Resources | Ford Institute for Human Security

This resources page offers tools and connections to support academic and professional development in the field of human security. It includes curated data resources, internship opportunities, local and global organizations, intergovernmental bodies, NGOs, think tanks, professional associations, leadership programs, and writing guides. Students are encouraged to explore these resources to enrich their research and build networks.

Pittsburgh Area Human Security Organizations

In 2011, the Ford Institute began connecting with the human security practitioners located in Southwestern Pennsylvania. These practitioners frequently provide a conduit for SPIA students to become interns with Western Pennsylvania human security and human rights organizations.

412 Food Rescue: 412 Food Rescue Prevents perfectly good food from entering the waste stream by redirecting it to those who are experiencing food insecurity. Thanks to thousands of volunteer food rescue heroes, its model of food recovery and redistribution prevents food from entering the waste stream and brings healthy food directly to people who need it.
Acculturation for justice, access and peace outreach (AJAPO): AJAPO's mission is to provide a continuum of care which empowers African and Afro-Caribbean refugees and immigrants to become self-sufficient and integrated into the Greater Pittsburgh Community and Allegheny County.
Alliance for Refugee Youth Support and Education (ARYSE): ARYSE supports immigrant and refugee youth in becoming engaged, confident, and celebrated members of our communities. ARYSE is recognized throughout the region as the premiere out-of-school-time resource for immigrant and refugee youth. ARYSE programs currently serve youth in grades 6-12 who reside in Allegheny County, representing over 15 different countries of origin and speak 30+ different languages.
The American Friends Service Committee: The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a Quaker organization devoted to service, development, and peace programs throughout the world. AFSC's Pennsylvania Empowering Voices for Peace and Justice Program seeks to bring people of divergent views together to build a peaceful and just world.
Amizade: Amizade empowers individuals and communities through worldwide service and learning. Amizade is dedicated to promoting volunteerism, providing community service, encouraging collaboration, and improving cultural awareness in locations throughout the world. Since its inception, over 10,000 volunteers from North America, Europe, Asia, and South America have participated on Amizade programs.
Awamaki: Awamaki is a small non-profit that works to create economic opportunities and improve social well-being in rural Peru. It is registered in the United States as a 501(c)(3) and in Peru as a non-profit civil association. Awamaki is diversified and currently runs programs in education, cultural preservation, and sustainable tourism.
The Bright Kids Uganda Foundation, U.S.A.: The Bright Kids Uganda Foundation, U.S.A. supports the Bright Kids Uganda Entebbe Home through fundraising in the United States. Since 2009, Bright Kids Uganda Foundation, U.S.A. has raised money to send children to school, and sent several interns from the University of Pittsburgh to the children’s home to help with specific projects.
Brother’s Brother Foundation (BBF): The mission of Brother’s Brother Foundation (BBF) is to promote international health and education through the efficient and effective distribution and provision of donated medical, educational, agricultural and other resources. All BBF programs are designed to fulfill its mission by connecting people’s resources with people’s needs.
Building New Hope: Building New Hope is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization based in Pittsburgh, PA and Nicaragua. In Nicaragua, we partner with a worker-owned coffee cooperative, operate two schools for at-risk youth, and sponsor high school scholarships. In Pittsburgh, we engage with local schools, faith groups, farmers, and businesses to spread awareness about and appreciation for the culture, coffee, and communities in Central America.
Computer Reach: Computer Reach is a technology outreach mission primarily serving the communities of Pittsburgh, PA. The mission of Computer Reach is to make technology available to people most in need through refurbished equipment, computer literacy, training, and support. They are unique in that they provide professional support, service, and training bundled with each computer.
EarthSpark International: EarthSpark empowers communities in Haiti by eradicating energy poverty. They achieve this by partnering with entrepreneurs and organizations to develop local businesses and country-scale supply chains, sustainable infrastructure, and innovative pre-pay micro-grid systems for clean and efficient energy technologies. EarthSpark seeks to drive sustainable economic development by providing access to better quality energy services.
FOCUS North America: FOCUS North America is a national movement of Orthodox Christians, united in faith and joined by a desire to provide action-oriented and sustainable solutions to poverty in communities across America. As an expression of Christ’s love FOCUS North America serves the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick and imprisoned by providing Food, Occupation, Clothing, Understanding, and Shelter.
FOCUS Pittsburgh: FOCUS Pittsburgh aims to build human development through programs that promote health and well-being. FOCUS Pittsburgh deploys a unique grassroots approach to understanding and addressing the health and well-being challenges of communities in The Hill District neighborhood.
Foundation for the Realization of Economic Empowerment: FREE is a faith-based Christian developmental organization committed to empowering women to rise above poverty. FREE aims to reverse the marginalization of women by providing them with the opportunity to better their lives and to restore them to a place of equality while respecting and honoring the men in their lives. FREE’s main areas of focus are teaching jewelry-making skills and developing jewelry enterprises, opening libraries and maintaining a literacy project, and building self-esteem.
