Poetry of Witness

Poetry of Witness is an innovative way to engage students of Creative Writing through poetry as a means of exploring Palestinian life. Students will analyze the photography of local Palestinian students in a critical exploration of daily life in Palestine. Participants then read a variety of Palestinian poetry, both by famous poets and young unknowns. Students respond with their own poems reaction and witness to their own generation.

Over the last several years, Poetry of Witness has emerged as one of RJI's most dynamic and powerful units. By its very nature, poetry transcends the boundaries of popular narrative and allows students to make meaningful, lasting connections. The boundless freedom of expression found here enables young people to explore new ways of thinking, to engage one another empathically and to reach beyond the political entrenchment that keeps us apart.

Poetry of Witness units are most impactful when concluded with a live videoconference with our local poets. Students ask tough questions, share their own work and inspire each other in remarkable ways.

Get Started with Poetry of Witness: Curricular Tools

Go Straight to the Poetry

Go Straight to the Photography

A Qualitative leap forward

We are very proud to report that this past summer (2010), RJI participating educator, Jeanne Boland of Odyssey School in Denver, CO, embarked on a trip to the Middle East with ten of her 7th and 8th grade students. Together, they travelled across Palestine and Israel, exploring perspectives they might otherwise never have encountered. Consider the qualitative leap forward this represents, not simply for RJI, but for US education about the Middle East conflict in general. Students are discovering that no region on Earth is beyond their reach and no topic beyond their capacity to engage. We are positively thrilled to have been a part of this endeavor and honored to have played a role in inspiring this undertaking.

"There is Nothing Poetic Here" was created by the students of Bridges Without Borders and Flobots.org, which helps young people explore social and personal transformation through music, poetry and art. For more information on Flobots.org's Art to Action workshops, please visit www.flobots.org.