On Building Peace, U.S. Institute of Peace Public Education Director Ann-Louise Colgan | EP-18

Blessed are the peacemakers! Global Tennessee's Pat Ryan talked with Ann-Louise Colgan, Director of Public Education at the United States Institute of Peace. They talked about her visit to Centennial High School in Franklin, TN to visit one of four USIP "Peace Teachers" in the country and about the mission and function of USIP in fostering peace in numerous international potential conflict, current conflict and post conflict zones. Ann-Louise Colgan U.S. Institute of Peace, Director of Public Education Ann-Louise Colgan is the director of public education at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP). The work of this department is grounded in USIP’s original congressional mandate and is dedicated to increasing the American public’s understanding of international conflicts and nonviolent approaches that can be used to resolve them. The department extends USIP’s longstanding educational work through outreach to new audiences in all 50 states, offering resources and initiatives that bring peacebuilding to life and offer opportunities for engagement with the work of the Institute. Ann-Louise joined USIP in 2010 after more than a decade working at organizations focused on international human rights issues, peace and conflict, and U.S. foreign policy. Her background includes research and policy work, as well as extensive experience in communications and public education. From human rights organizations to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, where she managed the high-level Genocide Prevention Task Force and subsequently served as director of the Museum’s Academy for Genocide Prevention, Ann-Louise developed and implemented plans to engage policymakers and educate a broad public audience on issues of peace and conflict and other global priorities. She holds a master’s degree in International Studies and a bachelor’s degree in European Studies, and she is certified as a Teacher of English as a Foreign (Second) Language. ABOUT THE US INSTITUTE OF PEACE The United States Institute of Peace is a nonpartisan, national institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical, and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent or halt bloodshed. To reduce future crises and the need for costly interventions, USIP works with governments and civil societies to help their countries solve their own problems peacefully. It provides expertise, training, analysis, and support to those who are working to build peace. More at www.USIP.org