Your Destination: Learn how to write a poem that will help unify and inform people. Civil rights activist, feminists, and conservationists are some examples of people using poems and songs to enact change.
Travel Kit: notebook, pen or pencil
On the Path:
Step 1 Brainstorm some ideas that you want to discuss. What issues are you most passionate about, and why? How do those issues impact your community? Then, write down whatever comes to mind, and do not worry about writing a lot. Just let it all flow out of you, and you can edit your piece later.
Step 2 Poems do not need to rhyme, you can focus on making a free verse. You can also follow a template if it is your first-time writing poetry.
Step 3 Once you are done with your draft, revise it till you are satisfied. Think about the words you chose; does it mean what you intend it to mean, or is there a better word you can use?
Group Tour: Have someone edit your poem while you edit theirs. Remember to leave constructive criticism and any feedback, even if nothing needed to be changed.
Extend Your Journey: Turn your poem into a song by creating a short melody or using a simple rhythm. You can turn your poem into a rap song, which is the easiest way to convert your poem into a song.
Learn New Vocabulary: rap
Resources and Visual Aids: Access our blogpost, Write a Social Change Song or Poem: https://artsphere.org/blog/write-a-social-change-song-or-poem/
Watch Our Instructional Video