Submitted by Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center
The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center (WDRC) has officially opened the 2015 Peaceful Poetry Youth Contest.
Whatcom County students, K – 12, are invited to submit poems of 30 lines or less, exploring the myriad themes relating to peaceful conflict resolution. The submission deadline is October 2, 2015. More information, videos of past recipients, as well as electronic and printable submission forms can be found at whatcomdrc.org.
Judges will select poems based on creativity and connection to peaceful themes such as: resolving conflict, listening, tolerance, building peace, respect, anti-bullying. Winners will be honored at the 13th Annual Peace Builder Awards Gala, held November 20 and filmed reading their poem for BTV Channel 10, which will broadcast for a full year. The school with the most submissions will also receive special recognition.
This contest highlights the WDRC Youth Program, designed to empower young people to resolve conflict without aggression and build healthy relationships. Through specialized trainings and youth mediation services, the Youth Program directly served 694 Whatcom County youth in 2014.
For educators who are interested in submitting poems from a class or group, the WDRC has developed a free 30 minute curriculum. This short lesson includes an overview of poetry styles, a vocabulary brainstorm, and time for students to write and submit their poems. Educators are encouraged to contact youth@whatcomdrc.org for the free lesson plan.
