Southern Word

Vision, Mission, & Overview
Through words, all youth claim the power and hope to determine their future.

Through the literary and performing arts, Youth Speaks Nashville offers creative solutions for youth to build literacy and presentation skills, reconnect to their education and to their lives, and act as leaders in the improvement of their communities. We are absolutely committed to providing youth, especially in under served communities, with as many opportunities as possible to develop and publicly present their voices both live and in print, video, audio, and digital media.

In pursuing this mission, Southern Word conducts spoken word school residencies, after school workshops, open mics, and shows. Spoken word, also known as performance poetry, has proven effective as a youth development, literacy, and leadership tool across the country. Students participating in spoken word programs report improvement in their reading and writing skills, increased self?confidence, and a new sense of community among their peers and teachers. Educators report a clear rise in interest among students, a more youth?driven learning environment, and evidence of greater social and academic confidence among students.

Founded in June 2008 as Youth Speaks Nashville, the organization changed its name to Southern Word in July 2011 to reflect the expanding services in building a culture of literacy in Tennessee and beyond. Southern Word and their affiliates around the country are the leading nonprofit presenters of spoken word education, youth development, and presentation in programs in the country.

Name Change
The organization Youth Speaks Nashville, Inc. has changed its name to Southern Word, Inc. This does not reflect any change in our non-profit mission or services. Youth Speaks Nashville still exists as a program developing spoken word residencies, workshops and shows for youth in the Nashville area.