Outside Voices Poetry Workshop

This workshop is free, but you do need to register to attend. 

Have you been feeling stressed and misunderstood, or finding it hard to communicate? Join us for a free session of poetry writing, storytelling, and healing convos. 

This workshop will help you tell your story through poetry, give you time to practice performing, and provide feedback to improve your writing. Workshop host and local poet, Roxanne Santos, will guide you through stress releasing writing activities and help you discover your outside voice.

This program is open to all teens age 15-19. Marginalized or minority teens would benefit most from this type of programming.

With the sudden increase of mental health concerns such as suicide, depression, and a general feeling of isolation in our region, our program seeks to create programs that promote creativity, self-care, inclusion, and connection. Our youth have been particularly susceptible to this trauma during covid, and are in desperate need of positive outlets to express themselves. They need us more than ever to rediscover their voices and know they are not alone. Reading and writing poetry has been found to improve one’s mood while reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma. Using performance poetry reinforces positive self-expression, promotes healthy connections, and increases effective communications as we share our stories and respond to feedback from other writers.

Outside Voices is a series of Workshops, Open-Mics, and special performances for anyone interested in opportunities for self-expression through performance poetry and storytelling. Our purpose is to ensure a safe inclusive space for literary artists that promotes a platform for healing and growth.

Roxanne Santos is an educator and performance poet in Monroe, Louisiana. She is an Arts Council Educator of the Year Nominee and a member of Black Creatives Circle.