The Word is a transformative literary arts program powered by an intergenerational cooperative of diverse, justice-minded spoken word artists. The Word builds community by growing radically inclusive writing and performance programs grounded in poetry, rap, and song. Through its many partnerships, The Word brings a creative life force into social action groups, movements, and institutions – expanding our collective capacity to re-imagine ourselves and our world.
FALL IS FOR THE WORD
A new school year means new voices, new poems, and new opportunities to Lift. Every. Voice. Here’s what’s happening at The Word this fall:
2027 NEW HAVEN YOUTH POET LAUREATE Applications are officially OPEN! We’re searching for the next young poet ready to use their voice, their art, and their platform to represent New Haven. Think that’s you or know a young poet who should apply? Send them our way!
VIRTUAL CV + PORTFOLIO WORKSHOPS Our first workshop kicks off 9/9/26! Join us every Wednesday for the next three weeks from 4–6 PM for workshops designed to help young creatives strengthen their CVs, build their portfolios, and put their best work forward.
BRING THE WORD TO YOUR SCHOOL Teachers, administrators & educators: bring poetry into your classroom this fall! Invite The Word to your school for Poetry Out Loud programming or creative writing workshops tailored specifically to your students and classroom.
Whether you’re ready to apply, build, write, compete, or bring us into your school—we want to hear from you.
Youth Laureates
The Word stewards the selection process for the New Haven and State of Connecticut Youth Poet Laureates.
The Youth Poet Laureate programs recognize and support young writers who demonstrate artistic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to civic engagement through poetry. The programs uplift youth as cultural leaders, using poetry as a tool for advocacy, storytelling, and social impact—locally in New Haven and across Connecticut.
Join us in celebrating Shawn “Tazz” Douglas , selected as the 2026–2027 New Haven Youth Poet Laureate!
Shawn immersed himself in poetry as a way to work through his stutter, developing a powerful voice through writing and performance. A member of The Word’s Connecticut youth slam team in 2024 and 2026, he helped lead the team to its first Brave New Voices National Championship in 2026. He is the 2026 Connecticut Youth Grand Slam Champion and the inaugural Black Wall Street Festival Youth Slam Champion, and has performed alongside the New Haven Symphony Orchestra at historic Woolsey Hall. Honored at the 2026 NorthBeast Regionals for pushing the art form forward, Shawn aims to amplify poetry and create opportunities for young writers in New Haven.