Developing The Next Youth Poet Laureate
Most have heard of a Poet Laureate and even a Youth Poet Laureate. But what about the education behind the Youth Poet Laureate?
Patrick Washington is the founder of DIALECT of Prince George’s County, an LLC and Youth Poet Laureate program. Over the last six years, Patrick has built a program that helps young poets (ages 13 to 19) express themselves, learn accountability, and create healing. It also guides young poets in potentially becoming the Youth Poet Laureate of Prince George’s County.
As Simon Sinek says, let’s start with why.
Three of Patrick’s reasons for why he does this stood out to be:
“I just want them to learn the power of their voice.”
“The idea of a laureate doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re greater or better than anybody else. It adds an air of importance to the idea of poetry. When the laureate gets to shine, we all get to shine.”
“All you have to offer is yourself and your art. This isn’t even an artistic thing. It’s a human thing. You don’t have to be an artist to volunteer.”
What does a Youth Poet Laureate program look like?
Over the years, it was a lot of trial and error for Patrick. But he found what works and what doesn’t and has created a strong program.
In addition to mechanics, DIALECT is a program that prepares young poets to value their art and prepare themselves as a business. He makes it clear that people who don’t view you as an artisan, are not worth the time.
It’s a program that helps youth gain confidence in what kinds of offers they’ll accept as well as how to succinctly say what they do and offer as an artist.
It also shows young poets how they can find their lane in their art.
“We are teaching leadership mechanics and helping [young poets] better their activism and expression. Like, where are you in terms of activism: are you a litigator or are you a teacher or a reporter? Are you a collector of information or the advocate? There is a role for everybody. They use those skills in interviews, for a public speaking course, or for gigs or internships.”
Patrick says his role is to “guide them in their creation, help them stay on track and keep focused.”
What specifically does that look like though?
Writing prompts to keep creating
Creating electronic press kits (EPKs)
Identifying their representatives and writing a letter to them (or anyone they want to contact)
Teaching them how to approach officials
Teaching them to be bold in their art
What can an individual poet do to make a difference?
According to Patrick, there are a few things poets can do to leave an impact in their communities.
Find out who your representatives are (council people, state reps, etc.) and reach out to them. You don’t have to be a poetry ambassador. These people work for you, and you’re supposed to let them know what you need. It’s a quick Google search with your ZIP code, and you’ll get their contact information.
Send them a letter or poem saying “Hey, this is how I feel about A, B, and C.” Let them know in the way that makes you comfortable. If there’s an issue you feel strongly about, look them up.
Ask them how you can meet them or if they need a poem to help promote something.
His biggest tip, though? Be original. Be yourself.
We’ll leave you with this final thought from Patrick about the Youth Poet Laureates he’s had the joy of working with. Because when something ends, it doesn’t really end. It’s a part of you and who you are.
“I remind them that once you're a poet laureate, you’re always a poet laureate.”
Since the birth of his son in 2001, DIALECT Founder Patrick Washington has dedicated his energies to educating and inspiring the youth, first as an apprentice of the award winning Gayle Danley & Twain Dooley for several years and then working as a teaching artist for several organizations.
