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Clay Institute Programs

The Clay Institute for Civic Engagement and Economic Justice at Saint Louis University offers a number of programs to SLU students and faculty to foster engagement with the greater community.

A group of students talk to a staff member at an information table.

SLU offers a variety of opportunities to learn about community engagement, service and advocacy opportunities.

Policy Pods

Policy Pods are small groups of students who engage in legislative research and meetings. Students meet weekly on topics such as criminal justice reform, immigration reform, environment, education, immigration and disability rights. Toward the end of each semester, they set up legislative meetings, advocate for their positions, and host an event to educate the campus. Groups start each year by meeting with advocacy agencies to get information on their topics and celebrate with a keynote address at the end of the year. Students can receive CP2 Credit for Pods if they are a regular part of their group and attend a reflection with the assistant director about their experience with pods connecting to their vocation and development. 

Apply to Pods by Sept. 6, 2024, by clicking below, or email jessica.trout@slu.edu.

Apply for the 2024-25 Policy Pods

Social Justice and Advocacy Training

If you want to take your service and community engagement efforts to the next level, enroll in the Social Justice and Advocacy Training series, sponsored by the Center for Social Action in the Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement.

Spring 2025 Program Dates: Fridays from 3-5 p.m. on Jan. 24, Jan. 31, Feb. 7, Feb. 14, Feb. 21, and Feb. 28

Register for the Spring 2025 Training

Through this intensive series, accepted applicants develop skills related to working for social change at the systemic level. Students who are accepted and complete the program gain:

  • The opportunity for a paid social change internship for the semester at a community organization of their choice for up to $1,000.
  • Core credit for completing Cura Personalis 2 (CORE 2500) through attending a majority of the sessions.
  • A letter from the vice president of diversity and innovative community engagement, along with a certificate of completion from the trainers.
  • The tools, skills and knowledge necessary to work for social justice.