HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-391 Arts - Sacrificial Poets for Spring 2014 Arts Grant Agreement $1,500 a
ORANGE COUNTY ARTS COMMISSION
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SPRING,2014 GRANT AGREEMENT 7 ti
ORANGE COUNTY ARTS
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THIS AGREEMENT, entered into this 16th day of June, 2014, by and between Orange County
("County"), by and through the Orange County Arts Commission ("Arts Commission") and
Sacrificial Poets ("Grant Recipient").
WHEREAS, the Arts Commission is a countywide arts agency that ensures the growth of
local arts experiences by providing funding and support for diverse high quality programs and
projects.
WHEREAS, the Arts Commission administers the Spring and Fall Arts Grants Program
to provide economic opportunities to Orange County artists and non-profit organizations
coordinating arts projects benefiting the citizens of Orange County.
WHEREAS, the Spring Arts Grants Program is supported by Arts Commission with
funds from the Grassroots Program of the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency of the
Department of Cultural Resources and the National Endowment for the Arts.
WHEREAS, the Grant Recipient was selected by the Arts Commission to receive the
Spring Arts Grant through the procedures duly adopted by the Arts Commission; and
WHEREAS, both parties wish to promote and maintain the integrity and clarity of the
Grant Recipient's ideas and statements and delineate the Grant Recipient's obligations to the
County;
NOW, THEREFORE, the County and the Grant Recipient, for the consideration and
under the conditions hereinafter set forth,agree as follows:
1. Approved Grant Project. Grant funds are provided under this Agreement for the project
("Project") described in the Grant Recipient's Grant Application, attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Exhibit A.
2. Grant Award. Grant funds in an amount not to exceed one thousand five hundred dollars
($1,500) have been awarded by the Arts Commission to the Grant Recipient for the
approved Project. These funds must be matched at least dollar-for-dollar with cash from
the Grant Recipient's funds not derived from either Orange County appropriations or the
North Carolina Arts Council.
3. Contingency. This grant is contingent on North Carolina Arts Council Grassroots
Program funding to the Arts Commission. Final decisions on Grassroots Program funds
to the North Carolina Arts Council are subject to approval by the North Carolina General
Assembly.
4. Responsibilities of the Grant Recipient
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Revised May 2012
A. Implementation. The Project implementation shall take place between July 1,
2014 and June 30, 2015. The Project shall be implemented in the manner
described in Exhibit A. Time is of the essence in the implementation of the
Project.
B. Modifications to project. Grant Recipient shall present major changes to the
original proposal, including but not limited to changes in design, implementation
schedule and increase in Project budget by more than 10%, in writing to the Arts
Commission for approval. Arts Commission shall approve or disapprove Grant
Recipient's request for modifications within seven (7) days of receipt thereof.
Consent to project modifications shall not be unreasonably withheld. Arts
Commission's decisions shall be in writing. In the event the Arts Commission
fails to approve or disapprove the requested modifications within the time stated
herein,the modifications shall be deemed approved.
C. Non—assignment. The grant cannot be assigned or transferred to a different project
or artist without prior written approval of the Arts Commission.
D. Records. Grant Recipient must maintain records and other evidence pertaining
to costs incurred and revenues acquired during the Project implementation. Grant
Recipient shall maintain financial records pertaining to the Project for three (3)
years from the date of this Agreement, in case of audit.
E. Use of Funds. Grant Recipient shall not use the grant funds to repay outstanding
taxes or other debts of any nature. The grants shall be utilized solely for the
purpose of implementing the Project and Project related expenses.
F. Final Report. Grant Recipient shall submit to the Arts Commission a Final Report
on July 6, 2015 . The Final Report shall be in the format required by the
North Carolina Arts Council. Failure to submit the Final Report or late
submission of the Final Report, for any reason, shall be grounds for denial and/or
cancellation of grant funds for the Project and future grant proposals.
5. Responsibilities of the Arts Commission
A. Payment. The Arts Commission shall release the grant funds in the amount of
$1,500 to the Grant Recipient.
6. Publicity
A. Acknowledgement. Credit must be given to the Orange County Arts
Commission using the Arts Commission logo and if State funds are received
to the North Carolina Grassroots Program in brochures, news releases,
programs, and all other printed and online publications. Copies of such printed
materials must accompany the evaluation report. When no printed information is
used, verbal credit shall be given. In addition, all print and promotional material
must include the following credit line (check all that apply):
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Revised May 2012
i. County Funds Only. "This program is supported by the Orange
County Arts Commission. "
ii. x North Carolina Arts Council Funding. "This program is supported by the
Orange County Arts Commission with funds from the Grassroots Program of
the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency. "
B. The Grant Recipient must enter all events, exhibits and performances open to the
public and related to this grant award on the ExploreChapelHHIARTS.com
website and display ExploreChapelHilIARTS.com publicity materials
(postcards, brochures, etc.) prominently and consistently at their venue or
performance space. In addition, the Grant Recipient must add a link to the
ExploreChapelHillARTS.com (ExploreChapelHillARTS.com logo preferred)
to their main webpage. The Grant Recipient shall contact the Orange County Arts
Commission for replacement ExploreChapelHillARTS.com publicity materials.
7. Indemnity. The Grant Recipient agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County, the
Arts Commission and the North Carolina Arts Council and their officers and employees
from any and all claims or actual injury, damage or loss to a person, or real or personal
property that results from or is in any way connected to the use of the grant funds.
8. Independent Contractor. The Grant Recipient is an independent contractor and not an
employee, agent or other representative of the County and/or the Arts Commission.
Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to create the relationship of
principal and agent, or employer and employee, between Grant Recipient and Arts
Commission or Orange County Government. Grant Recipient understands and agrees
that he/she is not authorized to incur any expenses or any liability whatsoever on behalf
of the County or the Arts Commission and has no authority, expressed or implied, to
obligate or make representations on behalf of the County or the Arts Commission. In
addition, Grant Recipient agrees to maintain his or her own worker's compensation
insurance for himself/herself and his or her employees for the duration of the art work's
installation.
9. Termination
A. In the event of any of the circumstances set forth below(hereinafter referred to as
"default"),the Arts Commission may immediately terminate this Agreement:
(i) Any fraudulent representation in any verification required to obtain
payment under this Agreement or other dishonesty on a material matter
relating to the performance of services under this Agreement.
(ii) Nonperformance, incomplete service or performance, or failure to
satisfactorily perform any part of the Project or to comply with any
provision of this Agreement, as determined by the Arts Commission in its
sole discretion.
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Revised May 2012
(iii) Failure to adhere to the terms of applicable county, state or federal laws,
regulations, or stated public policy.
B. In the event of default by the Grant Recipient, the Arts Commission has the
discretion to elect to terminate this Agreement, in whole or in part and/or require
the Grant Recipient to repay the grant funds within seven (7) from written notice
of default or'allow the grant recipient the opportunity to cure the default. This
clause shall not be interpreted to limit the County's or the Arts Commission's
remedies in law or in equity.
