ABOUT THE SUMMIT
Deep Center will be hosting its 2024 Youth Summit and a Slam Competition Saturday April 27th! These events are completely FREE, but you must register to attend. You can register HERE
2024 Youth Summit and a Slam Competition
Saturday, April 27th, 1:00-4:30PM
Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club
510 E Charlton St. Savannah, GA 31401
See below for more on the Youth Summit and Slam Competition!
YOUTH SUMMIT AGENDA
The 2024 Youth Summit Agenda is now LIVE! Click here or below on the graphic to access. 
WHAT IS A YOUTH SUMMIT / WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF OUR YOUTH SUMMIT:
The world is wild, and lots of things happen every day that impact young people – but rarely take seriously what young people think or want – or see them as experts. Youth Summits are sites for young people to organize, network, and learn from each other about effective ways to make change in their communities.
What makes Youth Summits special is that it’s FOR and BY Young People!
Our 2024 Youth Summit will be a gathering for young people to come together to discuss and organize around the issues that are important to them, participate in art and self-care workshops, and be part of building a supportive diverse community of young people in Savannah.
WHAT IS A SLAM COMPETITION?
Slam Poetry is a form of performance poetry that combines the elements of performance, writing, competition, and audience participation.
Youth Slam Competition
Saturday, April 27
Food & Fellowship: 5-6PM
Competition: 6-7:30PM
The Beach Institute Gallery
502 E Harris St. Savannah, GA 31401
The name slam came from how the audience has the power to praise or, sometimes, destroy a poem and from the high-energy performance style of the poets.
Rules of SLAM
- Anyone, regardless of age, race, sex, education, class, disability, gender, or sexuality, can compete.
- Poems can be about any subject but typically are supposed to be the creation of the performing poet.
- Poems are not to exceed a three-minute limit (with 10-second grace period); if they do, points are deducted.
- No props may be used when performing the poem.
- No musical accompaniment or musical instruments may be used when performing, but the poet is allowed to sing, clap, hum, or make noise with the mouth or other body parts.
- Poets may perform on their own or in groups with other poets.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN/BE AVAILABLE AT THE YOUTH SUMMIT:
Panel and Q&A with Young Savannah Activists, who will talk about their experiences organizing and advocating issues they care about – and offer tips and answer questions from participants.
Interactive Workshops on self-care and creative expression that will give participants ways to reflect on and counter the stress or anxiety that they may be feeling on a day-to-day basis.
Featuring “Petty Poetry” Ashley Hayes: In this workshop, poet Ashlee Haze will teach participants how to write “petty poetry” as a tool to process anger, grief, jealousy, and bitterness through poetry. Participants will learn how to express these emotions in a healthy format and have the opportunity to write their own petty poems.
Listening Sessions with Community Leaders moderated by Deep staff and youth. Participants will get a chance to share open and honest perspectives about what it feels like to be a student and young person in Savannah.
Co-Create a List of Dreams and Demands that describe what Savannah would be like if it was truly designed for what young people need, what issues they are passionate about, and what brings them joy.
FREE Clothing Swap and Book Giveaway
WHAT IS THE SLAM COMPETITION?
In connection with the Youth Summit, Deep Center’s SLAM Team will be hosting a Slam Competition that is open to any young person in Chatham County, ages 13 – 16.
Format of SLAM
- Poets perform their work and are then judged by five random audience members on a scale of 0 to 10
- Out of the five, the highest and lowest scores are dropped and the three remaining scores are added to give the poet an overall score.
- Whoever has the highest score at the end of the competition is deemed the winner.
You can sign up for the Slam Competition by indicating you are interested on the Youth Summit Registration Page. If you have other questions, please contact Jezmin@Deepcenter.org
WHO IS INVITED:
ALL YOUNG People in Chatham County aged 13-18 to participate in the FREE event.
WHERE AND WHEN:
Saturday April 27, 2024 from 1:00- 4:30 PM at the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club
WHERE DO I REGISTER:
You can register HERE
Questions?
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to writewithus@deepcenter.org or keyshawn@deepcenter.org for more information.