Using the RNGS network and findings as a launching pad, this effort will provide two services managed through a virtual institute housed on the Internet (and hence not at a single University):

1. a clearinghouse on data, published studies, course syllabi and links on gender and politics and
2. a consulting service on gender and policy for feminist activists, policy practitioners, and teachers.

Both services would eventually provide coverage of all regions of the world. The data clearinghouse would have three thematic pillars: citizens (voting behavior, direct action, etc.); groups (social movements, NGOs, women in parties, trade unions, etc.) and the state (women's policy offices, policy, women's leadership, gender mainstreaming, etc), and three functional areas: research, policy analysis, and teaching. The thematic pillars would include original datasets and studies like RNGS and Comparative State Feminism I and II, bibliographies, course syllabi, and internet links. We intend to start with a few projects and build-up to a more extensive structure, particularly with regards to developing the non Western components. A major part of beginning this project will be to apply for funding, potentially with the following agencies: NSF, ESF, Rockefeller Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Kellogg Foundation, United Nations, European Union. Although fund raising will not begin until 2008, we welcome your expressions of interest and/or participation.