10. Miscellaneous.
A. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the attachments contain the final and
entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter of this
Agreement. All modifications and amendments to this Agreement shall be in
writing. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties, their heirs, successors
and assigns.
B. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws
of the State of North Carolina and the Orange County.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Orange County and the Grant Recipient have signed this Grant
Agreement, effective on the last date this Agreement is signed by both parties as indicated by the
dates set forth under signatures below.
For and on a if ant Recipient
VZO
-"-S&ciarAoets Date
For and on behalf of Orange County Government
r , County Mana&k Date
Jonrvs e— rnwters
For and on behalf o Orange County Arts Commission/approved as to technical content
7 --Z-s-by
Steve Brantley,Economic Develo nt Director Date
t��asto m and legal sufficiency
Ann tte M. Moore, Staff Attorney Dat
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Revised May 2012
This instrument has been pre-audited in the manner required by the Local Government Budget
and Fiscal Control Act
(,' ate., P, Ax,
Clarence G. Grier,Administrative and Financial Services Date
5
Revised May 2012
N Arts Program Grant Spring
:7:f XN 2014-15 Application Form
ORANGE COUNTY ARTS Orange County Arts Commission
COMMISSION
Promoting the artistic and cultural development of Orange County, North Carolina
Evaluation Criteria
• Artistic merit of program.
• Populations served—impact for geographic&traditionally under-served populations.
• Feasibility of proposed activity&effectiveness in fulfilling applicant's mission.
• Cooperation between organizations and artists.
• Evidence of feasibility of program, community support, and responsiveness to community needs.
• Emerging organizations are encouraged to apply.
1 Applicant Information
Applicant Name Sacrificial Poets
Mailing Address PO 492 Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Daytime Phone 919 357 7585 Fax Number NA
Email Address sacrdicialpoetsggmaii.com Web Site www.sacrificialpoets.org
Project Director Will McInerney Title Executive Director
DUNS Number 063682450
2 Project Director Information
Project Director Home Address 200 NC 54 Apt K 303 Carrboro, NC 27510
Daytime Phone 919 357 7585 Evening Phone 919 357 7585
Email Address will�sacrificialpoets.org
3 Grant Request Summary
Arts Program Grant Request $1,500
Total Cash Match $5,000
Total Organizational Budget 2012-2013 $72,000 Past Year
2013-2014 $98,400 Current Year
2014-2015 $90,000 Projected for Next Year
Summary Statement for Proposed Uses of Arts Program Grant Sacrificial Poets is seeking support for the
7th Annual Word Rivalry and Fellowship Poetry Festival. Grant funds will be used to facilitate poetry workshops
performances, and team mentorship for Orange County High School students in poetry clubs and in-school.
Additionally,funds will be used to support teacher development, volunteer training, and the continued
expansion and development of the Word Rivalry Festival in May of 2015.
Questions? Call us at(919) 968-2011 • Deliver Application to:501 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC
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Sacrificial Poets: Narrative
Organizational Profile
Sacrificial Poets is an award-winning spoken word poetry organization that serves middle,
high school,and college-aged youth in the Triangle Area of North Carolina. The organization
facilitates writing and performance workshops throughout the state and hosts regular youth
poetry events. In addition, Sacrificial Poets selects a team of six youth every year to take to the
Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival (as seen on HBO). Sacrificial Poets
utilizes their own innovative arts education curriculum, known as YouTh ink. Workshops are
based on a culturally responsive pedagogy that celebrates learning differences, and is designed to
benefit participants in five specific ways: enhance emotional literacy, facilitate identity
exploration, refine writing and analytical skills, develop performance and public speaking
competency, and build self-confidence. Sacrificial Poets does not empower youth, rather we seek
to create diverse, welcoming, and transformative environments where youth can empower
themselves. Sacrificial Poets is a 501 (c)(3)non-profit organization.
Sample of Current Programs and Services
In the 2013-2014 fiscal year, Sacrificial Poets is running fully-funded writing and performance programs
with the following schools and organizations:
After-School Programs
• Northern High School
• East Chapel Hill High School
Out-of-School Programs
• Fusion Youth Radio
• Beat Making Lab
• Boomerang
• Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA
• Touchstones Open Mic Series
• Voicebox Youth Slam Series
• BNV Slam Academy
In-School Programs
• Halifax County High School
• Southern High School
• Lejeune High School
• Triton High School
• Hillside High School
• Jordan High School
• Riverside High School
• Durham Academy High School
• Northwood High School
• Voyager Academy High School
• Bartlett Yancey High School
• Phoenix Academy High School
• Chapel Hill High School
• Carrboro High School
• Pace Academy High School
• UNC Chapel Hill
• Duke University
• UNC Charlotte
Proposed Uses of Grant Funds:
Program Summary
Sacrificial Poets is seeking support for the 7th annual Word Rivalry and Fellowship Festival. The
festival will be a day-long event held in May 2015 in which teams representing area high schools will
share their art and stories,witness performances from nationally renowned spoken word poets, and
compete in the Word Rivalry inter-high school poetry slam. Sacrificial Poets will use grant funds to 1)
run at least 5 hours of outreach and spoken word workshops in each of the four area high schools(total of
20 hours between CHS, CHHS, ECHHS, and Phoenix Academy)to help youth prepare for the festival,
and 2) organize and run the festival at a Chapel Hill-Carrboro community venue. The workshops will be
conducted by Sacrificial Poets' facilitators as well as guest artists and educators from the national spoken
word scene, and will help youth participants craft original works of spoken word poetry to be presented at
the final festival event. This culminating event will be open to the public, and will give youth participants
the opportunity to share their art with their peers and the greater community.
Program Narrative
In 2009 George Yamazawa, a high school student at Jordan High and member of the Sacrificial
Poets youth poetry slam team, organized the first ever intramural poetry slam competition between Jordan
and Hillside high schools in Durham. The event,known as"Word Rivalry",expanded over the next three
years, including new teams of youth poets from Chapel Hill High,Carrboro High,the Durham
Performance Learning Center, and Northern Durham High School. The past two years Sacrificial Poets'
has significantly grown the festival with the support of the Orange County Arts Commission and the
Strowd Roses Foundation. Word Rivalry has now evolved into a day-long festival that includes 14 high
schools from across the Triangle and offers youth a year-round support system to grow as young writers
and performers.
Over the course of the program, participants will learn how to craft and perform original works of
poetry and storytelling that explore their identity and experience, and which utilize powerful figurative
language and performance techniques. The festival is also designed to bring youth from diverse races,
ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds,genders, and neighborhoods together to learn about and from
each other through the power of their own stories and voices. We strongly believe that interaction
between high schools must go beyond just sports, and give students the opportunity to build relationships
among themselves through recreation, fellowship, group learning, and creativity.
