As poets, we know that our lived experiences shape the way we write and how we move through the world and our classrooms. At California Poets in the Schools, we seek to deepen our relationship to young people’s self-empowerment through writing. In doing so we are able to cultivate connection, awareness, and empathy while creating pathways to hope. In this interactive workshop series, we’ll reflect on these tangible benefits of experiencing poetry with young people through a racial justice lens. Together, we will share and practice new writing tools for engaging a diverse student body and cultivate a sense of belonging among our students and with each other.

Aviva (Shannon) McClure founded Our Turn after 20 years of experience as a K-12 teacher and administrator. Noticing the need for organizations to make holistic improvement through transformational change, Aviva also utilizes experience as an artist and activist to design engaging programs and professional development. Through consultation, equity assessments, guest teaching, arts-integration, and building partnerships; Aviva strives to tailor programs that are the “right fit” for each client . Our Turn seeks to bridge the gaps between social-emotional learning, academia, and open spaces. In addition to local partnerships and artist residencies, Aviva has developed youth programs internationally in Cuba and Tanzania. https://www.ourturnpdx.com/

Emily Squires (she & they) is a white & queer facilitator, artist, and organizer. Centering community, relationships, and creativity in their work, Emily has worked for a range of organizations, including the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program (PA), the Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center (OR), and the Center for Equity & Inclusion (OR). Her practice is multidisciplinary and investigates themes such as voice, participation, love, and belonging. Emily also makes bagels, reads science fiction, writes two poems a day, and co-parents two tiny humans and a muppet dog.   https://www.emilysquires.com/