Theyazin Charity Care – Voice of Change: Spoken Word Contest Amplifies Youth Stories
In a world where young voices often go unheard, the power of spoken word poetry provides a platform for youth to express their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. Theyazin Charity Care is proud to present the “Voice of Change” Spoken Word Contest, an initiative designed to amplify the voices of young individuals and empower them to share their stories with the world.
🎤 What Is the “Voice of Change” Contest?
The “Voice of Change” Spoken Word Contest is an open call for young poets to submit original spoken word pieces that reflect their personal experiences, societal observations, or dreams for the future. This contest aims to provide a platform for youth to articulate their thoughts and contribute to important conversations on various issues affecting their communities.
🌍 Why Spoken Word?
Spoken word poetry has emerged as a powerful medium for youth expression worldwide. From the streets of Los Angeles to the heart of Africa, young poets are using their voices to address pressing issues such as immigration, identity, and resilience.
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Vanessa Tahay, an 18-year-old slam poet from Los Angeles, uses her poetry to discuss themes of immigration and bullying, drawing from her experiences as a Guatemalan immigrant in the U.S. Her performances have resonated with audiences nationwide, highlighting the power of personal storytelling in spoken word poetry.
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In Cameroon, amidst ongoing civil unrest, poets like Boris Taleabong Alemnge (known as “Penboy”) are using spoken word to confront the harsh realities of conflict, giving voice to communities affected by violence and displacement.
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The Lagos International Poetry Festival in Nigeria has become a significant platform for poets to share their work, fostering a community of creatives dedicated to social change through poetry.
🏆 Contest Details
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Eligibility: Open to individuals aged 16–30.
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Categories:
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Personal Narratives: Sharing individual stories and experiences.
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Social Advocacy: Addressing societal issues and advocating for change.
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Creative Expression: Exploring themes of identity, culture, and imagination.
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Submission Requirements: A 2–5 minute video of an original spoken word performance.
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Prizes:
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1st Place: $500 and a feature in an upcoming poetry anthology.
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2nd Place: $300 and a mentorship session with a renowned poet.
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3rd Place: $200 and a professional recording of their performance.
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🌟 How to Participate
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Create: Write and rehearse your original spoken word piece.
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Record: Film a 2–5 minute video of your performance.
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Submit: Upload your video to [contest website] by [submission deadline].
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Share: Promote your entry on social media using the hashtag #VoiceOfChangeContest.