01/15/2025 -
The Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) recently published the inaugural issue of Sonoma County Youth Voice. The 82-page literary magazine features 44 poems from students at Sonoma County’s juvenile justice center, where SCOE operates the educational programs for youth in grades 7 to 12.
SCOE is currently accepting poetry, flash fiction, and autobiographical essays from students at Sonoma County’s public high schools for the second issue, planned for later this spring.
“Culturally responsive teaching, especially creative writing, gives all students a pathway to self-expression and feeling like they belong,” said editor Jacob Ramirez, social justice and equity project coordinator at SCOE. “As a poet and former English teacher, I could see students’ mindsets about what was possible for them shift when their words were read, heard, and valued. This project establishes a place where students, especially those whose perspectives are heard less often, know their voices will be amplified.”
The poems in the magazine’s first issue [PDF link] were produced as part of a partnership between SCOE, the juvenile division of Sonoma County Probation, and California Poets in the Schools. The Juvenile Justice Center students were guided in their writing of poetry by teacher-poet Pamela Michael.
“This collaboration was a valuable opportunity for the students at Juvenile Hall to be honored and respected for their creativity as individuals,” said Angela Scardina, the director overseeing SCOE’s court school program. “The students were very grateful for the opportunity and look forward to continuing to express themselves through creative writing.”
Ramirez, a poet and graduate of Lancaster University’s Creative Writing master’s program, is currently seeking submissions for the second issue.
This year’s theme, When I Need to Nourish Myself, encourages students to share diverse experiences and reflect on what they need to heal, nourish and thrive. All students, especially those from historically marginalized communities, are encouraged to submit their work.
Submitted work can be in the form of one to three poems totaling no more than three pages, or 200 to 300 words of flash fiction or an autobiographical narrative. Students should include a three- to four-sentence biography with their submissions.
The deadline for submissions is Friday, Feb. 28.
Students whose work is published in print and digital issues will receive a complimentary copy of the magazine, as well as a commendation from SCOE. Some students will be invited to participate in a year-end creative writing workshop and celebration with a guest author.
To learn more about Sonoma County Youth Voice, view this submission form or email Ramirez and jramirez@scoe.org.
