Teens With a Purpose

How poetry empowered a policy student to serve with compassion Trinity Allen (MPP’26), the McCourt School of Public Policy’s Howard Scholar, uses her voice and an artful approach to policymaking to uplift marginalized communities. Trinity Allen’s (MPP’26) commitment to public service began at the youth arts organization Teens With a Purpose, where she honed her creative voice and discovered her love for poetry and empowering young people. As a youth leader, she coordinated poetry workshops and helped cultivate?Purpose Park, a community garden designed to combat food insecurity in a low-income neighborhood. Read the full article here https://lnkd.in/ev8YdYXi Learn more about the Youth Poet Laureate Program here https://lnkd.in/eS_rADwc

Calling All Young Poets! The Youth Poet Laureate Program for Hampton Roads & Virginia is now open for registration—but time is running out! Only 1 week left to sign up for this life-changing opportunity! Why Apply? Become the official Youth Poet Laureate of your city or region Get published & perform at major events Work with mentors & fellow young creatives Use your poetry to inspire change Deadline: Only 1 week left! Open to youth across Hampton Roads & Virginia VA - www.vayouthlaureate.org Hampton Roads - https://lnkd.in/eDjy3F_i Tag a young poet who needs to see this! #YouthPoetLaureate #HamptonRoads #VirginiaPoetry #YoungVoicesMatter #SpokenWord #poetrycommunity

Crossing the Street - ?is a creative and collaborative event where teens from various backgrounds come together to share, bond, and express themselves through the art of poetry. The day includes lunch, fun workshops and performances!! This gathering is the season kick-off of the Hear This Youth Poetry Festival, and it focuses on building connections, fostering creativity, and celebrating the power of words in uniting diverse communities. Join us this Saturday, March 1st. 11am-2pm Virginia Stage Company @ Wells Theatre 108 E Tazwell St Norfolk, VA RSVP here https://lnkd.in/eCU93Gy4

? Investing in Youth. Strengthening Community. Creating Change. ? At Teens With a Purpose (TWP), we believe in the power of young voices, creativity, and community. Every day, we witness the transformative impact of providing safe spaces where youth can express themselves, heal, and lead. From our HEAR THIS spoken word movement to Parent Cafés, we are fostering connection and resilience across generations. ?? This year, we’re expanding our reach—growing the Virginia Youth Poet Laureate program, strengthening our mental health initiatives, and ensuring that youth artists are compensated for their craft. Because their art is powerful. Their stories matter. Their leadership is shaping the future. ?? Whether it’s through poetry, music, or activism, young people are at the heart of change. Let’s continue to uplift, invest, and create opportunities for them to thrive. ?? Join us! Partner, support, or simply amplify our mission. Together, we can build a more just, expressive, and empowered world. https://lnkd.in/eF6MtkFT #YouthEmpowerment #CreativeLeadership #TWP #MentalHealthMatters #PoetryForChange #CommunityBuilding #PlanetHope

I’m thrilled to invite you to this year’s Planet Hope Gala & Move Maker Awards/Concert, happening November 13 at the Chrysler Museum of Art. We’re celebrating the creativity and resilience of local teens with live performances, dinner, and stories that inspire. Plus, we’ve got a big announcement to share that night—it’s something you won’t want to miss! Your presence will make a huge difference, and we’d love to have you! Secure your tickets today: https://lnkd.in/e5-J7GPU See you soon!

We invite you to support the Teens With a Purpose (TWP) 2024 Gala: Planet Hope is to be held November 13th at The Chrysler Museum. "Planet Hope" represents a vision of a brighter future rooted in optimism, unity, and action. It’s about creating a world where hope is the driving force behind transformation, where dreams are not only envisioned but actively pursued and built into new realities. "Planet Hope" symbolizes a collective space where people of all ages come together, share their gifts and talents, and contribute to solutions for a better tomorrow. It's a mindset that promotes sustainability, justice, creativity, and healing, focusing on overcoming challenges with a hopeful, determined spirit. At events like FUSE Fest or the TWP Gala, "Planet Hope" serves as a thematic reminder that through collaboration, activism, and artistic expression, we can create the world we wish to live in—one where hope fuels change and new possibilities emerge. Sponsor | Donate to our Silent Auction | Attend https://lnkd.in/e5-J7GPU

What an honor to stand amongst so many great individuals and organizations that are impacting the culture of violence! TWP's Safe Passage was among the honorees. The Teens With Purpose Safe Passage team started in 2021 as a response to community violence that prevented young people from being outdoors in the community garden. This new project is linked to the Better Choices small group for young people influenced by gun violence culture who have decided that they would like help making better choices. This effort has transcended being just a safety program—it has become a movement that promotes healing, unity, and resilience and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of young people and the larger community. Thank You Dr. Antipas L. Harris!

Check out our *Planet Hope* Summer Zine! ??? Dive into the creativity of our interactive artivist summer experiences all centered around environmental and social justice action. From FUSE Fest to Brave New Voices and beyond, explore the projects shaping a brighter future! https://ow.ly/ER2B50Tgxxa

??? Mark your calendars for August 3rd! FUSE Fest at Purpose Park is your destination for art, music, culture, and community. Let’s come together to create a Planet of Hope! ?? #FUSEFest #PlanetHope #CommunityEvent #CelebrateCulture

FUSE FEST celebrates culture! Bring your friends, grab your chairs and head to JOY - a Communal space to dance, sing and enjoy the national & local artist performances. Get your FREE tickets today