This week’s PF host is Mary Lee Hahn. You’ll find links to all of this week’s poetry posts at A Year of Reading.
Happy Poetry Friday, everyone.
Today, I’m sharing an opportunity from my friends at 100 Thousand Poets for Change.
Dear Poets and Poetry Lovers,
Will you read a poem to a child on September 29 as part of the 100 Thousand Poets for Change Global initiative “Read A Poem To A Child?”
This seems to be an important year to highlight the significance of children in the world. We are increasingly aware of their fragility. It is time to take a moment in this busy, crazy life we live, and share something we cherish. Poetry is our gift.
If you will read a poem or poems to a child or children on September 29, please visit the 100 Thousand Poets for Change Facebook page. Post “I’m In!” and your city name as a comment.
Interpret “Read A Poem To A Child” how you like. I hope to record and post a video — maybe reading a poem from The Last Fifth Grade, or a favorite poem from when I was a kid — something that my teacher friends can share with their students. If you have a child at home, grandchild or honorary niece or nephew in your life, perfect!
100 TPC’s organizers are also collecting suggestions of websites, books, and resources where people can find poems to share with kids, such as Poetry 180. Feel free to send along your favorites.
Thank you.
Laura
Thanks Laura, for your efforts with this action of reading poetry to children for change, and for connecting us with 100 Thousand Poets for Change!
Thanks, Michelle. This is the group I traveled to Italy with several years ago. It’s a wonderful organization. Most of the poets are community organizers.
What a wonderful initiative. My first thought was I couldn’t participate as I will be far from home, in Vietnam, and won’t know any children there. But I like the idea of recording one, which means I can share with lots of children!
I hope you will, Sally. The date is flexible, so record and post when you can. Looking forward to hearing more about your trip.
I’m in! What a positive action for us to take. Children and poetry. Hope for a better future.
I agree. It’s a wonderful and timely initiative.
I’ll be sharing, Laura. What a wonderful thing! I have not seen about this before, so thanks!
Thanks for sharing, Linda.
Yes, I can read a poem to a child on 9/29. And, I will share this post with others that can too. Our children….all of them….need the joy and the safety that poetry offers.
Poetry can be a comfort and — as you point out — a joy.
What a wonderful project. Poets can change the world, I believe.
So many people speak of poetry as saving their lives during a rough time. I think that is true.
Thanks for posting about Michael and Terri’s 100 Thousand Poets for Change project
Thanks, Chris.
I’m in!
Thank you!
What a terrific project! I will absolutely read a poem. Thank you for sharing, Laura!
Glad you can participate.
What a great opportunity. I’m definitely in. Now to choose which poem to share and which lucky child (neighbors, Little Sis, or all) will get to share it!
It won’t be easy to choose!