DO-GOODER Spotlight: Philadelphia Poetry Movement

The Do-Gooder Spotlight is GroundSwell's blog post spreading the word about individuals and organizations working to better their communities. Today we are giving a shout-out to our friends at Philadelphia Youth Poetry Movement (PYPM)!

 

Founded by Gregory Corbin in 2006, Philadelphia Youth Poetry Movement is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization that provides a safe space for Philadelphia teens to discover the power of their voices through spoken word and literary expression. PYPM offers literary arts education programming for youth ages 13-19 that promotes creative expression, critical literacy, life skills, and civic engagement. PYMP believes that when youth takes ownership of their voice, they take ownership over themselves.

Corbin developed the idea for a youth poetry movement during a ride back from a poetry event. "We're not interested in just about making young people better poets, we want to make them better people at the end of the day." This impressive goal has lead PYPM and its emerging poets to California, New York and Washington. They were even featured on HBO’s poetry series: “Russell Simmons Presents Brave New Voices” in 2009.

Last summer they accomplished yet another impressive feat during Brave New Voices 2014. More than 500 youth poetry slam champions from across the globe to let their voices be heard on issues that matter most to them. Experience the festival here.  

PYPM is now offering free workshops, Saturdays, 12-3pm at the Painted Bride located at 230 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. For more information on these workshops, email info@pypm215.org.

Without a doubt, PYPM is creating the voices of tomorrow, today! Stay up-to-date on all the remarkable things they are doing on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr. 

The work of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance is made possible through the generous support of committed individuals and institutions.