The program will feature workshops that will be run by highly experienced facilitators from
Sacrificial Poets, along with special guest-facilitated workshops throughout the program that bring in
renowned artists and local community leaders. Workshops will take place at the respective schools during
lunch or after school hours_ The Word Rivalry and Fellowship Festival will be held at a venue in Chapel
Hill or Carrboro,with an expected attendance of over 150 people. Our partnerships with both the school
systems, individual teachers and administrators,and other youth serving organization will help bring a
diverse and talented group of youth to the workshop series, and build on the dynamic youth advocacy and
empowerment movements flourishing in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area.
In the past,poetry club and Word Rivalry participants have been extremely diverse, and
historically youth of color have composed over 50 %of total participants. Comparable numbers are
projected for this year as we continue to add new schools to the program from across the Triangle. In
terms of gender diversity,our youth participation is usually pretty even, sometimes leaning towards 60/40
male to female participation.
Changes and Improvements
After running the festival for 6 consecutive years,we have learned a lot,made many
improvements, and responded to constructive feedback from students,teachers, and fellow youth
organizers. This past year was no different, and after reviewing both our successes and our areas for
improvement we have put together a list a changes,updates, and enhancements for the program next year.
1)This past year we began the process of more actively involving teachers in the program. By bringing
teachers onboard as allies we were able to gather valuable feedback and make adjustments to better serve
each individual student population. This year, our hope is to not only include teachers as allies, but to
incorporate them as co-facilitators and leaders of the project as well. This past year we developed a
database of teacher contact information for the schools we work in and we plan to use this information to
communicate with these individuals about ways they can actively take a leadership role in supporting the
students and the Word Rivalry program. Teachers will be given workshops,worksheets, and online
resources to help them facilitate with Sacrificial Poets during the year-round program and the build-up to
the festival.
2)We want to bring more volunteer poets from the local colleges into the classroom. This past year we
also experimented with having youth poet mentors from UNC, Duke,and NC State join our professional
teaching artists in the classroom. This produced great results and is an initiative we want to expand this
upcoming year. By bringing college students into the classroom, we are providing the youth with young,
powerful, and supportive role models that they can look up to and learn from. This process is beneficial
for both the students and the college poets who are gaining valuable teaching practice and hands on
volunteer experience.
3)We would like to continue our development of warm-up events in preparation for the Word Rivalry
Festival. This past year we experimented with having events prior to the festival for the participants.
While the logistics of this proved to be quite challenging and getting the youth in one place a struggle, we
nonetheless believe this is a crucial growing edge for our program. This upcoming year we hope to
expand the warm-up events to include practice slams, open mics,and social events for the youth to
participate in. We hope to create a large,powerful, and diverse community of youth that meet regularly,
not just once a year at the festival.
2014-15 Arts Program Application — Page Three
ORANGE COUNTY ARTS
COMMISSION
Financial Information
Please provide a projected budget for your proposed project utilizing the format below.
Project Expenses Cash Grant Amount + Applicant
Expenses Requested Cash Match
A Personnel
Administrative staff 750 250 500
Artistic staff 5,000 1,000 4,000
Technical/Production staff 750 250 500
B Outside Fees and Services
Artistic contracts
Other contracts:
C Space Rental
D Travel
E Marketing
F Remaining Project Expenses
G Total Cash Expenses 6,500 1,500 + 5.000
Project Income Cash Income
A Admissions
B Contracted Services Revenue
C Other Revenue(specify)
D Private Support
Corporate support
Foundation support
Other private support
E Government Support
Federal
State/regional (not including this request)
Local (not including this request)
F Applicant Cash 5,000
G Grant Amount Requested 1,500
in this application
H Total Cash Income 6,500
(must equal Total Cash Expenses,
Item G above)
t I,
2014-15 Arts Program Application — Page Four
ORANGE COUNTY ARTS
COMMISSION
Signatures
Si ture of Project 42=
Date
`\` ,Gvq\ �.
Typed or Printed Name– Project Dire
Signature of Authorizing Official Date
Typed or Printed Name –Authorizing Official
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE FUNDED
Kane D. Smego
1000 Smith Level Rd. Apt. V-3
Carrboro,NC 27510
Telephone: 443 315 3307
Email: kane a sacrificialpoets,o_rg
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Romance Languages, Spanish
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2010
With Highest Distinction, GPA 3.474
Sterling A. Stoudemire Award Recipient for Excellence in Spanish(Top Senior)
Member of Phi Beta Kappa Society
Member of Golden Key International Honour Society
Member of Order of the Golden Fleece honor society of UNC-Chapel Hill
Skills
Fluent in Spanish(Reading, Writing, and Speaking)
Competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint
Internet Research
Creative writing, editing, and poetry
Literacy instruction in English and Spanish
Facilitation of writing/performance workshops
Ability to organize and lead others on collaborative projects
Completed four semesters of college level Arabic Language
Extensive Public Speaking and literary performance experience
Experience
2008-Present Artistic Director/Poetry Workshop Facilitator
Sacrificial Poets
Responsible for organizing and facilitating middle through high school poetry workshops and
performance events throughout the state of North Carolina. Has been contracted by various institutions
including Playmakers Repertory Company at UNC-Chapel Hill,the Ackland Art Museum, Chapel Hill
High School Arts Academy, YMCA,Boomerang, Stone Circles,Asheville Middle School,the Durham
Youth Home,Durham Nativity School, as well as many colleges and universities (see section on
Colleges/Universities)
Directs and coaches the "Sacrificial Poets"youth poetry team
Provides writing and performance instruction to adults and youth seeking to compete on the local,
regional, national level
Creates poetry/social justice curricula for in-class and after-school programs
Writes grant proposals for program funding
Organizes and plans fundraiser events and performances
2009-2010 Customer Service Representative
Kidzu Children's Museum, Chapel Hill,NC
Provided customer assistance with museum program information
Provided sales assistance for museum memberships
Entered and tracked customer transactions and information in computer database
2006-2009 Elementary Reading Tutor(Pre-K-5th grade)
America Reads Program, Chapel Hill,NC
Responsible for creating daily lesson plans at home and recording hours
Tutored groups of 3-5 elementary school kids
Informed teachers of students' progress by submitting bi-annual student evaluations
Awards and Accomplishments
Artistic:
-National Poetry Slam Finalist
-Southern Fried Regional Poetry Slam Champion
-Placed 14th in the world at the Individual World Poetry Slam (December 2008, Charlotte,NC)
-Presenter at TEDX UNC 2012
-Performed at Bonnaroo Music Festival 2010 as part of the Poetix Vanguard
-2010 Duo Slam poetry team slam champion
-Winner of the Lake Eden Arts Festival(LEAF) poetry slam (October 2008, monetary
award)
-Winner of the Shakori Hills poetry slam (April, 2008, monetary award).
