We were honored to host Richard Gold, founder and director of the Pongo Teen Writing Project, for a series of events aimed at sharing techniques for reaching traumatized youth through therapeutic writing.

DC Jail

Richard Gold with the Free Minds team outside the DC Jail

Richard Gold, Founder of the Pongo Teen Writing Project, believes “the act of writing is an act of resilience”—resilience against pain, exploitation, depression, and tragedy, among other abuses. Gold and the staff of this Seattle-based non-profit believe that everyone has a story to tell, and that poetry has the power to transform.  Using intentional teaching techniques with teens that are on the streets, in psychiatric hospitals, detention centers or leading difficult lives, the Pongo Teen Writing Project helps young people express themselves in new ways.

The room was filled with over 60 participants eager for a presentation by Mr. Gold, who shared his techniques, fielded a variety of questions, and conducted a live interactive demonstration of one-on-one writing using Free Minds Poet Ambassador Phil acting as a teen new to writing. Attendees included teachers, social workers, volunteers, and leaders from local organizations such as Big Chair Chess Club, Project Youth ArtsReach, Shout Mouse Press, unCUFFED Ministries, and more.

Demonstration

Richard Gold and Free Minds member Phil demonstrating techniques for teaching therapeutic writing

After, many of the participants exchanged information and have become part of the newly formed Expressive Poetry Network, an online space for educators and nonprofits to share resources, wisdom, and experience. It is an informal information exchange for anyone interested in therapeutic writing.

Mr. Gold also did a training and Q&A with Free Minds staff before heading to the DC Jail for the main event: a visit to the teenagers of the Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop.

At the beginning of the session, Richard asked everyone to share one word that they associated with poetry. Freedom, some said. Creativity, inspiration, lyrics, expression. “Relief,” said one young man named Anthony.

Richard had the group read aloud from the Pongo poetry book, There Had To Have Been Someone. After reading and discussing some of the poems, they did a group writing exercise before splintering into small groups to work on their own poems.

Anthony was one of the first to finish and share his poem. After the group clapped in support, he said it felt good. “Feels like I got something off my chest,” he said.

Doors of Emotion
By Anthony

I’m opening up closed doors
Behind one door I find emptiness
It’s black, it makes you want to scream,
It makes you want to search

Behind another door
I feel very different, I feel loved
I see pictures of angels, the heavens,
Jesus himself

The next door is redemption
Inside you see forgiveness, peace of mind,
myself

There’s a door in my heart
It’s so full that when you open it
Everything comes tumbling down
All the frustrations, the joys, the hate, the love

Behind that door
There’s an important truth about me, about life
Behind that door
You’ll find someone crying for help.

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