Friends of Farmworkers (FOF): Friends of Farmworkers (FOF) supports low-wage workers as they pursue economic and social justice. We do this through the provision of Legal Services, Education, and Advocacy. We advance our mission by providing free legal representation on employment-related issues to eligible Pennsylvania workers. We also provide community education on legal rights for migrant and immigrant workers throughout the Commonwealth. For over 30 years, FOF has provided direct legal assistance to thousands of individuals and improved the living and working conditions of a much larger number through advocacy and impact litigation, including representation of groups of workers and class action litigation.
Global Links: Global Links is a medical relief and development organization dedicated to supporting health improvement initiatives in resource-poor communities and promoting environmental stewardship in the US healthcare system. Global Links' humanitarian and environmental mission begins with our three guiding principles: respect for all people, respect for the environment, and continuous learning.
Global Pittsburgh: Global Pittsburgh improves the region's global competitiveness by creating long-term relationships connecting the Greater Pittsburgh community with international leaders and influencers. Global Pittsburgh hosts international leaders for the U.S. State Department, attracts and welcomes international students and professionals to the region, and connects corporations with international resources.
Global Switchboard: The Global Switchboard is a nonprofit organization with a co-working space located in the neighborhood of Lawrenceville. As Pittsburgh’s home for global engagement, The Global Switchboard facilitates the collaboration of globally-focused organizations and individuals to amplify each member’s impact and create a network for collective action.
Hello Neighbor: Hello Neighbor works to improve the lives of recently resettled refugee and immigrant families by matching them with dedicated neighbors to guide and support them in their new lives. Hello Neighbor envisions a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant Pittsburgh and America, whose newest neighbors can realize their dreams of success and prosperity. We aspire to see communities where everyone is valued for their diverse perspectives and are empowered to rebuild their lives with dignity and respect.
Homeless Children's Education Fund (HCEF): The mission of HCEF is to advance the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness, guiding them to be productive, empowered citizens. As a national model for addressing the educational needs of unstably-housed children and youth, HCEF leads a collaborative effort among regional partners by providing educational programs and services in Allegheny County and advocating for policy and system improvement.
Inclusant: Inclusant enables non-profit and social entrepreneur leaders to maximize organizational diversity and equality of opportunity. Calling upon cross-sector experience and empirical evidence about the efficacy of different diversity training models, Inclusant offers clients systematic guidance for establishing and maintaining more diverse and inclusive workplaces in Pittsburgh.
International Orthodox Christian Charities, Inc.: International Orthodox Christian Charities, Inc. is the official international humanitarian organization of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas. IOCC offers emergency relief and development programs without discrimination to those in need worldwide, to enable them to continue to improve their own lives and communities and to have means to live with dignity, respect and hope.
Jewish Family & Children's Service of Pittsburgh (JF&CS): JF&CS is a nonsectarian, nonprofit organization that offers immigration services, adoption services, counseling, a food pantry, career services, and older adult programs. For 77 years, it has remained vital and relevant -and always available to respond, no matter how difficult the problem -by continuously adapting our programs and services to meet the changing needs of our dynamic population.
Just Harvest: Founded in 1986, Just Harvest works to improve anti-hunger public policy and food access in Allegheny County. Just Harvest seeks to grow their newest programs, Fresh Corners and Fresh Access, which provide e-transaction capabilities at farmers markets and initiate healthy corner stores in local food deserts.
Living in Liberty: Living in Liberty offers a secure safe house for victims of human sex trafficking and does street outreach with victims on the streets. Living in Liberty also educates the community at large about sex trafficking, its prevalence worldwide, and its presence in our own communities.
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The Nyadire Connection: The Nyadire Connection (TNC), based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a faith-based, non-profit organization that seeks to support and sustain the Nyadire United Methodist Mission in northeastern Zimbabwe, Africa. Nyadire Mission offers a hospital, primary and secondary schools, an orphanage, teaching & nursing colleges, a farm and many other services to the community.
Open Field: Open Field Through soccer, Open Field promotes leadership and life skills, health, education, equity, and social cohesion. Open Field envisions a world where youth from marginalized communities have access to opportunities and skills they need to succeed.
Rukmini Foundation: The Rukmini Foundation was established in order to address the root causes of discrimination and disenfranchisement of girls in the poor areas of Nepal. The Rukmini Foundation’s mission is to improve the lives of underprivileged girls by empowering them through a holistic program of quality education, supportive mentoring services and a physical well-being program.
World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh: Established in 1931, the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of key global issues throughout Western Pennsylvania in order to increase the region’s global competence so that it can better compete, collaborate, and make informed decisions in the 21st century global environment.

