RLP Spoken Word Poetry Stipend

Did you know that according to Americans for the Arts, Young people who consistently participate in rigorous arts programs are “four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, three times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools” and “four times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem.”  Did you know that in 2005, Jefferson County (Alabama) cut funding for GIA Grants (grants to individual artists), and in 2008 the Jefferson County Community Arts Fund for arts organizations completely… indefinitely.

To combat this issue, Real Life Poets, Inc (RLP) has established the Real Life Spoken Word Poetry Stipend.  This annual grant of up to $1000(*) is awarded to spoken word artists in Jefferson County between the ages of 14 and 22 who show exceptional promise in a career in spoken word poetry and creative writing.  The stipend is designed to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit and empower young people with the necessary tools to further their careers in the arts.  Applicants are encouraged to be as creative as possible, providing details on projects ranging from producing their works on CD or in print, to annual events that promote spoken word poetry.  The RLP Spoken Word Poetry Stipend guidelines and application are now available for download on our website (reallifepoets.org/stipendapplication.pdf).  Please review the guidelines for accuracy, and feel free to contact us with any questions. The application deadline is October 29, 2010.

About Real Life Poets, Inc.

Real Life Poets is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose goal is to mentor young adults, encouraging good communication and oratorical skills using spoken word poetry.  RLP consist of Emmy® Nominated (APT’s Mr. Dial Has Something to Say) spoken word artists, producers, veteran performers and writers, and initially gained notoriety through their community service, facilitating Operation Mustard seed (free dinner for the needy on 1^st Friday’s) as well as Operation Coats for the Cold (RLP Annual Winter Coat Drive).  RLP regularly provides spoken word workshops and mentoring opportunities to the youth in our community.

Imagine the impact on the life of a young person whose self esteem has been elevated by attending a RLP Spoken Word Poetry Workshop, or afforded the opportunity to fund and facilitate their dreams through the Real Life Poets Poetry Stipend.  RLP encourages young people to participate in the arts within our communities, and helps steer the young people in the direction of experience and opportunity while offering a great degree of supplemental education.  Please join us in this effort to change our community by encouraging entrepreneurship and the arts by donating to Real Life Poets, Inc.  We thank you for your consideration, and ask that you contact us directly regarding donations or questions.

Sincerely,

John Paul Taylor

Co-founder/Director

Real Life Poets, Inc

phone: 205/585-8271

email: johnpaul@reallifepoets.org

Real Life Poets, Inc is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization.  All donations are tax deductible.

* Grant awarded is up to $1000 (not to exceed $1000).  Grant will pay for

the services or opportunity outlined in the application directly – no check will be made out to individual grant applicants.

Media Inquiries: Patrick Johnson Patrick@reallifepoets.org 205/837-3707 www.reallifepoets.org

Donations: John Paul Taylor johnpaul@reallifepoets.org 205/585-8271 www.reallifepoets.org