-2010 Two Piece and a Side Slam champion(Tallahasse, FL)
-Completed a 3 '/2 month tour performing and teaching workshops in 17 states across the U.S.
from September-December 2011
Academic:
-Sterling A. Stoudemire Award Recipient for Excellence in Spanish(Top Senior, monetary award)
-Member of Golden Key International Honour Society
-Member of Phi Beta Kappa Society
-Member of Order of the Golden Fleece honor society of UNC-Chapel Hill
Performed and Run Workshops at the following colleges/universities:
Duke University
University of Hawaii
Cal State University at Hayward
Soka University
George Mason University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Bennett College
Guilford College
University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina-Wilmington
University of North Carolina-Asheville
References
Available upon request
Tamarra Starr Seward
2813 South Roxboro Street
Durham, NC 27704
(704) 207-8712
starr@sacrificiaIpoets.com
Objective: To encourage creativity, self awareness, and social activism through the art of Spoken
Word.
Accomplishments
• 2008 - 2009 Member of Slam Charlotte
• 2008 - 13th Ranked Female Poet in the World (WoWPS)
• 2008 - Grand Slam Champion - Slam Charlotte
• 2008 - National Poetry Slam Champion (NPS) - Slam Charlotte
• 2008 - WoWPS Representative - Slam Charlotte
• 2008 - IWPS Representative - Slam Charlotte
• 2009 - 2010 Member of Respect Da Mic
• 2009 - Grand Slam Champion - Respect Da Mic
• 2009 -WoWPS Representative - Slam Charlotte
• 2010 - 2011 Member of Slam Charlotte
• 2011 - WoWPS Representative - Slam Charlotte
• 2012 - WoWPS Representative - Bull City Slam Team
• 2013 - 17th Ranked Female Poet in the World (WoWPS)
• 2013 - 2014 Member of Bull City Slam Team
• 2013- Grand Slam Champion - Bull City Slam Team
Experience T. Starr Seward Durham, NC
Spoken Word Artist 02/2007 - Present
• Revised written material to meet personal standards and to satisfy needs of
clients, publishers, directors, and producers.
• Developed factors such as themes, plots, characterizations environment, action,
and dialogue, to create material.
• Choreographed and performed original works in front of audiences as large as
500 people.
Sacrificial Poets Durham, NC
Teaching Artist 02/2013 - Present
• Facilitated students creation of original works of poetry by executing workshops
tailored to the developmental level and size of classroom.
• Assisted youth through editing and performance preparation.
• Coached students through slam competition.
Urban Ministries -ArtWorks 945 Charlotte, NC
Teaching Artist 06/2009 - 08/2011
• Facilitated weekly workshops on Spoken Word performance and writing
techniques for the homeless population.
• Mobilized a team of five homeless artists to perform at various homeless
initiatives and fundraising events throughout the Charlotte area.
• Worked in conjunction with Restored Dream Project to spread homeless
awareness through the use of artistic showcases held at public libraries
throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Slam Charlotte - Davidson YMCA Charlotte, NC
Teaching Artist 03/2009 - 05/2009
• Facilitated students creation of original works of poetry by executing workshops
tailored to the developmental level and size of classroom.
• Assisted through editing and performance preparation.
• Concluded two month program with a performance showcase.
Education: Central Piedmont Community College Charlotte, NC
Associate in Arts Candidate Present
North Carolina Wesleyan College Rocky Mount, NC
Political Science Candidate 2004
Affiliations: Poetry Slam Inc (PSI) www.psi.com
Concreter Generation www.concretegeneration.org
Sacrificial Poets www.sacrificialpoets.com
Bull City Slam Team www.jambalayasoulsiam.com
References: Available upon request
WILLIAM W. McINERNEY
200 NC 54 Unit K303 Carrboro, NC 27510•(c)919.357.7585 -will.mcinerney @gmaii.com
Youth educator,non-profit director,award winning poet,published author,and programming specialist.
Experience in:
• Youth Programming&Education Academic,Creative,&Technical Writing
• Non-Profit Management Community Engagement
• Organizational Development Public Speaking&Performance
• Middle East and North Africa Research e Digital and Traditional Storytelling
RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE
CHAIRMAN Carrboro, NC (September,
2013-Present)
Carrboro Arts Committee—Government
➢ Lead town-wide efforts to promote the growth, diversity, and accessibility of the arts
➢ Created, updated, and managed strategic budget and vision plans for arts initiatives and
programming
➢ Spearheaded programs to engage youth and schools in arts programming and
opportunities
➢ Facilitated and directed Arts Committee communication, meetings, programs, and events
➢ Worked with Government staff and Committee members to execute overall vision and
operations
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Chapel Hill, NC (February, 2012-
Present)
Sacrificial Poets—Non-Profit Organization
Administrative, Development, and Leadership Roles
➢ Lead overall organizational activity and direct vision for future capacity and growth
➢ Organized the development of an intern program to foster growth and productivity
➢ Revitalized the organization's reach and engagement with the community through event
management
➢ Expanded, diversified, and solidified organizational income exponentially from$1 Ok to
$100k
➢ Accounted for organizational finances, documented and wrote financial reports, and
balanced accounts/ledgers
Education, Programming, and Youth Engagement Roles
➢ Created custom programming curriculum for kids,teens, college students, and adults
➢ Facilitated and recruited for workshops &programs with Elementary,Middle,High
School, and College youth
➢ Expanded number of youth at in-school, after-school, and out-of-school programs from
500 to over 8,000
➢ Taught students at alternative schools who were prone to dropping out, substance abuse,
and behavioral conflicts
➢ Empowered students to use their voice and their writing to engage with the community
and to change their lives
➢ Created and instructed"Poetry and Non-Violent Resistance" workshop series in
Ramailah, West Bank(Palestine)
Additional Information
➢ Worked at various positions within the organization since 2008 (Mentor, Teaching Artist,
Assistant Arts Director)
RESEARCH ASSITANT Chapel Hill, NC (September 2011-Janruary
2012)
UNC Chapel Hill —University
➢ Researched quantitative and qualitative data as part of a large-scale study funded by the
Office of Naval Research
➢ Reported directly to professor in charge and input data streams into large collection
system for further analysis
➢ Project focused on the academic literature on civil war termination, counterinsurgency,
military intervention, and asymmetric war outcomes
➢ My research tasks were targeted towards military interventions undertaken to secure the
political authority of foreign governments facing violent domestic opposition
WRITER/PRODUCER Chapel Hill, NC (February,
2011-Present)
Free Lance—Self-Employed
➢ Conceptualized, fundraised, promoted, and accomplished large scale international and
domestic projects
➢ Reported from Egypt(2011) Tunisia(2011)United States (2012) and Syria/Turkey
Border(2013)
➢ Conducted 100+ radio quality interviews and adapted them into several radio series
infused with original writing
➢ Work broadcast in over 100 cities on National Public Radio (WUNC) and American
Public Media(APM)
Directed, ran, and maintained projects through fundraising, implementation, and
postproduction phases
EDUCATION
Bachelors of Arts in Peace,War,and Defense: Graduated Phi Beta Kappa with Highest Honors
North Carolina State University: Raleigh, North Carolina (August 2007—May 2009) --> GPA:4.00
University of North Carolina: Chapel Hill, North Carolina (August 2009—December 2011) 4 GPA: 3.90
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• Significant working relationships with diverse communities regionally, nationally, and
internationally
• Published poet,National Poetry Slam Finalist, Southern Regional Poetry Slam
Champion, and National Duo Poetry Slain Champion
• International performing artist, speaker, and educator(Egypt,Tunisia,UAE,Turkey,
Palestinian West Bank)
• Proficiency in Windows and Macintosh operating systems and working experience with
Word,Excel,Power Point, audio and video editing, and basic web development
Cleveland "CJ" Suitt II
303 Smith Level Rd Apt P4
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Mobil No: 919-260-7204
Email Address: csuitt05 @$mail._corp or cjsui_tt@)sacrifici_al_poets.com
Bio:
CJ Suitt is a poet and educator from Chapel Hill, NC. He is Co-founder of the Sacrificial Poets,
a youth organization that works to create safe spaces for young people to empower
themselves, through the use of the spoken and written word. He has had the honor of
performing and working in the Bay Area, California with the Mosaic Project, teaching 4th
and 5th grade youth peace-making, diversity,and conflict resolution for the past 2 years.
