Over the next few years, Youth Speaks will work to advance a progressive aesthetic and politic as articulated by youth of color, while encouraging young people to become knowledgeable of the standards of democracy and justice as set forth by the U.S. constitution, and in particular, The Bill of Rights. Through a series of conferences, expanded curricula, performance tours, PSA's, and a clearly defined Declaration for the Rights of Youth, the Youth Speaks Words as Weapons movement is a part of our Annual Bringing the Noise for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Festival, and quickly spread nationally through our Brave New Voices network, a college tour, and an interactive youth-run website/forum.

As we more deeply move into the 21st Century, oral poetry is helping to define the American Voice. Within the ever-growing community of Spoken Word, young writers are helping to evolve the aesthetic at a rapid rate in thriving public platforms that are pluralistic and progressive. Youth Speaks argues for a concrete and ethical understanding of political engagement, one that requires response, action, and performance. We aim to build structure around multicultural and class discourse, so as to unveil deeper levels of cultural literacy. By making the connection between poetry, Spoken Word, and civic engagement, Youth Speaks provides teenagers with opportunities for their voices to have ongoing resonance and long-term effect. We aim to deconstruct dominant narratives in hopes of achieving a more inclusive, and active, society of young activists. Believing that young people have the tools to take control of their lives through language, Youth Speaks encourages youth to stand up and speak out.