TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO YOUTH POET LAUREATE PROGRAM

The Trinidad and Tobago Youth Poet Laureate Program is an initiative of Urban Word – the largest and most comprehensive youth literary arts organization in the United States of America in collaboration with
ROOTS Foundation – Community Excellence Award (2022), National Youth Award (2021) and Organization of the Year Award (2020) recipient and most comprehensive creative youth development organization in Trinidad and Tobago.

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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO YOUTH POET LAUREATE PROGRAM

Urban Word NYC in collaboration with ROOTS FoundationTT

The Trinidad and Tobago Youth Poet Laureate Program is the local arm of the US National Youth Poet Laureate Program. The T&T Youth Poet Laureate will be amongst celebrated US Youth Poet Laureates such as Amanda Gorman (2017) who opened at the 2021 US Presidential Inauguration. The Trinidad and Tobago Youth Poet Laureate Program celebrates the Region’s top powerful youth poets who have a history of Artistic Success, Civic and Community Engagement, Social Impact, and Youth Leadership.

The following youth served as Trinidad and Tobago’s Youth Poet Laureate:

  • Mishael Henry (2022-23)
  • Geron Ruiz (2023-24)
  • Brandon Butcher (2025-26)
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Urban Word champions, centers, and elevates young marginalized voices as leaders at the intersection of the literary arts and civic engagement.

ROOTS Foundation uses oral traditions, with a focus on spoken word poetry, as a catalyst for social change, self-expressions, and self-discovery.

Sponsor Festival

BENEFITS OF THE TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO YOUTH POET LAUREATE PROGRAM

Benefits to Youth

  • ❑ 1 st place winner at ROOTS Poetry Slam
  • ❑ Youth Artist-in-Residence Poet
  • ❑ Captain of ROOTS Poetry Slam
  • ❑ Participation at Brave New Voices
  • ❑ Participation at Cascadoo (USA & T&T)
  • ❑ Youth Ambassador ROOTS TT & Urban Word NY
  • ❑ International Best Practice in Civic Engagement and Poetry Curriculum Development
  • ❑ Local and International Print, Electronic and Social Media Exposure
  • ❑ Writing Retreat, Workshops, Training, and Professional Development Opportunities
  • ❑ Eligible for the National Youth Poet Laureate (USA)
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Benefits to Organizations

  • ❑ Build Systems of Networks and Support between both Organizations
  • ❑ Annual Global Convening and Youth Exchanges at Cascadoo New York (July)
  • ❑ Annual Global Convening and Youth Exchanges at Cascadoo Port of Spain (August)
  • ❑ Strengthening Relationships between Organizations and local Public Libraries
Youth Poet Laureate Partners

Join us in elevating marginalized voices through the power of spoken word poetry. Celebrate the Trinidad and Tobago Youth Poet Laureate Program and support the next generation of literary leaders.

Get involved with Urban Word and ROOTS Foundation today!