Words To Power conducts highly engaging and culturally relevant spoken word poetry workshops for underserved youth in elementary, middle, and high schools in the Denver metro area and throughout Colorado. As an extension of our workshops, we partner with schools to host presentations of youth poetry. We publish a yearly youth-written poetry book and host a community showcase with contributors, offering underserved youth an authentic opportunity for academic excellence, creative expression, and community engagement. We collaboratively organize quarterly, free community open mic events featuring youth who consistently participate in our programs.
Words To Power shows youth the power of their words.
“I learned that I have the power within me and to not be afraid to express it.” -Emily (12th grade)
“I liked when we had to write our own poems. I’ll use poems to express my feelings. Keep saying your poems to other people so they could be inspired too.” –Maria (7th grade)
“I really liked how you told us to always say our story…I also like that you let us express ourselves by saying our poems out loud.” –Dario (5th grade)
“I enjoyed being able to express myself in a way that I did not know I could. This inspires me to continue to write poems, to speak my truth through this medium. I truly hope that students are able to participate in the workshops and try a new way to express themselves." –Nancy Palacios, Metropolitan State University of Denver Student
“Words to Power and Mr. Cruz brought poetry and the power of words to life in our classroom. He really connected with the kids- both being from Denver and sharing Mexican ancestry and coming from a similar background to many of my students, which was really empowering for them. There were many students who I had not seen so excited and proud of their work until Mr. Cruz came in. -Liam Driscoll (4th-5th Grade ELA and Social Studies Teacher, Annunciation Catholic School)
“Word to Power gave our students the space, tools, and courage to find their voice and share their stories. We are so excited to build a partnership to help our youth continue to develop their voices and inspire the next generation to do the same.” -Shelby Gonzales-Parker (English Teacher, Contemporary Learning Academy)
“Words To Power empowers youth by guiding students in finding their voice so they can be catalysts for change. As a fierce advocate for the historically marginalized, Ara arms young writers with a pen and the power to beautifully speak their truth and tell their stories. These stories mobilize our community and build energy toward achieving social justice.” -Dr. Bianca Gallegos (Principal at Columbine Elementary School &Board Member for Colorado Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents)
"Ara has inspired countless youth to persevere towards their goals and dreams, and give back by uplifting others in community, despite the systemic odds against them. These empowered youth find true power in their spoken word." -Federico R., MSW, College Advisor
Organization name
Words To Power
2012
Tax id (EIN)
46-2068506
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities, Youth Development
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
PO BOX 11659Denver, CO, US
Commerce City, CO, US
Westminster, CO, US
Lakewood, CO, US
Thornton, CO, US