HEAR THIS!                 

TEENS WITH A PURPOSE SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAM 

H.E.A.R THIS (Healing, Empowering, Arts & Restoration) is a Literary Arts & Mass Media program supporting Social, Emotional Learning, and Peer Leadership Development in school-based settings through creative expression.

TWP is committed to the development of young leaders who positively impact their neighbors, classmates, schools, governments, congregations, and one another. Teens With a Purpose (TWP) was formed in 1996, and in 2007 became TWP-The Youth Movement a 501(c) (3) non-profit youth development organization. The organization is celebrating over 25 years of experience in providing peer leadership training and arts center programs delivered by professional teaching artists & peer mentors.  TWP has been recognized both regionally and nationally. 

OUR VISION Young people shaping and creating an inspired and positive world where dreams become reality and the impossible is made possible for everyone. 

OUR MISSION To create a platform that empowers young people to use their voice, creativity, reflection, and action to affect personal growth, transform lives and impact surrounding communities. 

OUR CORE BELIEFS We believe that all youth matter. We believe that everyone has potential. We celebrate diversity. We believe artistic expression gives life. We believe in youth empowerment. We believe in supporting one another. We believe in community. We believe change happens through dialogue. 

HEAR THIS! is a standards-based, school-based program led by Creative Program Manager, Richard A, Love, a celebrated poet & musician assisted by Shana Smith-Coleman TWP poetic teaching artist both are
Virginia Commission for the Arts Roster – Teaching Artists, who along with other TWP teaching artists and peer mentors partner with teachers and school officials to bring high-level performance poetry, music production, visual & amp, media arts sessions to classrooms and after school clubs. The curriculum is designed to help young people critically explore their lived experiences and consider their endless potential. Here young people feel supported and together they learn to make healthier decisions, build resilience & amp; foster healthy relationships. With greater coping skills they become better equipped to overcome life’s obstacles. Participants feel heard, celebrated, and empowered!

HEAR THIS will engage students on a bi-monthly basis during ninety-minute sessions. Members of the program meet during or after-school for team building, performance poetry & arts-based sessions with their
teaching artists and peer mentors. The culminating event is called IMMORTALL – the Hampton Roads Youth Poetry & Arts Based theatre based, four event Festival. TWP also coordinates school events, to give students an opportunity to share with their student body, where permitted.

Teens With a Purpose is a Interdisciplinary Arts / Youth Development Organization that offers programs in Peer Education & Leadership, Arts Education as Enrichment, Healthy Living & Wellness, and Community Outreach. Simply put, Teens Cultivating the Next Generation of Leaders. TWP has produced the Hampton Roads Youth Poet Laureate (HRYPL) program in partnership with National Youth Poet Laureate since 2015 giving Hampton Roads Youth the opportunity to compete for the opportunity to become the NYPL. In 2023, TWP will be launching the Virginia Youth Poet Laureate program. 

More information info@twpthemovement.org   www.TWPTheMovement.org 

(757) 747-2679

Current School Partners:  Bayside Middle School, Virginia Beach; Norview Middle School Norfolk, Ruffner Middle School Norfolk; Booker T Washington High School Norfolk; Granby High School Norfolk

 Communities In Schools Hampton Roads

Current Program Funders:  United Way Hampton Roads; Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities; Hampton Roads Community Foundation; City of Norfolk.