Author: Camille S. Campbell
Poetry can be inspiring. Poetry can be healing. Poetry can connect girls to emotions so buried inside that only a pencil and paper can release them. This National Poetry Month in April is the perfect opportunity to impact girls through the power of reading, writing, and reciting poems.
Poetry changed my life and led to increased confidence in all areas. Even when I didn't know all the answers, I became more outspoken and willing to share my ideas in classes and activities.
To help girls realize that their words matter and introduce them to famous female poet trailblazers, I created the book, Her Poems: Women Poets Who Changed the World. The book showcases female role models in poetry and teaches children how to write their own poems. It is very rewarding to receive messages from teachers and parents telling me how excited children get through the process of learning how to write poetry.
“The motto of my book is for girls to be: Loud, Proud, and Fearless. There is a poet inside of us all if we have the confidence to awaken our inner voice.”
In addition to building confidence, poetry can improve reading skills, vocabulary, and creative thinking—elements essential for literacy. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, “all evidence shows that investment in literacy for women yields high development dividends….Every literate woman marks a victory over poverty.”
Since poetry can positively impact women and girls in a variety of ways, it is imperative that we take action to utilize its power to inspire girls everywhere.
Here are three steps that will allow you to personally make a difference by empowering girls through poetry!
Donate and gift poetry books to local schools, libraries, and nonprofits targeting those who might not have access to this content. On the She’s the First blog, you can read and share profound poems such as Amanda Gorman’s original poem Power of Firsts and Dear World by Aliza Puri. The love of poetry can start with a single poem that touches a person’s heart.
Organize and spread the word about a poetry event in your community–such as a poetry slam. In a recent interview, high school library specialist Cathy Collins noted, “Through the creation of a safe space for poetry recitation, confidence and trust develop. In my experience, even the quieter students will take part with encouragement and support from peers.” By participating in a poetry slam, girls may gain newfound confidence in their voices.
Encourage girls in your life to write poetry and share poetry resources with them. Consider texting a favorite poem or spoken word video. By listening to powerful spoken word poems online, girls can be motivated to share their own stories and experiences by writing poetry. Some remarkable spoken-word poems include “Dear Me, You Are Enough” by Aija Mayrock, “We Rise” by Amanda Gorman, and “If You Give a Child a Word” from two young poets who performed on the TEDx stage.
Do not underestimate the power of sharing poetry and encouraging those around you. Just as the words “you're bossy, not smart, too loud, weird” can shatter a girl’s confidence in herself, empowering words can build it back up and change lives. This poetry month, let us use the beauty of words as a tool to empower the girls around us. After all, it all starts with one word!
6 National Poetry Month Journaling Prompts
Camille S. Campbell, 17, is an award-winning author of four books, including Her Poems: Women Poets Who Changed the World. The #1 Amazon New Release is used in many classrooms. Camille’s writing has been recognized by The New York Times, Girls’ Life, Scholastic, Bow Seat, Penguin Random House, and various journals. She’s also an education activist in her home state of Arizona, U.S.A. When she’s not writing, Camille enjoys silk painting, playing classical guitar, and reading mystery books. You can read more about her on camillescampbell.com.
Blog header image by Annie Spratt/Unsplash.