In March of 2025, Cascadia Poetics Lab founding director Paul E. Nelson was a guest speaker and workshop facilitator at Jackson High School in Everett and Cristo Rey High School in Seattle, leading students in literary and bioregionalist discussions and spontaneous poetry exercises. Paul had a wonderful time engaging with the next generation of Cascadians, with one of his favorite outcomes from a poetry exercise coming from students Anthony C. and Nikki M., “Jackson High asks: ‘What is a woman? It is an ignored high five.'”
Jackson High School English teacher Jenna Pratt had this to say about Paul’s time teaching the students:
Ultimately, around 180 students were impacted by today’s guest speaker experience. Through the work of Paul Nelson at Cascadia Poetic Lab, students were able to have their perception of language and words be challenged. Each class period was able to disconnect from technology-based approaches to learning and participate in collaborative poetry writing activities. Some of these activities include, discussion of the Cascadia bioregion, the differences between abstract vs. concrete language, the exercise of the Exquisite Corpse, Postcard exercise where students write poems on postcards, a lesson in collaborative poetry making, and discussions of what brings us joy.One instance of joy today was witnessing a student actively participate in the work when in the previous four months of school it was challenging to get him to focus. He enjoyed sharing about the 30-acre farm a family friend owns that he spends time hanging out on and that brought a great sense of connection between the students and myself.Further, having the opportunity to connect Kyle Mitchell and I’s classes together made for a fun, collaborative experience we wouldn’t have normally had. The work of Paul Nelson itself caters to conversations and activities around diverse populations and achieving greater equity and inclusion. The Cascadia Poetic Lab works closely with local communities and Native American tribes to celebrate and share the unique languages and stories of this biregion we call Cascadia. Each student was able to participate at a level they were comfortable with whether that was one-on-one with their classmates, or individually. There was a lot of sharing out as well where students who would not normally participate were willing to share their ideas and writing.
Student poetry exercises from Paul’s workshop at Jackson High School
Paul Nelson teaching at Jackson High School
It’s breathtaking to hear that the hard work of Paul, the Cascadia Poetics Lab board and myself had a noticeable impact on the learning and creativity of these students. Leading lessons and workshops as guest speakers in schools throughout Cascadia is a vital step in Cascadia Poetics Lab’s evolution. We aim to train CPL board and Cascadia 2050 members to teach Cascadia Poetics Lab curriculum to students in underserved areas. Eventually, Cascadia Poetics Lab would like to include students and young poets in the Poetry Postcard Fest and Cascadia Poetry Festival so we may guide the next generation in disconnecting from technology and connecting more deeply with self, community, environment and the present moment through poetic practice. We extend the deepest gratitude to Jackson High School, Cristo Rey High School, their dedicated staff and brilliant students!
Give BIG to Cascadia Poetics Lab May 6-7!
As Cascadia Poetics Lab continues to expand our audience and share our mission throughout Cascadia, we are in need of financial support to provide modest stipends to our staff and speakers, pay for travel expenses to reading and presentation locations, fund festivals and events, and more. You can support Cascadia Poetics Lab’s efforts by donating to our GIVE BIG fundraising campaign TOMORROW, May 6 and Wednesday, May 7. CLICK HERE to GIVE BIG to Cascadia Poetics Lab and to learn more about our financial goals for 2025 and various sponsorship options.
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