My friend and master teacher, Menucha, wrote this to me after the brooklyn bridges “break the surface” PoetrySlam, “The performance was intense and reminded me that we adults often underestimate teenagers – not merely their depth of passion and experience but, even more, their ability to digest abstract concepts and articulate their own ideas in sophisticated, thought-provoking ways. Each of these teens left me with something to think about. Their words were raw, straight from the core. Above all, they were honest, which was sometimes refreshing, sometimes biting, sometimes painful – but always wonderful. What a celebration of voice and humanity!”

This is reason, the purpose, the passion behind Speak Reach Peace Out . . . to allow the strong, articulate, thoughtful and very powerful voice of youth resonate.

It will be your tolerance, understanding and joy of living freely, safely and with dignity that will shape the world ahead of us all.

We can all learn more about each other through our written words, our visual images, photography and music . . . share . . . share . . . dare to share who you are.