Lately, he has had the privilege of performing several Local and National music festivals
including Shakori Hills, Gnarnia and Bonnarroo. In a recent move back to the South he has
become the Youth Outreach Director of Sacrificial Poets where he is helping to sustain and
develop a culture of community,gratitude and acceptance. In a world that is constantly
living in fear and stereotypes, CJ believes in breaking silence in order to reclaim, remember
and reshape ourselves and our culture.
Career Objective:
To use the skills I have acquired as an artist to inspire youth to use their voices to
transform their communities through the spoken word, love and conversation.
Educational Background:
University of North Carolina at Pembroke 2005-2006
Kingian Nonviolence Training March 2009
Basic School Age Care Training(BSAC) March 2009
Professional Experience:
2008-2010: Executive Director Of Sacrificial Poets
Responsibilities:
• To Maintain and oversee the daily operation of the organization.
• Organizing youth from area high schools and colleges
• Facilitate youth poetry workshops
• Maintain the organization's relationships with the local high school
administration
• Assist in the writing of grant proposals
• Planning poetry open mic and showcase events
• Creating press materials for the organization
• Coaching the internationally competing youth team
9/2010 -6/2012: Mosaic Staff Facilitator
The Mosaic Project
mosaicprojectorg
580 Grand Avenue
Oakland,California 94610
(510) 452-3377
"The Mosaic Project works towards a peaceful future by reaching children in their forma-
tive years. Our principal program is a unique outdoor school in which we unite 4th and 5th
graders of diverse backgrounds, provide them with essential skills to thrive in an increas-
ingly diverse society, and empower them to strive for peace."
Responsibilities:
• Daily facilitation with 4th and 5th Grade students.
• Getting students from one place to the next at the outdoor school
• Teaching Conflict Resolution, Peacemaking and Diversity
• Work with other facilitators to prepare for weekly activities and logistics
• Help to maintain grounds at an Enchanted Hills outdoor school
8/2010 - 6/2011: Artist in Residence at The Marion Cheek Jackson Center
Marian Cheek Jackson Center
www.jacksoncenter.info
510 West Rosemary Street
Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516
(919) 929-6595
The Marian Cheek Jackson Center is an organization dedicated to preserving histories of
historically black neighborhoods in the Chapel Hill/ Carrboro areas.
Responsibilities:
• Coordinating the Jackson Scholars program
• Creating collaborative projects between scholars and local organizations
• Daily operational Tasks for the Jackson Center
• Creating lesson plans, attendance and workshops for students and youth involved in
Jackson Center Programming.
• Organizing Youth in Local Youth for the Jackson Scholars program as well as
community events
2009-Present: Freelance Poet&Facilitator Teaching Artist
Speaking Engagements
• Co-Wrote/ Co-Directed and acted in Historical Re-enactment of the 1947
Freedom Rides February 2009
• FLO Food People, Power, Poultry Event March 2009
• Kamikaze UNC Dance Team Final Show April 2009
• Local NAACP 100 Year Anniversary Celebration May 2009
• Speak UP Community Engagement Initiative Event May 2009
• Southern Fried South Eastern adult poetry competition Chapel Hill Team
Member June 2009
• St.Anthony Hall's Poetry, Prose &Pancakes August 2009
• Orange County Rape Crisis Center General Meeting September 2009
• Chapel Hill High School Club Day Sept 2009
• Feature Poet at Mansion 462 November 2009
• Youth 4 Advocacy Human Rights Day Event December 2009
• Black Mountain Poetry Revival January 2010
• Dirty South Improv: Mr. Diplomat January 2010
• UNC Box-Out March 2010,April 2011
• FLOC Benefit April 2010
• CHCCS Academy Event April 2010
• Stone Center Writing Camp April 2010
• Kamikaze Dance Performance April 2010
• Marion Cheek Jackson Center May Day May 2010
• Beyu Slam May 2010
• El Kilombo Fundraiser September 2010
• Ackland Art Museum Andy Warhol celebration November 2010
• S.O.S Community Meeting St Josephs November 2010
• WILPF Radio Featurette December 2010
• Heirs Project Gala December 2010
• Womens International League For Peace & Freedom 75th Anniversary Event
December 2010
• HKonJ March Performance February 2011
• Mr Diplomat at DSI Comedy February 2011
• Hosted UNC Wilmington Poetry Slam February 2011
• Spoke on Academy Panel February 2011
• MLK Day Rally and March January 2010, 2011, 2013
• Opened for Nikki Henderson at UNC for Food Justice Week April 2011
• Nazim Hikmet Poetry Festival April 2011
• Hosting Shakori Hills Poetry Slam April 2011, April 2012,April 2013
• Arts Discussion Panel at WCHL April 2011
• GSO Freedom Slam April 2011
• Durham Tech Career Camp Performance June/July 2011
• Sunburst Project July 2011
• UNC's Ebony Readers Onyx Theatre WOrkshop August 2011
• Starry Plough Berkeley, CA November 2011
• Frank Gallery Show January 2012
• YMCA No shoes event April 2012
• Student Power Assembly September 2012
• Stone Center Race Matters Show November 2012
• UNC Silent Sam Show January 2013
• PErformance in Collaboration With Raisin in the Sun and Clybourne Park
February 2013
• Chapel Hill Sustainability Festival April 2013
Workshops and Facilitation
• Contract with Chapel Hill High School Arts Academy 2009 &2010 school years
• Spring Fest at East Chapel Hill High School April 2009
• Boro Blow Out at Carrboro High School
• Tiger Fest at Chapel Hill High School May 2009
• African American Male Leadership Academy at North Carolina Central University
June 2009
• Part of Community Arts Grant exploring neighborhood and the preservation of
oral histories March-May 2010
• Weldon STEM High School April 2010
• Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools culminating Academy Event April 2010
• Leaders Club Retreat April 2010
• Anathoth Community Garden April 2010
• OASIS Youth Mentorship April 2010
• Chapel Hill Youth Summit May 2010
• Facilitation with The Mosaic Project September-October 2010
• UNC Wilmington Show February 2011 March 2012
• Partners for Youth Workshop in Durham June 2011
• Upward Bound July 2011
• Mosaic In Schools January-February 2012
• George Mason Peace Making Workshops Febraury 2012
• Boomerang Alternative Suspension Program 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 school year
• Duke Creative Writers Summer Camp Workshop June 2010, 2011, 2012
• Stanford L. Warren Durham Public Library- March 2011, 2012
• Carrboro High School Boro BlowOut April 2011
• Interactive Theater UNC April 2012
• Youth Community Project Public Speaking Workshop March 2012
• Poetic Justice Program September 2012-February 2013
• Orange County Correctional Workshop November 2012
• Weekly Poetry CLubs at CHHS, ECHHS and CHS January-June 2013
Achievements:
Has been published in several collective works of poetry including Sacrificial Poets
Presents: The Classics. as well as 27 views of Chapel Hill: A Southern University Town in
Prose and Poetry. Has been the feature story in several local newspapers as well and been
published as a guest columnist in The News &Observer as well as the Chapel Hill Herald.
