CNU Illinois presents the Third Place Champion Contest: a celebration of the places that foster social connection, a sense of community, and participation in civic life.

What is a "Third Place"? Coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, a Third Place is a designation for a place that hosts informal gatherings beyond home and work. A "Third Place offers social connection and a place for civic life, such as restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores, libraries, bars, etc. Third places are an incredibly important aspect of the built environment and are integral to walkable, dense, lively, and dynamic urban neighborhoods.

CNU Illinois wants to know what your favorite third place is, and why your third place is a community builder. Three winners of the contest will receive a $100 prize as well as promotion for your Third Place!

Submissions are now open until October 15th!

For more information on how to apply, click here.