2013 was a transformative year for RunDSM. In the spirit of reflection, we’d love to share highlights from our journey:
- The poets of Movement 515 raised over $3000 for non-profit organizations in Des Moines (“I Have a Dream” Foundation // Isiserettes // Beza Threads) via Share the Mic: Community Voices Creating Change, featuring students from Harding, Hiatt, North, East, Roosevelt, Hoover, and Central
- We hosted our first annual DSM Teen Poetry Slam at Hoyt Sherman Place, with the 6 top-scoring poets qualifying for Brave New Voices
- Minorities on the Move expanded to 6 middle schools in Des Moines Public Schools, serving 120 students in a 2-week period
- We travelled to Chicago to be the first team from Iowa to ever compete at the Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Festival, featured on HBO
- RunDSM brought in hip-hop artist / slam poet Guante and World Poetry Slam Champion Joaquin Zihuatanejo to workshop with the poets of Movement 515
- RunDSM added Street Art as a Social Practice alongside Movement 515, facilitated by local artist Jordan Weber of Fluxx Gallery
- Urban Leadership 101 was created at Central Campus, serving 40 high school students in Des Moines Public Schools
- The poets of Movement 515 performed at TEDx Youth Des Moines, headlined the Wonder of Words festival, opened for Freedom Writer Manuel Scott, collaborated with Simpson College Poetry Collective, facilitated workshops in Waukee School District, and popped up at other venues all over our little city
- East High teachers Kayla O’Connor and Kortny Williamson hosted their first ever Movement 515 Spoken Word Poetry event, showcasing the power of collaboration and expansion
- We became more compassionate, courageous, truthful human beings, deepening our belief in the power of the youth voice and the importance of always leading with love.
