The Community~Word Project offers arts-in-education classes to students at New York City public schools, seeking to help young people to express themselves and their views of the world creatively and critically. It was founded by Michele Kotler in 1998. Kotler introduces the Tenth Annual Benefit for the organization, which, since its foundation, has expanded from operating out of one classroom to over 40 throughout the city. It's a beautiful and inspiring organization, and this remarkable event features some of the best and most exciting readings you'll ever come across, thanks to the kids.

The event included a reading of a collaborative family ode by PS 132 students Karina Canales, Raphiel Mejia and Godfresia Ocasio, who are introduced by Ellen Hagan and Roberto Carlos Soto; a reading of a collaborative water poem by PS 27 students Markus Dickens, Matthew Galloway and Shai-Ann Gilmore, who are introduced by Nanya-Akuki Goodrich and Kamilah Aisha Moon; readings of poems by PS/MS 279 students Amber Peralta, Summiah Kelly, Marvin Tomoney, Kelly Garcia and Kiara Tomoney, who are introduced by Josephine Ishmon and David Ciminello; readings of odes by PS/MS 279 students Josue Hernandez, Mayelin Giron, Raziel Garcia and Rita Elena Lauriano, who are introduced by Elena Bell and Levi Rubeck; and readings of poems by Bronx High School of Writing and Communication Arts students Enjolique McClurkin and Daniel Sanchez, who are introduced by Susan Buttenwieser and Watson. Actor Dion Graham served as MC for the night, which also featured a performance by Scott Krokoff and poetry readings by actor Tristan Wilds and poet Major Jackson (53 minutes).

The Community~Word Project: Writing Our Future 2008 can be listened to here, and Community~Word Project: Writing Our Future 2009 can be listened to here.