In this episode, Megan Vosk interviewed Grace Eagle Reed about the importance of creative expression in the prisons. Grace discussed how the journey of interpersonal conflict produces chances for better choices by at-risk youth. She shared her experience teaching writing and poetry at the Residential Alcohol/Drug (RAD) Community Justice Juvenile Services from 2006-2008.
The severe life struggles of the students inspired creativity and allowed space for an open ended process to happen. Grace and the students came together in a state of hard earned trust and talked from the heart on those magic days in Portland, Oregon.
Grace read a few excerpts from her book, Needs. The book contains poems and short stories that reflect the life experiences of addicted youth who were unsuccessful in their communities and were placed in juvenile justice.
For more information, see Grace's website - www.negotiatingshadows.com
- KBOO