He has Received the 2009 Metamorphosis Champion Award for ongoing efforts to make
sure the voices of young people are heard. Co-founded the first youth poetry organization
in the the state and first internationally competing youth poetry team and organization in
North Carolina. Most recently CJ has been honored by the Hannah Ruth Foundation for
leadership and his work with the Community.
Sacrificial Poets: 2014-2015
Income
Line Items Total
Events r x
Grand Slam Finals $1,100.00
Slams (6/fiscal year) $1,200.00
Open Mic(12/fiscal year) $1,200.00
Contract Funded Work
Workshops and Performances $35,000.00
Grant Funded Work
Orange County Arts Commission $1,500.00
Strowd Roses $5,000.00
Duke Energy $3,000.00
Chapel Hill Arts Commission $2,000.00
NC Arts Council $10,000.00
Donations ,
Genral Donations $5,000.00
Holiday Campaign $5,000.00
Gala Campaign $7,500.00
BNV Campaign $7,500.00
Sponsorships ,
Sponsorships $5,000.00
Total $90,000.00 $90,000.00
Sacrificial Poets: 2014-2015
Expenses
Line Items Total
Events �
n , . . v
Grand Slam Finals $100.00
Slams $300,00
Open Mic $600.00
Word Rivalry $1,000.00
BNV
Team Meals $100.00
Ground Transportation $100.00
Miscellaneous $100.00
Chaperone Festival Pass $400.00
Coach and Chaperone Travel $800.00
Registration Fee $1,750.00
Youth Travel $2,500.00
Supplies
Notebooks $400.00
Pens $400,00
General Office Supplies $2,200.00
Printing & PRA
Banner $100.00
Internal Documents $200.00
Ink $200.00
Fliers $500.00
Brochure $500.00
Business Cards $500.00
Info & Tech
Email Addresses $400.Q0
Website Development $500.00
Miscellaneous � a .
Incidentals $2,000.00
Staff Development $4,000.00
Merchandise
Chap Books $200
Stickers $100
T-Shirts $250
CD's $800
Salaries
Youth Outreach Coordinator $6,000
Program Coordinator $6,000
Development Director $6,000
Artistic Director $20,000
Executive Director $25,000
Contractors
Accounting $1,000.00
Artistic Contractors $3,000.00
Milage . rt
Staff Milage $2,000.00
Total $90,000.00 $90,000.00
Sacrificial Poets: 2013-2014
Income
Line Items Total
Events
Grand Slam Finals $1,000.00
Slams (6/fiscal year) $1,200.00
Open Mic (12/fiscal year) $1,200.00
Contract Funded Work
Workshops and Performances $40,000.00
Grant Funded Works
Orange County Arts Commission $1,500.00
Strowd Roses $2,500.00
Duke Energy $3,000.00
Chapel Hill Arts Commission $5,000.00
NC Arts Council $13,000.00
Donations
Genral Donations $5,000.00
Holiday Campaign $5,000.00
Gala Campaign $7,500.00
BNV Campaign $7,500.00
Sponsorships $5
Sponsorships $5,000.00
Total $98,400.00 $98,400.00
Sacrificial Poets: 2013-2014
Expenses
Line Items Total
m. fn ,gym"
Events ;
Grand Slam Finals $100.00
Slams $300.00
Open Mic $500.00
Word Rivalry $1,000.00
BNV
Team Meals $100.00
Ground Transportation $100.00
Miscellaneous $10.00
Chaperone Festival Pass $400.00
Coach and Chaperone Travel $800.00
Registration Fee $1,750.00
Youth Travel $2,500.00
Supplies k
�TM n
Notebooks $400.00
Pens $400.00
General Office Supplies $2,200.00
Printing & PR
Banner $100,00
Internal Documents $200.00
Ink $200.00
Fliers $500.00
Brochure $500.00
Business Cards $500.00
Info & Tech
Email Addresses $400.
Website Development $500.04
Miscellaneous �
Incidentals $2,000.00
Staff Development $4,000.00
Merchandise � .
Chap Books $100
Stickers $100
T-Shirts $250
CD's $800
Salaries $01000,00
Youth Outreach Coordinator $6,000
Program Coordinator $6,000
Development Director $6,000
Artistic Director $20,000
Executive Director $25,000
Contractors $91500.00
Accounting $3,000.00
Artistic Contractors $6,500.00
Milage $
Staff Milage $5,000.00
Total $98,400.00 $98,400.00
Sacrificial Poets: 2012-2013
Income
Notes
Events $3, .