Internships in Human Security

Below is a list of past internships completed by some of our students in the field of Human Security.

To read a report of the internship, click on the name of the student. If you are a graduate who would like to submit an article about your internship, please contact us!

Bright Kids Uganda/ASA Social Fund for Hidden Peoples: Paige Alderson (MPIA & JD’19)

Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Office: Kelsey Brennan (MPIA '20)

Entrena (Dominican Republic): Aaron Ross (MID '20)

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank: Joe Skibbens (MPIA '20)

Jewish Family and Community Services’ Immigrant Services and Connections (ISAC): Joe Simeone (MPIA '20)

The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ): Rachel Travis (PhD Candidate)

Open Field: Timofei Kharisov (MPIA '21)

UNDP Asia Pacific Bangkok Regional Hub (BRH): Iyounan An (MID’21)

Women of Color Advancing Peace and Security: Uchenna Mbawuike (MPPM’22)

IOs, NGOs, and Think Tanks

The following intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and think tanks do applied work in the field of human security. The description of each organization is adapted from its website. We welcome corrections and suggested additions, Ford Institute for Human Security.

Intergovernmental Organizations

The Human Security Network The Human Security Network: The Human Security Network The Human Security Network (HSN) is a group of like-minded countries from all regions of the world that, at the level of Foreign Ministers, maintains dialogue on questions pertaining to human security. Human Security Unit HSU was established in May 2004 in the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) with the objective of integrating human security in all UN activities.
International Criminal Court: The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an independent international organization and is the first permanent, treaty based, international criminal court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.
International Organization for Migration: IOM works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people.
INTERPOL: INTERPOL aims to facilitate international police co-operation even where diplomatic relations do not exist between particular countries. Action is taken within the limits of existing laws in different countries and in the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. INTERPOL’s constitution prohibits ‘any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character'.
Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group: Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group (KHPG) is active in three main areas: providing assistance to individuals whose rights have been infringed upon and carrying out investigations into cases of human rights violations; developing human rights education and promoting legal awareness through public actions and publications; providing analysis of the human rights situation in Ukraine (particularly with regards to political rights and civil liberties).
Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights: Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a UN agency that is mandated to promote and protect human rights for all human beings.
Organization of American States Department of Public Security: The Organization of American States Department of Public Security (DPS) It promotes public policies on security, legislation and programs of technical assistance in the OAS Member States. Moreover, it is a forum seeking to promote the analysis and reflection on the new threats to public security in the Hemisphere. For this purpose, the DPS leads research and proposals through the implementation of comprehensive and multi-sector strategies focused on violence and crime prevention, rehabilitation and law enforcement, from a human rights perspective.
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe: The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) OSCE is the world's largest security-oriented intergovernmental organization. Its mandate includes issues such as arms control, human rights, freedom of the press and fair elections.
Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands: Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) is helping the Solomon Islands to lay the foundations for long-term stability, security and prosperity – through support for improved law, justice and security; for more effective, accountable and democratic government; for stronger, broad-based economic growth; and for enhanced service delivery.
United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations, Best Practices: The goal of the Best Practices Section is to develop and support a culture of best practices in UN peacekeeping operations by learning from experience, problem solving, and transferring best practices in UN peacekeeping.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is mandated by the United Nations to lead and coordinate international action for the worldwide protection of refugees and the resolution of refugee problems.
United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research: United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institute within the United Nations that conducts research on disarmament and security with the aim of assisting the international community in their disarmament thinking, decisions and efforts.
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate for the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention; and facilitate sustainable solutions.
United Nations World Food Program: United Nations World Food Program (WFP) is the food aid arm of the United Nations system. It uses food aid to support economic and social development; meet refugee and other emergency food needs, and the associated logistics support; and promote world food security in accordance with the recommendations of the United Nations and FAO. WFP aims to saves lives, improve the nutrition and quality of life for vulnerable populations, and to help build assets and self-reliance of the poor.
What's In Blue: When the Security Council approaches the final stage of negotiation of a draft resolution the text is printed in blue. What's In Blue is a series of insights produced by Security Council Report on evolving Security Council actions. These insights supplement our Monthly Forecasts and other reports and are designed to help interested UN readers keep up with what might soon be "in blue".

