Youth voices in the spotlight

YOUNG people across the Northern Rivers are being encouraged to raise their voices through a series of free slam poetry workshops running in June and July.

The ‘Speak-up Through Slam’ workshops are open to youth aged 12 to 18 and are funded by Create NSW.

Sessions will be held in Lismore, Byron Bay and Murwillumbah in the lead-up to the Poets Out Loud Youth Slam on Friday, August 9 — part of the Byron Writers Festival — where a $400 prize is on offer.

Participants will build confidence, develop writing and performance skills, and explore creative self-expression under the guidance of professional poet mentors.

Founder, lead facilitator and prize-winning poet Sarah Temporal has mentored hundreds of young writers and said the program was designed to empower local youth.

“You don’t have to love poetry to join our workshops,” Temporal said.

“You have your own unique voice, whether you find it by listening to songs, reading, rapping, laughing, chatting, or just exploring your own thoughts – it’s all welcome.

“Writing and sharing in a supportive peer setting helps young people feel seen and valued.”

Previous runner-up Indie Henderson encouraged others to take the poetic plunge.

“All the nerves go away as soon as you’re up there,” she said.

“Just feeling other people connect with the poem was so special.”

Organisers say the workshops help create opportunities for young people to express themselves, build self-esteem and connect with others.

Local parent David Lang said the program had helped his daughter Elise discover her “true superpower”.

“The mentoring helps young people be the best versions of themselves and to look in the mirror and decide what they want to see, who they want to be,” he said.

“When I watch any of the kids perform at Poets Out Loud, I feel so optimistic and excited about the future; I know everything is going to be alright.”

For information and to sign up for the free workshops, visit poetsoutloud.org/youth