Open Mic (12/fiscal year) $1,200.00
Slams (6/fiscal year) $1,200.00
Grand Slam Finals $1,000.00
Word Rivalry $500.00
Merchandise $1,8-50.00
T-Shirts $1,000.00
CD's $500.00
Chap Books $250.00
Stickers $100.00
Workshops $13,875.00
LakeView $10,000.00
Phoenix $1,500.00
Boomerang $1,875.00
Carrboro High School $500.00
Projected Workshops $31,500.00
Carolina Friends School $9,000.00
CHHS $1,000.00
ECHHS $1,000.00
CH Library $3,000.00
Ackland $5,000.00
DPS $5,000.00
W U MC $7,500.00
Projected Shows $4,OW.00
Various shows $4,000.00
Projected Donations $1sW0.00
Various Donations $15,000.00
Projected Sponsorships $2,®«x.00
Various Sponsorships $2,000.00
Total $72,125.00 $72,125.00
Sacrificial Poets: 2012-2013
Expenses
Operational Notes
Open Mic $600.00
12events @$50
Feature $600.00 each
Slam $300.00
6 events @ $50
Feature $300.00 each
Grand Slam
Finals $100.00
Feature $100.00
Word Rivalry $100.00
Feature $100.00
Brave New
Voices $2,690.00
Chaperone Festival
Pass $500.00
Coach and Chaperone
Airfare $600.00
Registration Fee $1,250.00
Team Meals $100.00
Ground Transportation $100.00
Miscellaneous $100.00
Supplies $1,000-00
Quickbooks $250.00
General Office
Supplies $450.00
Notebooks $200.00
Pens $100.00
Printing and
Publicity
Fliers $500.00
Banner $100.00
Internal Documents $200.00
Brochure $200.00
Business Cards $200.00
Ink $200.00
Paper $50.00
Information and
Technology $51OX li
email addresses $300.00
Domain Registration $50.00
Website Development $100.00
Skype Phone Number $60.00
Miscellaneous $5,000.0
Insurance $2,000.00
Staff Development $2,000.00
Incidentals $1,000.00
Merchandise $700.00
T-Shirts $500
CD's $100
Chap Books $50
Stickers $50
Workshops $12,112.50
Lakeview $10,000 Staff($45 p/h)
Phoenix $1,050 Staff($35 p/h)
Boomerang $1,313 Staff($35 p/h)
Carrbor High School $350 Staff($35 p/h)
Potential
Workshops
Carolina Friends School $7,000.00 Staff($50 p/h)
CHHS $700.00 Staff($35 p/h)
ECHHS $700.00 Staff($35 p/h)
CH Library $2,400.00 Staff($35 p/h)
Ackland $3,750.00 Staff($35 p/h)
DPS $4,000.00 Staff($35 p/h)
WUNC $0.00
Potential Shows
Booking $400 Jake Jacoby
Staff $2,600
Salaries $25,000.00
Executive Director $12,000 Will McInerney
Artistic Director $10,000 Kane Smego
Youth Development $3,000 CJ Suitt
Total $71,672.50 ��� $71,672.50
Sacrificial Poets: Artist Contact Information
➢ Will McInerney—Executive Director
200 HWY 54 Apt. K 303
Carrboro, NC 27510
919-357-7585
will sacrificialpoets.com
Kane Smego—Artistic Director
120 Timber Ridge Dr.
Durham,NC 27713
443 —315—3307
kane a sacrificialpoetscom
CJ Suitt—Youth Outreach Coordinator
204 James St.
Carrboro, NC 27510
919—903 —6532
ci@ sacri fi cialpoets.com
➢ Tamara Seward—Program Coordinator
2813 South Roxboro St.
Durham,NC 27704
704—207—8712
Starr a,sacrificiali),oets.com
Sacrificial Poets: Staff Roster
Will McInerney—Executive Director
Smathryn Cleveland—Development Director
Kane Smego—Artistic Director
Starr Seward—Program Coordinator
CJ Suitt—Youth Outreach Coordinator
Jasmine Farmer—Teaching Artist
Rashiidah Richardson—Bonner Scholar Intern
Amber Pritchard—Bonner Scholar Intern
Sacrificial Poets: Board of Directors Contact Information
➢ Dasan Ahanu—Chair ➢ Jake Jacoby
1506 Shawnee St. 200 HWY 54 Apt K 303
Durham,NC 27715 Carrboro,NC 27510
919—539—6227 919—423—8927
dasan66live.com Jake Sacrifi cialPoets.com
➢ Terrence Foushee—Vice Chair ➢ Michael Irwin
200 Westminster Dr.Apt 2 1 B 4608 Murphy School Rd
Chapel Hill,NC 27514 Durham,NC 27705
919-360-6457 919-357-7443
Terrence@SacrificialPoets_com WillowandI@gmaii.com
➢ Kimberly McCrae—Treasurer ➢ Della Pollock
222 Pebblestone Dr. 701 W Trinity Ave.
Durahm,NC 27703 Durahm,NC 27701
919-434-3902 919-357-5391
redefininiz freedom aahoo_com pollock@emaiI unc.edu
➢ Debbie Alcorn—Secretary ➢ Amanda Hughes
2626 Hitchcock Drive 1425 Pennsylvania Avenue
Durham,NC 27705 Durham,NC 27705
919—943—5339 919—843—3592
deborahalcorn mail com amandamillavhu hes ail.com
➢ Will Hendricks ➢ Pierce Freelon
601 W Rosemary St. Suite 220 3541 Rugby Rd.
Chapel Hill,NC 27516 Durham,NC 27707
937—750—4046 919—697—7728
douglaswilliamhendrick &nniail_.com pfreelon@ il.com
➢ Meg McGurk ➢ Torin Martinez
308 West Rosemary St. Suite 202 6403 Forest Ridge Dr.
Chapel Hill,NC 27516 Durham,NC 27713
919-967-9440 919—923—3276
meg@downtownchaoelhil l.com torin_martinez�_ail.com
Sacrificial Poets: Programs, Press, and Other Materials
1. Word Rivalry 2014 Registration Packet
2. Word Rivalry 2014 Promotional Flyer
3. Word Rivalry 2014 Pictures
Word Rivalry 2414 Registration Form
Every year, teams of young poets representing local high schools come together to share stage and
compete in a high school team poetry slam run by Sacrificial Poets. This year, the event has evolved
into the Word Rivalry and Fellowship High School Poetry Slam Festival, a day-long celebration
that will include poetry workshops with nationally-renowned spoken word poets, in addition to the slam
competition. Youth from high schools across Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Raleigh, and Cary will be
participating in the festival, which will be held on May 25th from 12:30 pm -8:00 pm on UNC
campus in Chapel Hill. All teams will have the opportunity to participate in the writing and
performance workshops as well as the preliminary rounds of the competition in the afternoon, and the
top four teams will make the finals held at the Kenan Theatre in UNC Center for Dramatic Arts.
Registration for Word Rivalry is free thanks to support from the Orange County Arts Commission, the
Strowd Roses Foundation, and the School of Arts and Sciences at UNC-Chapel Hill. All registered
participants will be provided with afternoon snacks and dinner. Festival activities will be restricted to
registered youth poets from each school, but the finals will be FREE and open to the public. The
Festival activities will start promptly at 12:30 pm, PLEASE BE ON TIME.
