community outreach

Teens Beyond Racism, San Diego, CA, 1993 – 1994
Founded and directed program focusing on the issues of racism, poetry/art, for teens. This included discussion groups and classes, culminating in a daylong festival showcasing the teens’ poetry and art.

Art&Soul, San Diego, CA, 1995 – 1997
Grown out of Teens Beyond Racism, this program brought poetry and art sessions to at-risk teens in the schools. Funded by grants from local businesses, each was a 6-week program in which an artist and a poet taught their respective skills and led discussion groups on the issues of racism and cross-cultural communication. The program culminated in an evening showcasing the teens’ work and sharing their experiences.

Poetic Brew, San Diego, CA, 1999 – 2001
Accepted an invitation to host and curate a weekly reading in a popular coffee house. Began with a handful of people and grew to more than 100 each week. Invited featured poets from across the country and across the pond and was able to pay a small stipend due to grants received from Poets&Writers. Unlike most local readings, Poetic Brew attracted a multicultural, cross-generational audience.

Austin Poetry Festival, 1999
Hosted reading at festival.

Seattle Poetry Festival, 2001 & 2002
Served on program committee for the now defunct festival. Juried applications/submissions from poets seeking to be featured at the festival. Hosted a festival reading.

West Sound Academy, 2005
Served as guest instructor in Literature class.