Voices of LA: Empowering Adult Literacy Through Poetry and Storytelling

Adult literacy

Long Beach County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Applying a proven solution to a new issue or sector (using an existing model, tool, resource, strategy, etc. for a new purpose)

Adult literacy is more than reading and writing—it’s about empowerment, mental wellness, and connection. Many adults in Los Angeles face literacy barriers that affect their daily lives and limit their ability to fully engage in community, work, and family. Writing, journaling, and storytelling support not only literacy but also mental health by helping individuals process experiences, build confidence, and find their voice. A literate adult can pass these tools to their children, fostering a culture of reading, cultural preservation, and the capturing of oral histories that strengthen families and communities for generations.

The LA Poet Society’s “Voices of LA” initiative is a dynamic, community-based literacy program designed to uplift adult learners through the transformative power of writing, storytelling, and poetry. Through a series of culturally responsive workshops, participants will explore journaling, narrative writing, and poetry as tools to strengthen their reading and writing skills, while also supporting emotional wellness and self-expression. Our facilitators—local poets and teaching artists—will guide participants in exploring their personal stories and lived experiences, building confidence in language use, and nurturing a deeper connection to community.
This program is rooted in the belief that literacy is not one-size-fits-all. By using creative writing to foster engagement, “Voices of LA” offers a welcoming and empowering entry point for adults who may have felt excluded from traditional educational models. As a culminating project, participants will publish their work in a print anthology and a digital journal, sharing their voices with pride. In doing so, they not only affirm their identity and creativity, but also contribute to the preservation of cultural memory, the passing down of stories, and the creation of a literary legacy that can inspire their families and communities.

If our work is successful, Los Angeles County will be home to more confident, literate adults who use writing and storytelling to connect, heal, and lead. Families will share a stronger culture of reading and communication, with parents modeling literacy for their children. Communities will preserve their histories, amplify diverse voices, and foster greater civic participation—building a more inclusive, empowered, and creatively engaged LA. We will also have a treasured collection of relevant LA stories and expression, that will be made accessible to our libraries, allowing for further access and connection to the works created. With rising confidence in their voices, Angelenos, will be willing to engage more in civic opportunities such as city council meetings, neighborhood council gatherings, and help to build out goals that will help transform their communities for the better.