This special For Better or Verse is to let you know about several free teen poetry writing events taking place over the next several weeks, partially supported by a grant from the Academy of American Poets. (Please spread the word).
Our Place includes workshops offering teens the chance to write about place—where they live, the natural world and the environment, climate change and climate justice, and their relationship to some of these things.
Two sets of events to share today (more details below). One is a workshop at the Natural History Museum on March 2; the second is a group of three workshops at both the Watsonville Library & the Watsonville Youth Center (March 1, 6, 15). All are open to youth 11-18 years old. All are free. All will be led by fantastic poets, and I will co-facilitate.
Our Places, Our Perspectives (with poet Emilie Lygren 3/2)
In this workshop we’ll read and write poetry about place, the environment, and community. To spark ideas for poems we’ll observe our surroundings, reflect on our identities, and call on our memories. We’ll also discuss how writing can connect us to our communities and ourselves. All levels of experience with poetry and writing are welcome!
11am-1:30pm. Light lunch provided. Registration required. Link to register here. Support from the County Office of Education.
Writing About the Ville (with poet Victoria Bañales, 3/1, 3/6, 3/15)
Join us for “Writing about the Ville” ~ a series of poetry writing workshops. During these programs, you will have the opportunity to write a poem in English or Spanish. Explore writing about place, home, and community with poet Victoria Bañales. No poetry writing experience is required. Come to one, two, or three sessions. No registration required. Supported by the Watsonville Library & the Watsonville Youth Center.
Sessions:
✏️ Friday, March 1 from 4:30-6:00pm at Watsonville Youth Center
✏️ Wednesday, March 6 from 4:30pm-6:00pm at Watsonville Public Library
✏️ Friday, March 15 from 4:30-6:00pm at Watsonville Youth Center
Únase a nosotros para “Escribiendo sobre nuestra ciudad” ~ una serie de talleres de escritura poética. Durante estos programas, usted tendrá la oportunidad de escribir un poema en inglés o español. Escribe sobre un lugar, el hogar y la comunidad con la poeta Victoria Bañales. No se requiere experiencia en la escritura de poesía. Participa en una, dos o atiende las tres sesiones.
Sesiones:
✏️ viernes, 1 de marzo de 4:30-6:00pm en el Centro Juvenil de Watsonville
✏️ miércoles, 6 de marzo de 4:30pm-6:00pm en la Biblioteca Pública Watsonville
✏️ viernes, 15 de marzo de 4:30-6:00pm en el Centro Juvenil de Watsonville
Este programa es para edades 11-18.
Please reach out if you have any questions. And again—please post, copy, share: spread the word.