is designed to build upon the Institute's previous success in utilizing the Internet and other new information technologies. We invite you to explore the new site and share your thoughts and comments with us. You can use the convenient feedback form located in the "Contact Us" section of the web site.