The Institute of Politics, an independent foundation that is housed on the Loyola campus, trains community leaders in practical politics. Its program is geared to the development of new political leadership in the area. The institute educates selected young men and women in the practice and practicalities of politics, through a recognition of the professional character of politics and the need for broader understanding and training in politics. Meeting weekly at night, participants represent a broad cross section of the metro area, geographically and professionally. Approximately 25 participants per course study voting patterns, issues and problems, organizing and conducting political campaigns, the uses of television and advertising, and political polling.
Speakers represent local, state and national levels of politics.
The goal of the Twomey Center for Peace through Justice, under the Office of the President, is to shape social justice consciousness through education and by taking action on critical social issues confronting society. The accomplishments of the center are reflected in the successes of these programs in addressing the critical issues of poverty, racism, violence, and education. Several of the programs have become model programs in the community. For example, the Resolving Conflict Creatively Program is making a significant contribution in reducing violence in the schools. The Twomey Center also manages the Twomey Print Shop, which provides low cost printing to the university and does limited publishing.