Non-governmental Organizations (National and International)

African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims: The African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims ACTV is a unique African organisation that was created in June 1993 in Kampala, Uganda by African professionals drawn from different walks of life under the guidance of the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT). ACTV is registered as a non-political non-governmental organisation. The organisation is dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights with emphasis on the treatment and rehabilitation of victims of torture by security agencies and armed groups.
Amnesty International: Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights for all.
Anti-Slavery International: Anti-Slavery International works at local, national, and international levels to eliminate all forms of slavery around the world.
The Asia Foundation: The Asia Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to the development of a peaceful, prosperous, just, and open Asia-Pacific region. The Foundation supports Asian initiatives to improve governance, law, and civil society; women's empowerment; economic reform and development; sustainable development and the environment; and international relations. Drawing on nearly 60 years of experience in Asia, the Foundation collaborates with private and public partners to support leadership and institutional development, exchanges, and policy research.
Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee: Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) is a development organization dedicated to alleviating poverty by empowering the poor to bring about change in their own lives. BRAC was founded in Bangladesh in 1972 and, over the course of their evolution, established themselves as a pioneer in recognizing and tackling the many different realities of poverty.
CARE: CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. Their mission is to serve individuals and families in the poorest communities in the world with a special focus on working alongside poor women. They promote innovative solutions and are advocates for global responsibility. CARE facilitates lasting change by: strengthening capacity for self-help; providing economic opportunity; delivering relief in emergencies; influencing policy decisions at all levels; and addressing discrimination in all its forms.
The Carter Center: The Carter Center, in partnership with Emory University, is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. It seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.
Catholic Charities: The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same.
Center for Civilians in Conflict: Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is focused on helping civilians caught in the midst of armed conflict. They work directly with people who have the power to transform the planning, conduct, and aftermath of conflicts for civilians—from military officials and policymakers to UN bodies and civilians themselves. Their staff is found in places like Syria, Somalia, and Afghanistan, with their headquarters in Washington, DC.
Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue: The HD Centre is an independent organization dedicated to helping improve the global response to armed conflict.
Child Soldiers International: The Child Soldiers International works to prevent the recruitment and use of children as soldiers.
Enough!: Project Enough is a project of the Center for American Progress to end genocide and crimes against humanity. It focuses on crises in Sudan, eastern Congo, and areas of Africa affected by the Lord’s Resistance Army. Enough’s strategy papers and briefings provide sharp field analysis and targeted policy recommendations based on a “3P” crisis response strategy: promoting durable peace, providing civilian protection, and punishing perpetrators of atrocities. Enough works with concerned citizens, advocates, and policy makers to prevent, mitigate, and resolve these crises.
European Training and Research Centre for Human Rights and Democracy: ETC aims to conduct research and training programs in the fields of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, working in close cooperation with the University of Graz.
Global Consortium on Security Transformation: Global Consortium on Security Transformation (GCST) aims to encourage existing south-south and south-north security and development debates in order to promote a change of the existing understanding of security as well as opens spaces for new voices. The dialogue network takes the form of a partnership between eight institutions located in different regions of the world.
Global Witness: Global Witness exposes the corrupt exploitation of natural resources and international trade systems, to drive campaigns that end impunity, resource-linked conflict, and human rights and environmental abuses.
Human Rights Watch: Human Rights Watch is one of the world’s leading independent organizations dedicated to defending and protecting human rights. By focusing international attention where human rights are violated, we give voice to the oppressed and hold oppressors accountable for their crimes. Institute for Security Studies Registered as a nonprofit trust, ISS is a regional research institute promoting human security in South Africa. International Committee of the Red Cross ICRC a worldwide mission to help victims of conflicts and internal violence, whoever they are.
International Council of Jewish Women: The International Council of Jewish Women (ICJW) represents 52 women’s organizations in 47 countries around the world working for social justice and welfare for all races and creeds. ICJW provides a voice for Jewish women around the world and a platform for the issues that concern us, our families, and our communities.
International Crisis Group: The International Crisis Group is an independent, non-partisan, source of analysis and advice to governments, and intergovernmental bodies like the United Nations, European Union and World Bank, on the prevention and resolution of deadly conflict.
International Federation of University Women: The International Federation of University Women (IFUW) is an international network linking women graduates from all cultures, all fields of study, all professions and all generations.
Médecins Sans Frontières, Doctors Without Borders: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian aid organisation that provides emergency medical assistance to populations in danger in more than 70 countries. Mediators Beyond Borders Mediators Beyond Borders - Partnering for Peace & Reconciliation is a non-profit, humanitarian organization of skilled volunteer conflict resolution professionals established to partner with communities in troubled locations worldwide to support them to build their conflict resolution capacity for preventing, managing, resolving and healing from conflict.
Mercy Corps: Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities.
Oxfam International: Oxfam International is a confederation of 13 like-minded organizations working together to end poverty and injustice, from campaigning to responding to emergencies.
Pacific Institute for Women's Health: The mission of the Pacific Institute for Women's Health is to improve the sexual and reproductive health of women and girls around the globe via advocacy, public education, program development, training and research.
Peace Corps: The Peace Corps' mission has three simple goals: 1) Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women. 2) Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served. 3) Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
Refugees International: Refugees International advocates for lifesaving assistance and protection for displaced people and promotes solutions to displacement crises.
Save the Children: Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world.
Search for Common Ground: Founded in 1982, Search for Common Ground works to transform the way the world deals with conflict - away from adversarial approaches and towards collaborative problem solving. We work with local partners to find culturally appropriate means to strengthen societies' capacity to deal with conflicts constructively: to understand the differences and act on the commonalities.
Southern African Regional Poverty Network: Southern African Regional Poverty Network (SARPN) is a non-profit organisation that promotes debate and knowledge sharing on poverty reduction processes and experiences in Southern Africa. SARPN aims to contribute towards effective reduction of poverty in the countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) through creating platforms for effective pro-poor policy, strategy and practice.
The Sphere Project: The Sphere Project is three things: a handbook containing the humanitarian code of conduct, a broad process of collaboration, and an expression of commitment to quality and accountability. The project’s goal is to improve the quality of assistance to people affected by disaster and to improve the accountability of states and humanitarian agencies to their constituents, donors, and the affected populations.
World Vision International: World Vision International, founded in the USA in 1950, is an international evangelical relief and development organization whose stated goal is "to follow our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in working with the poor and oppressed to promote human transformation, seek justice and bear witness to the good news of the Kingdom of God." Working on six continents, World Vision is one of the largest relief and development organizations in the world.

