The document discusses spoken word poetry as an art form. It provides quotes from performers and attendees describing spoken word as a way to access one's authentic voice, share experiences and opinions, and develop understanding and creativity. Youth programs across several US states encourage young people to use spoken word to express themselves on social issues.

1. “When I was in College, a traveling poet
came through town and stayed with me for
a few days. Although I’d been exposed to
spoken word already, that week is when I
really fell in love with it as an art form.”
--Hannah Adams

3. Arsenio Green is the host of the
Lyricist Lounge. He also performs.

4. “If I had to put a
definition to spoken
word, I would say it’s
essentially a song or a
story”
--Arsenio Green

5. Spoken word has increased in visibility in the last ten years according
to the Journal of Popular Culture.

6. “I don’t know when it sunk in, but
at some point I realized that
spoken word poetry can’t be
learned. Instead, it’s accessed. It’s
already there – it is your own
unique voice, authentically – and
bravely -- sharing your reality.”
-Hannah Adams

7. Youth Communities in
Texas, Wisconsin, Arizona, P
ennsylvania, New
York, Hawaii, Massachusetts,
and Washington encourage
young people to use their
voice to express their
opinions on social issues
according to Journal of
Popular Culture.

8. “I didn’t think I had a voice [until
Spoken word]”
--Alexia

9. Spoken word helps to develop an
understanding of oneself, promotes
creativity and self-expression
according to the Journal of Arts in
Psychotherapy.

10. “[I have] a lot of
emotions to get out.”
--Michelle

11. “I enjoyed spoken word
so much, that I even
performed. It is a
powerful event and I will
be attending again”
--Judy Sherburn from
Madison Exposed