Each participating team in Word Rivalry must register at least 4 poets to compete, and may have up
to 6. In addition, each school may register up to 2 non-competing youth who will receive meals,
participate in the workshops, and attend all festival activities. Please fill out the registration forms
below and return to:
School Name/Mascot:
Name of Coach/Faculty Chaperone:
Contact Info: Phone#: Email:
I hereby agree to accompany my team and act as chaperone during the day of activities at the
2013 Word Rivalry and Fellowship Festival at UNC-Chapel Hill:
Signature of Coach/Faculty Chaperone:
Names of Participating Poets/Grade Level: Names of Non-competing poets/Grade
Level
1. 1.
2. 2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Agreement and Permission Form
Each participating youth poet must return this form to their Coach/Faculty Chaperone by
Friday April 25, 2014.
Word Rivalry and Fellowship Festival, UNC Center for Dramatic Arts
Saturday May 17, 2014 12:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Name of Youth
Phone#: Email:
Parent/Guardian Name
Phone#: Email:
I give permission for my child to participate in the Word Rivalry and Fellowship Festival on Saturday
May 17, 2014 from 12:30 pm - 8:00 pm at the Center for Dramatic Arts at the University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill. I understand that a faculty chaperone (teacher/administrator)will accompany
my child throughout the festival and competition.
Signature: Date:
VIDEO RELEASE PERMISSION SLIP
I give permission for my child, .(Student name),to be filmed as
part of Sacrificial Poets' documentation of the Word Rivalry and Fellowship Festival.
Parent Name
Parent Signature Date:
Standards of Behavior Form
The Standards of Behavior form must be signed by ALL Word Rivalry participants. These standards
will be applied across the board for all youth. As a youth leader/poet/artist participating in Word
Rivalry 2014 at UNC-Chapel Hill, I agree and understand the following:
I am here to celebrate the power of the youth voice, and as such, will do my utmost to represent the
positive spirit of the Word Rivalry and Fellowship High School Poetry Slam Festival, and will act
responsibly throughout my stay.
There will be no drinking of alcohol or illegal drug use at anytime. There will be no illegal behavior
during the festival of any kind. Failure to comply with this will result in my immediately being excused
from the festival. I will discourage others from engaging in this activity as well.
There will be no leaving the UNC-Chapel Hill campus without direct chaperone supervision by the
team's Coach/Faculty Chaperone. Failure to comply with this will result in my immediately being
excused from the festival and in some cases disqualification for your team from participating in the
Slam.
There will be no violence allowed at anytime. Failure to comply with this will result in my immediately
being excused from the festival.
As a team member, I am responsible to attend and be present at all assigned activities. I will not
abandon my team, nor disappear. I will be available at all times during the festival.
Cigarette Smoking is not permitted on UNC-Chapel Hill campus and will not be allowed during the
festival.
All attendees will be given a permission slip and registration form. I will complete these and return
them to my Coach/Faculty Chaperone by April 25, 2014.
By Signing below, I agree to these understandings.
Name of youth, Team, & Signature
Festival Rules and Guidelines
TEAM GUIDELINES
•There must be a minimum of 4 people on each team, a maximum of 6. We encourage schools to
invite more youth to come to the finals on Saturday night, but ask that each team limit the number of
youth they are bringing to participate in day of activities to six.
• No more than 4 poets on the stage at any time (during the slam). By"on the stage,"we mean as a
part of the poem. Each round a team may send up an individual poem in their slot, or a group piece
with 2, 3 or 4 poets.
•Team members must be currently enrolled in high school.
•We encourage everyone to be as outgoing as possible. This is an incredible opportunity to meet,
share, and build with a community of young writers, leaders, and educators from across the triangle.
Please take advantage of this.
SLAM GUIDELINES
Although we distress the competition, we have come up with the following guidelines. Please abide by
them so as to avoid controversy and keep the focus on the fun and expansive nature of poetry and
the festival as a whole.
•All of the work used in the Slam must be original writing by the individuals slamming.
• Group pieces constructed and performed as duets, trios, and quartets are not only permissible, but
also encouraged. Each performing member of a group piece must have participated in the writing of
the group piece.
•The Slam is about the poet(s) and the mic(s). Props may not be used in the Slam. Props are defined
as any non-body piece of equipment. Musical accompaniment (excluding mouth/body percussion)
may not be used in the Slam.
• Each individual and group piece must be under three minutes in length. We will have a 30 second
grace period, after which significant time penalties will incur.
• If individuals or teams go over the time limits, their scores will be penalized .5 for each 10 seconds
beyond 3:30 minutes, starting at 3 minutes 40 seconds. (e.g. up to 3:39— no penalty; 3:40 to 3:49- .5
point penalty; 3:50 to 3:59 — 1 point penalty, etc.)
•There is no censorship whatsoever, but gratuitous use of profanity could work against you when it
comes to scoring. It is recommended that teams regulate themselves and try to avoid excessive
violence, sexually explicit content and/or language that is degrading to any group of people. Please,
do it for the love.
• Each Team will participate in one preliminary bout (4 rounds), and the top team(s) in each
preliminary bout will make the finals (4 rounds). Teams may not repeat poems within the same bout,
but teams that make finals may repeat poems that they performed in the preliminary bout.
•The Slam will be judged by a mixed panel of poets, adults and young people who are in no way
affiliated with the teams who participate in the Slam. Many judges will be pre-selected, and some will
come from the audience. We will shoot for diversity in the judging panel.
•Team bouts will be drawn randomly. Each bout will consist of four or five competing teams.
• Be respectful of yourself, the youth writing community and the group you represent.
• Have fun in this process. If you don't get high scores, so what. It says nothing about your abilities
and potential as a writer, thinker, and cultural leader.
Festival Schedule
This year, Word Rivalry will include free poetry workshops lead by nationally-renowned spoken
word poets who will also be our guest performers at the competition finals. All participating youth
from each team should bring a notebook and writing utensil to the festival in order to take part in the
workshops.
12:30- 1:00 Teams Arrive at UNC Campus in the Cobb Parking Deck, Welcome and
Orientation. Snacks distributed.
1:00 - 2:30 Workshop Sessions
2:30 -4:30 Preliminary bouts
4:30 - 5:30 Dinner(provided)
5:30—6:00 Fellowship time and team meetings. During this time teams will be encouraged to
mingle and get to know each other. This will also be time for finalist teams to regroup
and prepare for the finals.
6:00- 8:00 Finals (Including Showcase from guest poets)
*The Finals are FREE and open to the public, so come out and support these incredible young
voices!
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Word Rivalry 2014 Group Picture
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Word Rivalry 2014 Final Stage Performance
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Sacrificial Poets: Work Samples
SEE ATTACHED DISK FOR WORK SAMPLES
1. Kane Smego-Super Hero-Video-2013
2. Starr Seward-Beautiful-Video-2013
3. Will McInerney-Heartbeats-Video-2014
4. CJ Suitt-Moon Men-Video-2013