Mission

Creative Writing Alliance is a non-profit initiative to promote local and world change through the vehicle of spoken word poetry. We provide a platform for to youths' voices, literary arts instruction, and tools for effective youth leadership.  
 

Who is CWA?

Founded in 2004,  Creative Writing Alliance is the first spoken word poetry organization in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Our programs and events promote written and oral literary arts for youth and young adults in Prince George’s County and the surrounding areas.

At a time in which spoken word poetry has rising popularity, CWA provides venues and programs to area youth to grow in the art form. CWA events create a platform for youth to share their art and their voices. Most other spoken word events take place in bars and night clubs that cater to mature audiences. In contrast, CWA successfully fills a void  in the arts community by hosting events that allow Prince George’s County residents to experience spoken word without introducing young people to an adult atmosphere. Our events make it possible for everyone in the community to take part in the spoken word movement.

CWA literary arts programs equip young people with tools for effective change. The programs sharpen communication skills by providing instruction in writing and oral presentation. They provide guided discussion about current events that impact youth. Further, CWA programs promote youth development by helping young people bring voice to their perspectives, insights and ideas.

CWA is founded on the premise that literary arts and community action can have global impact.  We believe that the voices of today’s youth will lead social change movements locally, nationally and around the world.

CWA events and programs are made possible by community partners, volunteers and community supporters. To find out how you can help, please contact us.

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Tahira Joseph is an Atlanta native who spent summers in Prince George’s County, Maryland. She founded Creative Writing Alliance after years of finding a void of appropriate venues and support for youth poets. CWA was developed as an organized approach to increase support for youth poets and poetry events for all ages.

“I am fortunate to have been able to perform at my church for services, special events, weddings and conferences,” she reflects, “I enjoyed other poetry events, but it was the faith community that encouraged me to develop a style for all ages.” -Tahira Joseph, Founding Executive Director

For over a decade, Tahira has performed for and hosted poetry events in the District of Columbia, Atlanta, Seattle, and Prince George’s County, Maryland.  Tahira has two poems featured on Shades of Vision’s Undercover-The Album. She co-wrote Freedom, the official anthem of the DC Government’s ceremony to honor Isaac Hayes’ charity work in Africa. Recent events include performances for the Ms. Foundation, the Smithsonian Institute, and the Black Church Against Domestic Violence Institute.

• DC Regional Church

• DeepRootz Poetry & Products

• Lyrikal Storm

• Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex

• Shades of Vision

• SOV Dance Company

• The Black Church Against Domestic Violence

• Youthspeaks