Think Tanks

American Enterprise Institute: The American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research is a private, nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution dedicated to research and education on issues of government, politics, economics, and social welfare.
Brookings Institution: The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct high-quality, independent research and, based on that research, to provide innovative, practical recommendations that advance three broad goals: Strengthen American Democracy, Foster the economic and social welfare, security and opportunity of all Americans, and Secure a more open, safe, prosperous and cooperative international system.
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing cooperation between nations and promoting active international engagement by the United States. Founded in 1910, its work is nonpartisan and dedicated to achieving practical results.
Cato Institute: The Cato Institute, founded in 1977, is a non-profit public policy research foundation headquartered in Washington, D.C. The mission of the Cato Institute is to increase the understanding of public policies based on the principles of limited government, free markets, individual liberty, and peace.
Center for Global Development: The Center for Global Development, founded in 2001 by Edward Scott Jr., C. Fred Bergsten, and Nancy Birdsall, works to change the policies and practices of rich countries and powerful institutions to reduce global poverty and inequality.
Center for Strategic and International Studies: Founded in 1962, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has grown to become one of the world’s preeminent international policy institutions, with more than 220 full-time staff and a large network of affiliated scholars focused on defense and security, regional stability, and transnational challenges ranging from energy and climate to global development and economic integration.
The European Institute: The European Institute is the leading Washington-based public-policy organization devoted to transatlantic affairs. It provides an independent forum for US and European government and corporate decision makers, officials from multilateral organizations, foreign and economic policy analysts, and expert journalists to exchange information, develop innovative policy options, and create new professional working relationships.
Foreign Policy Research Institute: Founded in 1955, FPRI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization devoted to bringing the insights of scholarship to bear on the development of policies that advance U.S. national interests.
Fund for Peace: The Fund for Peace is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit research and educational organization. The organization works to prevent violent conflict and promote sustainable security through research, training and education, engagement of civil society, building bridges across diverse sectors, and developing innovative technologies and tools for policy makers.
Peace Research Institute Oslo: The Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) has as its mission to conduct high-quality academic research on questions relevant to the promotion of a more peaceful world. They are an independent and international institute. PRIO engages in the promotion of peace through conflict resolution, dialogue and reconciliation, public information and policymaking activities.
The Stimson Center: Founded in 1989, the Henry L. Stimson Center is a nonprofit, nonpartisan institution devoted to enhancing international peace and security through a unique combination of rigorous analysis and outreach. The Stimson Center's work is focused on three priorities that are essential to global security: strengthening institutions for international peace and security, building regional security, and reducing weapons of mass destruction and transnational threats
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute: Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Established in 1966, SIPRI is an independent research institute focusing on international security, arms control, and disarmament. SIPRI has built its reputation on authoritative, balanced research, including its flagship publication, the SIPRI Yearbook.
United States Institute of Peace: The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) is an independent, nonpartisan institution established and funded by Congress. Its goals are to help prevent and resolve violent international conflicts, promote post-conflict stability and development, and increase conflict management capacity, tools, and intellectual capital worldwide.

