Join us at January 2025's Free Verse, a PSNY initiative designed specifically by & for BIPOC creatives, with Natalee Cruz!Rarely do we hear a personalized voice mail message anymore. More likely than not, callers are met with Pat Fleet’s voice. What does it mean for the widely recognized voice of the unavailable American to be white and non-regional? In this workshop we will discuss what it means to give up our voice to technology. Our work will culminate into what we believe it should sound like when we are away or unavailable. About the instructor: Natalee Cruz is a poet, fiction writer, and fifth-grade teacher. She earned an MFA from The New School in both poetry and fiction. Natalee finds joy exploring the intersections of art, technology, and that which is beyond description.At The Poetry Society of New York, we believe that true creativity flourishes when all voices are heard, especially those that have been historically marginalized. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity isn't just a statement—it's woven into the fabric of everything we do. We aim to model this commitment for the entire arts industry, creating spaces where everyone, regardless of their background, feels seen, valued, and empowered.PSNY's Free Verse Workshops are a direct response to the social inequities that too often silence BIPOC and LGBTQ+ voices. These free monthly workshops offer two distinct, identity-centered spaces: one for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and one for LGBTQ+ creatives. Here, participants can connect, create, and explore their unique identities through poetry, in environments designed specifically for them.We recognize that these spaces are not just about creativity—they're about justice. By centering BIPOC and LGBTQ+ experiences, we’re working to dismantle the barriers that have long kept these voices on the margins. Each workshop concludes with a resource-sharing session, where participants can exchange literature, community events, and grants, building networks that extend beyond the workshop.As part of our unwavering commitment to equity, all attendees receive a 50% discount for our Weekly Virtual Workshops—because access to the arts should never be a privilege but a right.If you do not identify as BIPOC or LGBTQ+, we warmly invite you to explore other PSNY events.