RunDSM

On Thursday, April 3, 16 youth poets battled it out for their chance to represent Des Moines at the Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Festival in Philadelphia this summer. Congratulations to Susan Stacy (Hoover), Elhondra Brazzle (East), Leah Waughtal (North), Russhaun Johnson (North), Julio Delgadillo (North), and Bao Luong (North) for qualifying!

If you’d like to view performances from the slam, click on the link below! (We promise it’ll be worth it!)

Des Moines Teen Poetry Slam 2014

We want to thank each and every one of you for supporting us on our journey. 4 years ago, Kristopher and I were hired at Harding Middle School and quickly noticed a need for culturally responsive programming to help improve the literacy of our students. It’s hard to believe that in that moment, RunDSM was born, and we’ve been fortunate enough to add programs each year, empowering young people from across the city to become active, using their voices responsibly.

Thanks to the support and advocacy of a handful of believers, beginning in the 2014-2015 school year, Des Moines Public Schools will officially adopt RunDSM, and, with the help of a team of incredible teachers (Kayla O’Connor, Kortny Williamson, Mindy Euken-Cadenillas, Hannah Harmsen, Tiffany Strim, Alex Caskey, and Melissa Daniels), we will establish RunDSM programming at each high school. To read more about this exciting transition, click here!