Job Boards

The following is a list of employment databases that allow you to search for employment in the field of human security.

AlertNet: AlertNet has an extensive job list of agencies that work with humanitarian issues.
Devex: Devex provides a comprehensive listing of international development, global health, and humanitarian aid jobs.
DevNet: DevNet lists Jobs and Consultancies in the International Development sector, in NGOs, UN, Aid, Foundations, Charities, Bilaterals, Non-Profits, Consulting Firms and Development Banks.
The Economist: The Economist shows high-level employment listings for public, private and nonprofit positions worldwide.
EvalCommunity: EvalCommunity is the world's largest Job Board and Network in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), Research, Impact Assessment, and Gender Equality in International Development.
Foreign Affairs Job Board: Foreign Affairs Job Board is a job board that has full time and part time positions, fellowship and grant opportunities in the fields of U.S. foreign policy and international affairs.
Global Jobs: Global Jobs is the go-to service connecting smart international professionals with effective global organizations. Conceived by a group of young professionals in Washington D.C. following the global recession of 2008, Global Jobs is founded on the belief that the our brightest professionals should not only do well, but do good - both in the U.S. and around the world.
Idealist.org: Idealist.org is a resource for finding employment and organizations. You can also sign up for a weekly newsletter about available jobs.
Indeed: Indeed is an American worldwide employment-related search engine for job listings. Indeed is available in over 60 countries and 28 languages. The site aggregates job listings from thousands of websites, including job boards, staffing firms, associations, and company career pages. Job seekers can apply directly to jobs on Indeed's site.
InterAction Job Center: To use InterAction Job Center, users must first create a profile to search these jobs, but it is the largest coalition of U.S.-based international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) focused on the world’s poor and most vulnerable people.
LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a business and employment-oriented service that operates via websites and mobile apps. Use the jobs tab to do customized keyword searches. Subscribe to the blog for job search advice.
OrgsinSolidarity: OrgsinSolidarity work is focused on diversifying the fields of peace, security, and foreign policy to help bring individuals from diverse backgrounds into these fields. This board is one way we hope to do this, by making opportunities more accessible and visible to underrepresented groups!
Pitt Commons: Pitt Commons is an online platform designed exclusively for members of the Pitt community. The platform allows students, faculty, staff, alumni, postdocs, and friends of the University of Pittsburgh to establish networking and mentoring relationships that are meaningful and specific to their unique interests and professional goals. As a member of Pitt Commons, you can build your professional network and cultivate meaningful connections; become a mentor or mentee; join groups based on common interests; ask questions or provide guidance on discussion boards; as well as explore career and networking resources.
ReliefWeb: ReliefWeb is a premiere professional development resource that lists job openings in the humanitarian assistance field.
The Resume Place, Inc.: The Resume Place, Inc. provides assistance for people in writing and designing professional federal and private-sector resumes, and also offers coaching and education about the federal hiring process.
UN Jobs: UN Jobs is a job resource that lists all current United Nations openings by location, theme, or organization.
New accordion title: USA Jobs is the official site for the U.S. federal government jobs.

Professional Organizations and Leadership

The following professional organizations and leadership programs offer valuable opportunities for students and emerging professionals interested in international affairs, public policy, and nonprofit development. These networks support career growth, mentorship, and leadership training while advancing equity, diversity, and global engagement across a range of sectors.

Professional Organizations & Young Leadership Programs

Eurasia Foundation

Eurasia Foundation is a leader in the development of open, just and progressive societies. Its programs promote local economic development, youth engagement, cross border cooperation, independent media and public policy, and institution building. Eurasia Foundation encourages and enables citizens and communities to seek local solutions for local problem.

The Foreign Policy Initiative

The Foreign Policy Initiative (FPI) aims to promote U.S. engagement in diplomatic, economic, and military in the world, provide robust support for America’s democratic allies, improve the human rights of those oppressed by their governments and assist U.S. leadership in working to spread political and economic freedom.

Pittsburgh Chapter of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network

Pittsburgh Chapter of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN Pgh) promotes an efficient, viable and inclusive nonprofit sector that supports the growth, learning, and development of young professionals.

Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project

Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project (PUMP) works to make Pittsburgh the most dynamic and diverse place by inspiring young and young-thinking people to affect change in our community through professional development, civic engagement and social networking.

