Heart of Art—Updates to Poetry Out Loud
By Meghan Joy “Mojo” O’Keefe
Earlier this fall, I wrote a piece about the Poetry Out Loud curriculum, a competition where high school students across the country recite other peoples’ poetry from memory.
According to their website, poetryoutloud.org, “Poetry Out Loud® lifts poetry off the page, creating community and connection. Through this program, high school students across the country participate in a dynamic poetry recitation competition that is designed to improve their public speaking skills, help build confidence, and teach them about literary history. A partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and participating state and jurisdictional arts agencies, Poetry Out Loud provides free lesson plans and other educational materials to teachers and organizers, including an online poem anthology.”
This program has been a favorite with teens since its launch in 2005. Twenty years later, the anthology of poems was the single most comprehensive source for anyone (especially youth) to enjoy contemporary, award-winning poetry for free.
In October, that anthology changed significantly, and the students of California had a clear response. While the National Endowment for the Arts moved forward with the implementation of an anthology that celebrates the 250 year anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution, the students of California advocated for themselves and made an impact statewide.
By outreaching to their teachers and County Arts Councils, students across California communicated that they would not tolerate the new anthology, and that the removed poems had been important to their voice, their growth, and their participation in the competition. Many students threatened to abandon the program entirely. County Arts Councils collected input from teachers and students, then anonymously communicated the information to the state governing body, the California Arts Council. This state agency reaffirmed their obligation to serve all people of California and promised to find a solution.
Following a series of requests submitted by the California Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts granted the people of California two out of three requests for waivers:
- School site competitions may use the old anthology
- County competitions may use the old anthology
The third request for waiver was denied. The National Endowment for the Arts sustained its requirement that the state competition be conducted with the new anthology. Therefore, the county winners will need to learn three new poems in order to compete in the state finals. Recitations of poems from the old anthology will not be allowed at the state level.
Overall, it was inspiring to see the youth of California speak up for their needs and to witness the state’s response. However, we all suffer when access to free art is taken away from the masses.
The Amador County Poetry Out Loud Competition takes place on the last Sunday of January (the 25th) at 2 PM at First 5 Amador, 975 Broadway, Jackson CA 95642. Questions may be directed to (209) 256-8166, info@amadorarts.org.
Amador Arts has been the designated State-Local Partner for Amador County since 1982 and works to advance arts, culture, and creativity for all people by providing resources, opportunities, and professional development. 501c3 #94-2811333.