Creating safe spaces is crucial for individuals to express themselves freely without fear of judgment or harm. These spaces are especially important for marginalized communities, where individuals may face discrimination and prejudice in their daily lives. Tell Your Truth recognizes the importance of safe spaces and strives to provide a welcoming environment for all individuals to share their stories.
That's why Damont Combs, a poet and advocate for pay equity for poets, created Tell Your Truth, an organization that uses poetry as a vehicle for change and building community.
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Tell Your Truth's award-winning open mic events, founded by Damont, have grown in impact and engagement, attracting an average of 150 guests each month. Through our programming, we provide spaces for creative expression, personal growth, and community building. But it's not just about the poetry. Research has shown that participating in poetry-related activities can improve one's mental health, promote self-expression, and foster a sense of community and belonging.
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Damont Combs, founder of Tell Your Truth, is a poet who has experienced the power of safe spaces firsthand. His journey with poetry began at Johnson & Wales University, where he utilized several poetry-focused community spaces to develop his own performance and writing abilities. This experience opened his eyes to the life-changing impact nonprofits can have on the communities they serve.
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In late 2022, Combs and four founding board members formed Tell Your Truth as a registered 501(c) (3) organization to support the artistic community. Our mission is to prioritize the well-being and advancement of artists, recognizing that physical, mental, and spiritual health is essential for individuals to thrive.
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Poetry-related activities have been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, promoting self-expression and personal growth. By providing a safe space for creative expression, Tell Your Truth aims to improve the mental health and well-being of our community. We are piloting innovative workshops and seminars related to youth education, mental health, and emotional well-being in education and the workplace.
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At Tell Your Truth, the importance of community and safe spaces is at the heart of everything we do. Through our innovative programming and award-winning open mic events, the organization provides a support system that artists deserve. By donating today, you can help Tell Your Truth continue to build these safe spaces and support the artistic community.
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