Purpose: The goal of Madd Poets Society's Youth Program is to expose at-risk teens to a positive and well-rounded environment. Through the gift of self-expression and the appreciation of the cultural arts, participants are encouraged to embrace the possibilities of one's self-worth and challenged to succeed. Knowing that today's youth have long been immersed in hip-hop culture, the elements of poetry, rap and song are utilized as learning tools. With the benefits of long-term mentoring and working in small groups, students are introduced to a vast support system designed to enhance social development and creativity.

Founder & Director
David L. Bush

Contact Us
David L. Bush
Founder and Executive Director
419-754-6275

Madd Poets Society, Inc.
Board of Directors
 Pat Lora
Larome Myrick
Dr. Judythe Patberg
Edward Pendleton
Jeffrey Perry


Services
► Exposure to Cultural Arts
► Mentoring
► Life Skills
► Poetry Youth Program
► Poetry Performances

Aspects of Focus
 ► Drug and Alcohol Awareness
► Cultural Development
► Educational Advancement
► Social Development

Poetry Links of Interest

The Madd Poets Society is for teens, 12-18 years old, interested in bringing their words to life. Students are taught if they write poetry, they are already a poet. Students are taught to develop their own style.

The Madd Poets Society helps to assist in the development of writers through different exercises
and class participation.
A typical class day starts
with a moment of silence to allow students to focus.

Students are given a "word of the week" to enhance their vocabulary, followed by different poetry exercises, including visual poetry, memorization techniques and the introduction of poets both past and present. Open mic time prepares for upcoming performances. Students share their lives, form bonds and in turn build self-confidence.

Currently there are 32 students involved in the Madd Poets Society . They attend Rogers, Bowsher, Byrnedale, Jefferson Junior High, Phoenix Academy, Englewood Peace Academy, Central Catholic, Scott, Toledo School for the Arts and Ella P. Stewart Academy.

Most of our meetings are on Saturdays for 2 1/2 hours at the Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe Street.

Students who are interested in
joining the Madd Poets Society
can start by contacting Director
David Bush by phone or email.
A letter of introduction and an information sheet will then be
sent to the student and his/her
parents. We invite you to see how we are encouraging young people to follow their dreams and be a part of a worthwhile group.
"How poetry comes to the poet is a mystery."
- -  Elizabeth Drew
A poem a day
for American
high schools