Society for International Development

Society for International Development (SID) is a global forum of individuals and institutions concerned with sustainable economic, social and political development. SID-Washington is membership-driven knowledge broker that brings together people from diverse organizations, disciplines, and career stages in a neutral, independent forum -- a "global town square." This unique space cuts across all sectors of development, where knowledge exchange and networking among the different organizations involved in development is the raison d'etre.

SID-Washington's diverse individual membership is comprised of U.S. government officials, development practitioners from multilateral organizations and non-governmental organizations, technical specialists, diplomats, and academics. Chapters outside the USA may be useful for networking and making connections.

Women In International Security

Women In International Security (WIIS) is the only global network actively advancing women’s leadership, at all stages of their careers, in the international peace and security field.

Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security, and Conflict Transformation

Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security, and Conflict Transformation (WCAPS) believes global issues demand a variety of perspectives. That’s why WCAPS created a platform devoted to women of color that cultivates a strong voice and network for its members while encouraging dialogue and strategies for engaging in policy discussions on an international scale. Through WCAPS' dedication to mentorship and partnerships and their passion for changing the global community landscape, WCAPS remains committed to achieving its vision of advancing the leadership and professional development of women of color in the fields of international peace, security, and conflict transformation.

Young Professionals in Foreign Policy

Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to fostering the next generation of foreign policy leaders with regular meetings, programs, a job board and more. Founded in 2004 and run by a team of more than 100 dedicated volunteers, YPFP has grown from a start up to a global community of 10,000 young professionals in more than 60 countries with branches in Washington, New York, London, and Brussels.

Writing Resources

The following is a list of resources and examples that offer in-depth guidance on writing for policy.

Writing for Policy Workshop - Dr.Finkel

Policy Brief - Food and Agriculture Organization

Writing Policy Briefs — Sociology Policy Briefs

How to Write a Policy Brief - International Development Research Centre

Policy Briefs – The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Data Resources

The following list of databases and datasets offers access to publicly available data on human security related issues.

General Global Databases:

Center for International Development and Conflict Management International Crises Behavior

The ICB dataset at the Center for International Development and Conflict Management at the University of Maryland is a database covering all international and foreign policy crises for the period 1918-2013. The newest release of these data contains information on 470 crises and 1,036 crisis actors from the end of World War I through 2013.

Center for the Study of Civil War, PRIO

CSCW has developed a set of datasets for use in the study of the determinants of armed conflict. In addition, CSCW has adapted several other datasets for use in quantitative studies of armed conflict. We have grouped the datasets thematically into four categories: Armed Conflict, Governance, Geographical and Resources, and Economic and Social-Demographics.

The Center for Systemic Peace

CSP is engaged in innovative research on the problem of political violence within the structural context of the dynamic global system, that is, global systems analysis. The Center supports scientific research and quantitative analysis in
many issue areas related to the fundamental problems of violence in both human relations and societal development.

Cingranelli-Richards (CIRI) Human Rights Dataset

CIRI contains standards-based quantitative information on government respect for 15 internationally recognized human rights for 195 countries, annually from 1981-2007. It is designed for use by scholars and students who seek to test theories about the causes and consequences of human rights violations, as well as policy makers and analysts who seek to estimate the human rights effects of a wide variety of institutional changes and public policies including democratization, economic aid, military aid, structural adjustment, and humanitarian intervention.

Freedom House Freedom in the World

Freedom in the World, Freedom House’s flagship publication, is the standard-setting comparative assessment of global political rights and civil liberties. Published annually since 1972, the survey ratings and narrative reports on 193 countries and 15 related and disputed territories are used by policymakers, the media, international corporations, civic activists, and human rights defenders to monitor trends in democracy and track improvements and setbacks in freedom worldwide.

Fund For Peace Failed State Index

The FSI focuses on the indicators of risk and is based on thousands of articles and reports that are processed by its CAST Software from electronically available sources. Only recognized sovereign states based on UN membership are included in the Failed States Index. Thus, several territories – such as Taiwan, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Kosovo whose status is not final – will be excluded until their political status and UN membership is ratified. The index measures the world’s most at-risk countries according to 12 social, economic, political and military indicators.

Guardian Data Journalism and Data Visualization

The Guardian.co.uk maintains a multifaceted database consisting of world data, development data, and US data.

Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva, Switzerland Small Arms Survey

The Small Arms Survey is an independent research project located at the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva, Switzerland. It serves as the principal international source of public information on all aspects of small arms and as a resource for governments, policy-makers, researchers, and activists

Heidelberg Institute on International Conflict Research Conflict Barometer

The Conflict Barometer describes recent trends in conflict development, escalations, and settlements.

