20 spots available. Apply by July 17.
About Humans of Hope
Humans of Hope is a 5-part workshop series on how to write poetry that builds belonging and promotes community care.
About the Humans of Hope Summer Program
The Humans of Hope summer program provides a safe and welcoming space for youth to gain confidence in sharing their ideas through various art forms. This year, we are offering a 5-part workshop series on how to write poetry that builds belonging and promotes community care. Last year, we offered photography and writing workshops - you can see the final pieces produced in last year's summer program here.
​
Participants in this year's program will work with May Mohamed, a professional spoken word artist. May will engage participants with a wide variety of writing prompts and activities, and support them in writing poetry on the themes of community care and belonging.
Participants will have the opportunity to have one of their poems published in an online gallery and to present or perform their poem at the Humans of Hope showcase.
Workshop Schedule
Session 1: Introduction to Spoken Word and Community Building
Tuesday July 19, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Session 2: Pushing Your Pen
Tuesday July 26, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
​
Session 3: Love Letter to Yourself
Tuesday August 2, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Session 4: Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork
Tuesday August 9, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
​
Session 5: Practice Makes Perfect
Tuesday August 16, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
​
Session 6: Final Showcase
Tuesday August 18, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Online Workshops and In-Person Showcase
-
Workshop sessions 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 will take place online, on Zoom
​
-
The final showcase on August 18 will take place in person, at the Children's Peace Theatre (305 Dawes Rd, Toronto)
​
-
If participants are unable to attend the in-person showcase, a livestream option will be made available (to "zoom in" to the showcase)
Participants will receive a $250 honorarium to support their work.
Meet the Facilitator
May Mohamed
​
Maymuna (May) Mohamed is a writer and arts-educator based out of Tkaronto. In her role as an arts-educator, she facilitates programs that use art to reclaim power and spark meaningful conversations. She has opened for The Roots and Shane Koyczan. She also featured in Habbibiz, an exhibit exploring placemaking in the city. In her work, May has practiced storytelling as a form of sharing her truth and holding space for others to share their own. ​
How to Apply
Who can apply?
Anyone ages 15-18 living in the Greater Toronto Area or Hamilton. 20 spots are available.
​
When is the application deadline?
Sunday July 17, 2022 at midnight.
​
How do I apply?
Fill out the application form at the link below. If you have questions or need help with the application, please email sidrah@riversofhope.com.