Teen Poet Group Has MADD Skills

Toledo Local Features | 02/23/2011 7:00 am

Raising children is always a delicate balance. Parents can't control the choices their children make once they step out the door, but they can provide them with the tools to make good decisions. Part of these decisions can be tied in with their ability to express themselves, and MADD Poets Society provides them with an outlet to do just that.

MADD Poets Society (Making A Direct Difference) encourages teens and pre-teens to express themselves in a creative way using the written word.

"Poetry is one of the oldest forms of self-expression," said David Bush, the organization's executive director. "MADD Poets Society teaches poetry as a holistic means of touching others with powerful messages that heal the human spirit."

The organization believes the nurturing environment can propel students towards a higher level, while teaching them to articulate their goals, frustrations and accomplishments through artistic means. The free program serves a core group of 12 to 18-year-olds, but their youngest poet is 11. The student body is representative of 13 high schools, six junior high schools and four grade schools.

"We are Northwest Ohio's only literary arts organization dedicated solely to the service of youth and value the future of every participant."

The group also teaches teens about the value of public speaking as a means of affecting others, allowing them to advocate for positive change among their peers, and to recognize the unique power of words and their effect on its listener.

Pride in one's self and the value of education carries MADD participants far, as the society boasts a 100% graduation rate among its high school seniors 10 years running. Recent students have gone on to colleges like Columbia University and Ohio State University, and credit the group with shaping them into who they are today.

"MADD Poets Society saved my life," said Mario Rosser of St. John's Jesuit High School. "I can attribute my development as a man, a student and a professional poet to the program."

"MADD Poets Society is a fun and exciting place where teens both learn and grow," said Bush.
"This is reflected in our offerings of art, theater, mentoring and creative writing- come see what the fuss is all about!"