Human Rights Data Analysis Group

Benetech Human Rights Data Analysis Group (HRDAG) designs and builds information management solutions and conducts statistical analysis on behalf of human rights projects. With our partners, we make scientifically-defensible arguments based on rigorous evidence.

Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research

ICPSR offers more than 500,000 digital files containing social science research data. Disciplines represented include political science, sociology, demography, economics, history, gerontology, criminal justice, public health, foreign policy, terrorism, health and medical care, early education, education, racial and ethnic minorities, psychology, law, substance abuse and mental health, and more. (You will need to be on campus or connected through remote access to use this site.)

Lacina/Gleditsch Dataset

The Lacina/Gleditsch Dataset includes information on the global and regional numbers of reported, codable battle-deaths from state-based conflict for the period 1946-2005. Information is also available by conflict type.

Landmine Monitor

Landmine Monitor is an initiative providing research for the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) and the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC). It is the de facto monitoring regime for the Mine Ban Treaty and the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Landmine Monitor produces several research products including the annual Landmine Monitor, and Cluster Munition reports, as well as factsheets and maps.

National Counterterrorism Center of the US Government Worldwide Incidents Tracking System

The Worldwide Incidents Tracking System is the National Counterterrorism Center's database of terrorist incidents.

The Norwegian Refugee Council Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre

The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), established in 1998 by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), is the leading international body monitoring conflict-induced internal displacement worldwide. At the request of the United Nations, the Geneva-based IDMC runs an online database providing comprehensive information and analysis on internal displacement in some 50 countries.

Political Terror Scale

The PTS releases a yearly report measuring physical integrity rights violations world-wide. The PTS measures levels of political violence and terror that a country experiences in a particular year based on a 5-level “terror scale.” The data used in compiling this index comes from two different sources: the yearly country reports of Amnesty International and the U.S. State Department Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.

Project Ploughshares Armed Conflicts Report

The Armed Conflicts Report is a compilation of detailed descriptions of ongoing conflicts around the world.

ReliefWeb

ReliefWeb

is the world’s leading online gateway to information on humanitarian emergencies and disasters. Designed specifically to assist the international humanitarian community in effective delivery of emergency assistance, it provides timely, reliable, and relevant information as events unfold, while emphasizing the coverage of “forgotten emergencies” at the same time.

SIPRI Arms Transfers Database

The SIPRI Arms Transfers Database is a fully searchable online database containing information on all international transfers of seven categories of major conventional weapons from 1950 to the most recent full calendar year. It can be used to generate detailed written reports and statistical data.

SIPRI Multinational Peace Operations Database

The SIPRI Multinational Peace Operations Database contains information on all UN and non-UN peace operations conducted since 2000. The SIPRI Multilateral Peace Operations Database is a uniquely source of transparent and reliable data on all multilateral peace operations (both UN and non-UN) conducted around the world. It contains information on where an operation is located, the dates of its deployment and operation, the mission mandate, the participating countries, the approved and actual number of personnel deployed, broken down into personnel types, the financial costs and the number of fatalities suffered.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

The UNHCR provides comprehensive statistics on refugees, asylum-seekers, returned refugees, internally displaced and stateless persons in more than 150 countries.

Uppsala Conflict Data Program

The Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) collects information on a large number of aspects of armed violence since 1946. Since the 1970s, the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) has recorded ongoing violent conflicts. This effort continues to the present day, now coupled with the collection of information on an ever broadening scope of aspects pertaining to organized violence, such as the resolution and dynamics of conflict. The UCDP data is one of the most accurate and well-used data-sources on global armed conflicts and its definition of armed conflict is becoming a standard in how conflicts are systematically defined and studied.

US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)

The USCRI provides information on numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons in each country in its annual World Refugee Surveys.

World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators

The Worldwide Governance Indicators reports aggregate and individual governance indicators for 212 countries and territories over the period 1996–2007, for six dimensions of governance: Voice and accountability, Political stability and Absence of Violence, Government Effectiveness, Regulatory Quality, Rule of law, and Control of Corruption.

Country Specific Databases:

Conflict Analysis Resource Center: The CERAC collects extensive data on conflict in Colombia. CERAC currently has five research lines which focus on (1) Human Security Measurement, (2) Conflict Analysis, (3) Conflict Measurement, (4) Urban Security, and (5) Demographic Impact of Violence and Conflict in Colombia.
Sutton Index of Deaths: This index contains information compiled by author Malcolm Sutton on the incidents of deaths that have resulted from the conflict in Northern Ireland between 14 July 1969 and 31 December 2001.