Fighting Words Virtual Poetry Workshop for Young Adults

How can poetry be an effective response to current events? How can creative expression help us process our personal responses to issues we encounter in the news?

In this workshop during National Poetry Month, we will explore these questions through the Fighting Words model: a close reading of a news story, and using select lines from that story as the building blocks for an original poem. Participants will start by exploring a short nonfiction text and model poem written in response before spending time crafting their own poems and sharing lines aloud.

Poems begun in this workshop can be entered into the 2026 Fighting Words Poetry Contest for the chance to win cash prizes and publication. Find complete contest guidelines and eligibility information here.

This space is designed for young adults, ages 18-24. Students in high school may also join at their own and their guardians' discretion. The workshop will be held in English, but participants are welcome to write in any language.

The workshop is free, but pre-registration is required. Click here to secure your spot. Once you register, you will receive a Zoom link you can click to join the workshop.

Please note: This is an interactive workshop, not a presentation. As a result, the session will not be recorded. We hope that you can join us live!