Workshop gives students tools to use power of words

Stretch your words. Watch your hands. And don't introduce what you're going to say; just say it.

With those instructions in mind, Olympia High School junior Tionna Clark, 15, got ready to speak.

"Love, is everything," she announced. "It is how we, should live."

Clark and more than a dozen other students in an Olympia High School classroom, were taking part in a leadership workshop offered by the Institute for Community Leadership this week. The Kent-based institute, which holds workshops nationwide, also had sessions in Shelton and Yelm this week.

The students were identified by their elementary, middle and high schools. The seminar was aimed at helping students eliminate discrimination and bullying in the Olympia district.

The weeklong workshop uses poetry to teach students to be leaders.

Students didn't let one another get away with a quick recitation of their poems. They coached one another on using their hands, stances and voices to deliver their messages.

"Poetry has an almost universal way of allowing them to access their voice," institute executive director Roy Wilson said. "It's poetry that frees our voice and lets us speak what we feel."

Wilson said each district has its own issues students want to address.

The Olympia students said they have been focused on eliminating racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination, but that learning to deliver words with power will help them succeed.

"With poetry, you start to learn you have a voice, and you have confidence in your voice," said Rachel Fleener, 14, who will be a freshman at Olympia High this fall.

Clark said she has taken part in activities that promote diversity and inclusiveness, such as the school's climate committee, but now thinks she can do more.

"I tend to be kind of quiet and shy," she said. "But this has made me realize my words are really powerful. ... We're going to have assemblies, and I'll feel more comfortable with what I'm doing."

Venice Buhain covers education for The Olympian. She can be reached at 360-754-5445 or vbuhain@theolympian.com.