Using poetry to connect incarcerated youth and adults with their communities

I love going to New Beginnings. I share with them how poetry allows me to express my emotions in a positive way and helps people understand where I'm coming from. I know what they're going through and I want to be there for them.

– Delonte, FM Poet Ambassador

Poet Ambassadors

Free Minds members who are now home read and discuss their own poetry and those of members still incarcerated through our “On the Same Page: Free Minds Poetry in the Community and the Classroom” events. Reentry members, known as Poet Ambassadors, are the core of these events, using their leadership skills and own experiences to offer a new way to engage with issues of youth violence and incarceration and to find healing through the powerful medium of creative writing. “On the Same Page” events are held with varying audiences, including students (middle school, high school, or college), community groups (offices, churches, organizations, book clubs, etc.), and corporations (national and international). If you know of a class or group interested in hosting an event, please fill out our event form.

Free Minds also hosts a monthly “On the Same Page: Write Night” where community volunteers gather alongside Free Minds Poet Ambassadors to provide uplifting feedback on the poetry of members still incarcerated, which is then returned to the poet. It is a simple but powerful way to support members’ processes of self-awareness and change, as well as read great writing and meet other volunteers!

Interested in sponsoring our On the Same Page program?

  • Empowerment Sponsor – $5,000 Fund 500 books to share with over 1,500 students in 25 schools and youth detention facilities.
  • Transformation Sponsor - $1,000 Fund 100 books to be printed and shared with students.
  • Change Sponsor - $250 - $999 Fund 25-100 books to be printed and shared with students.

Make a donation today or contact us for more information.

Thank you to the following generous sponsors:

Transformation Sponsor:

Morgan Stanley, Emilio F. Sanchez, Financial Advisor