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.
OVERVIEW
Arts education is an essential tool for educational change in New Haven. We believe that increasing students' access to the arts through The Word will dramatically improve their educational outcomes, as consistently borne out by research. We also believe training teachers on integrating arts into the curriculum will extend these gains to students who may not even be directly involved with the program.To support our mission of empowering New Haven youth through poetry and performance, The Word offers several in-school programs and community events. Look below to learn more!
IN-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
3 WAYS TO BRING THE WORD TO YOUR SCHOOL
AFTER-SCHOOL RESIDENCES
Teaching Artists (TAs) help a group of self-selected students hone their writing and performance skills in after-school workshops. During the 2023-2024 school year we partnered with Stetson Branch Library, Neighborhood Music School, and middle and high schools across New Haven to offer a variety of open workshops regularly. Stay tuned for which school we will be at next!
INTRO TO THE WORD POP UP EVENTS
Teaching Artists lead a one-time introduction to spoken word during or after school, focusing on igniting student passion for poetry through a performance, writing prompt, conversation, and information about ways to get involved.
IN-SCHOOL RESIDENCES
Teaching Artists teach an existing class of students to critique, write, and perform poetry, spoken word, or hip-hop. Teaching Artists collaborate with the classroom teacher to connect student writing to existing curriculum; to prepare students for events they can perform in throughout the year such as Citywide Jams and Youth Slams. The TA will help students become more confident writers and discuss Social Justice topics and advocacy, fostering student development of their own voices and using Spoken Word specifically as a method of raising their voice. This work is always then connected back to the classroom curriculum and the links between the two are woven together. The TA will also help teachers adapt the Teaching Artists’ lessons for their own use if requested. The number of sessions varies based on school requests/ preferences.
WHAT TEACHERS SAY:
"Ja-Sun and Dyme spent six wonderful Wednesdays in my Short Fiction & Poetry class at Common Ground High School. The result? A powerful gift of voice and agency for my mostly introverted group, who felt willing and eager to share and show their words, their vulnerabilities, and their joys. Ja-Sun and Dyme were present with their insistence that every single voice does matter. "
Community Events
RECORD YOUR POEMS AT NMS
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Work with our Teaching Artists to bring your spoken word poems or songs to life at Neighborhood Music School recording studio. Open to the first 5 New Haven County high schoolers who can attend all 3 sessions. If you are interested email TheWordPoetry@gmail.com.
Sessions are April 4, 11, 25th from 5:30-6:30 at Neighborhood Music School, 100 Audubon St, New Haven
2025 YOUTH SLAM - FEB 22
The Word is hosted it's 2025 CT Youth Slam on February 22nd from 6:30-9:00 at Neighborhood Music School! Poets aged 13-19 were eligible to compete for the chance to represent CT at Brave New Voices, an annual international poetry festival and competition, and to win the following cash prizes:
First Place - $500
Second Place - $300
Third Place - $200
Fourth Place $100
OPEN WORKSHOPS IN FEBRUARY
To prep for the 2025 Youth Slam, The Word partnered with Neighborhood Music School to offer free spoken word workshops! Students came to practice and receive help, advice, and feedback from our Teaching Artists on your poetry.
Workshops took place on February 6, 13, and 22 from 4:30-6:00 at Neighborhood Music School.
ABOUT OUR WORKSHOPS
Our workshops are a great way for students to practice writing, experiment with different styles, build confidence and experience in performing, and meet others with similar interests. One of the Word’s Teaching Artists (TA) will perform a piece and provide a writing prompt to inspire writing and discussion. Students then have the opportunity to perform their pieces, and the TA assists by providing guidance and feedback. These workshops can be offered in hybrid format (in person and via zoom). Please contact us if you are interested in hosting a weekly workshop at your venue!
BLUE MOON CHAPEL MURAL UNVEILING
In November, our Teaching Artists and student performers including Ja-Sun, Balanc3, and Jayden performed at the Blue Moon Chapel Mural Unveiling, celebrating New Haven creativity, culture, and community.