Poetry Without Borders
Poetry Without Borders is an initiative to encourage youth to write poetry as a means of self-expression. It started out as a local community event in collaboration with the Atherton Library. The goal of the first event, held in 2025, was to bring together a community of poets, with the goal to encourage poetry writing.
I started writing poems in the summer between Elementary and Middle School, inspired by an extraordinarily creative English teacher. I was excited to be able to write free verse and was so proud of my work as a 11 year old! I tried to submit my poem to a local poetry contest only to be told that I was ineligible for the contest because the contest was only for residents of that specific local town. I was extremely disappointed, especially because I was so sure my poem would win !!
I channeled that energy to create a poetry contest that would be open to all. Our first event was held in 2025. Amongst our estemeed judges was Jackson Holbert, a Stanford Lecturer who revealed that his first poem was written for a contest! He further discussed how being within a community of writers encouraged him to write. This resonated deeply with me and gave me the inspiration to continue on this journey of build a community of poets.
Global events over the past few months have made me realize that freedom of expression is being curtailed in many parts of the world. Poetry remains a very powerful means of self-expression. I hope you will use "Poetry Without Borders" as a means to express yourself.
-- Aditya Garg