University of Chicago Institute of Politics

Where: University of Chicago Institute of Politics, 5707 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637 (Opened in 2013).

What: The UChicago IOP is a nonpartisan, extracurricular organization at the University of Chicago that aims to inspire and cultivate the next generation of political and public service leaders.

Website: http://politics.uchicago.edu/

The beauty of the IOP is that it serves different functions for different groups. For the university, it’s the political hub of campus. For its staff, it’s a place of business. For visiting fellows, it is a temporary classroom. For students, it’s a forum to hear from some of the world’s most influential individuals. For me, it’s my Third Place.

Having held the House Manager position at the IOP for my work-study job during my 2nd year of college, it now, during my 3rd year, acts as a place to see friendly faces outside of the classroom. Whether it’s to attend an event hosted by visiting thought leader or to just stop by to grab a snack and chat with the staff, I always feel welcome.

Criteria:

1. People connection (how does your third place activate community?)

· Brings students together with each other and with public service leaders

· Cultivates an atmosphere of civic engagement on campus

· Houses student organizations

2. Place connection (how does your third place activate the public realm?)

· Non-UChicago affiliated adults are welcome to come to its events, enticing mingling among people of all ages and backgrounds

· The funds it provides to students (myself being one of the many beneficiaries) for political internships forges a commitment to public service that reaches beyond the boundaries of UChicago