The Philly Youth Poetry Movement is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to helping the youth of Philadelphia discover the power of their voices through spoken word, literacy, and progressive workshop facilitation. The Movement provides a safe space for at-risk, empowered youth ages 13-19 to use their voice to promote social change, leadership, cultural diversity, and build self-esteem. Through monthly slams, free weekly poetry workshops, national/local performance opportunities, mentoring and community service, PYPM creates a platform for the next generation to be heard through the power of poetry. Email: [email protected] and Web: www.pypm215.org

SPECIAL GUEST: Cait Miner, PYPM Director of Educational Affairs.

SPECIAL GUEST: Safiya Washington believes that poetry is a tool to change people and lives. She has been writing and performing most of her life and one year ago started seriously writing poetry. She says " I don't consider myself a poet more like a poet in training, I'm very aware that I'm new at this and need to pay homage" As a senior in high school she lives by this quote " In a world that chooses to paint the landscape in blood, I write to revive the heart of a generation gone numb - Mush "

Victor Jackson is a junior at Germantown High School who has been writing poetry and participating in slams since the 9th grade. He competed last year for the Philly Slam Team, and although he did not make the team, he was able to travel to Brave New Voices with Team Philly and used his experiences at the festival to grow his writing and performance skills. He plans to go on to college to major in psychology or media studies.