Provide public speaking that empowers youth to boldly speak their truth.

Our VISION is every voice, silent in the back of a classroom, rises to lead at the front!

OUR MISSION

TEACHING SCHOLARS TO SPEAK WITH PURPOSE SINCE 2012

Speak With Purpose (SWP) is the only public speaking program integrated into classrooms across Washington state’s King County school district?

DID YOU KNOW

WE FOCUS ON

  • Emphasizing Counter-Storytelling/Narrative Techniques

  • Culturally specific and responsive learning and mentoring

  • Aiming to excel in writing, reading, and speaking skills

  • Priority is given to Title 1 schools and students who identify as LGBTQIA+, English-Language Learners, immigrants, unique learners, and/or foster youth.

SWP was founded in 2012 by Executive Director, Toyia T. Taylor, a Black woman born and raised in Seattle. Toyia taught sixteen classes across three school districts, led an expansion into five schools and later, added six summer programs.

Today, SWP is comprised of dedicated youth advocates, educators, board members, and partners committed to ensuring that all school-aged children are equipped to advocate for themselves and their community.

OUR HISTORY

TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF PUBLIC SPEAKING

Since 2012, over 20,000 South King County scholars have found their voice and spoken their truth. 100% of school co-teachers rate SWP program as excellent and impactful. Over 90% of our scholars write and present original speeches and improve their persuasive writing and presentation skills.

Through the transformative power of public speaking, SWP empowers young scholars to dismantle dominant narratives, uplift their cultures and communities, forge self-authored identities, and become forces for change in their communities.

Imagine what we can do at your school - learn more!

I remember being a 14 year-old black girl, stepping through the doors of Renton High School as a new student…

TOYIA’S STORY | Executive Director

Stepping through the doors of Renton High School, in that moment I was facing hardships that left me feeling as if my words were empty and worthless. It was only through the pages of a journal that I gave my voice permission to live and grow without fear. It is because of the arts that I discovered my imagination could take flight through my voice, both written and spoken. My sole life purpose is to collaborate with brilliant minds invested in the arts so that children invest in themselves and together; we build a legacy of promise.

Don’t miss a beat!

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