Deborah's to do list
- Gain the utmost confidence and experience in my performance as a poet and workshop facilitator.
- Create a poetry performance society in my university which in turn works with as many other societies as possible in performance.
- Push performances and workshops into the community, and share new-found knowledge with other networks so they can do the same.
- Build contacts with other universities to start similar projects and maintain a sense of diversity.
- Schedule performances for young people that are publicised and designed by young people.
- Create an active community amongst schools, local areas and universities not only inspiring and educating but creating job opportunities.
- Find sufficient funding so that I can comfortably concentrate on working with young people whilst eating!
Deborah's big plan
Posted: 30/06/2008
The next year is going to be like one long performance and poetry filled rave! Designed, presented and created by young people, I want to push workshops away from being summer schemes made to postpone teenage pregnancies and the inhalation of a zoot rolled up at lunch break. I want workshops to stand in conjunction with education, school and the prospect of earning independence and money. Creating job opportunities that don’t just manifest in the performing arts but in advertising, managing, set design and so on. Ultimately I want to showcase performances that get young people paid and noticed as individuals that understand themselves.
Deborah A Stevenson (292 days ago) Report Comment
Deborah, heard your piece at the miles bar open mic nite the night nurse poem,it was so good couldn't get over how good. you definately are raw talent. totally loved how real it really was.
keep it up.
Chandni (307 days ago) Report Comment
Deborah Stevenson (327 days ago) Report Comment
hi deb
wat u saying u looking sexy on tv doing ur poetry but keep it up and never put ur head down ur gd girl and dnt let no1 tell ur not, i need to get some of ur inspreation into my bars in my music its would be sick if u could get u on a beat x
rhys (329 days ago) Report Comment
hiya
my name is terri i am 20 years old and i have bin righting peoms since i was 16, i find you amazing because you have shown poetry comes in all forms and ideas and that you dont have to be experenced writer to write down how you feel, the amount off times poeple have laughed in my face because i am dislexic yet i want my writing to get out there, sometimes i have left like giving up. can i ask you one thing did it scare you to let people here and read your more personal poems?
all my love and best wishes terri x
Terri hill (337 days ago) Report Comment
Hey Deborah,
Just been watching the re-runs of the YearDot project, and i have to say that you are so driven. You have a clear head of what you want to do, and you really push yourself out there in order to get what you wanted. Being a young person myself, its hard when you are constantly judged by the older generations. This is why I think its important to have people like you who goes against the grain and the stigma, and to show people that were not all bad. And in regards with the situation with your family, at the moment I have been going through the exact same problem. Both my parents are christians, and when I was younger, I was forced to go to church every Sunday. But now im older (im 19 now)I have seen for myself that I dont believe in what they do. You gave me the courage to voice my opinions to my parents. It was really tough, but it was better than living a lie. And now im prettymuch in the same boat as you, trying to slowly re-build my relationship with them again which is going to take some time. I think you are a great person and loads more young girls would love to follow in your footsteps as you are a true role model. Hope you carry on to achieve all your goals in life, especially with your poetry. If you would like to email me with how your situation with your parents and you have any advice, my email is elainelewry@msn.com. Hope you are living you life to the full at university and grabbing all those opportunities that come your way. Thank you for keeping me entertained with your life-story.
All the best,
Elaine xxx
Elaine Lewry (339 days ago) Report Comment
Its Deborah, sorry I have taken so long to get back to you all, I took the opportunity to sleep in the summer.
First of all thank you so much for taking the time to comment on my profile, thats one of the main reasons I started year dot, to talk to people and to network. Your opinions really do mean so much to me and if you want to share any poetry with me add me on facebook my name is Deborah 'Debris' Stevenson. Now to the individual comments...
TY- My to do list has changed if Im honest, as most life goals do but I am more than happy with the new directions I have chose :)
Frankie- dont ever leave poetry again!
Helen-pass me your email address through facebook or something because I am very interest and love the sound of what you are doing.
Viki- lovely to see someone else who is on hard work x
Bex- If you want me to do a workshop it can be arranged so add me on facebook and we can talk.
Mandy- Thank you for watching :) x
Holly- It really does depend on what subject and your criteria? What are you studying and what do you want to get out of uni, why are you going? I think once you have an overall perogative things can become alot clearer, if that makes sense?
Shalim- Thanks for the support, its always welcome.
Kate- That sounds amazing, I am definately interested and after a year of running all over the country I am so so so eager to focus on nottingham and the east midlands so I would definately like to meet up and have a chat. Could I have some contact details so we can get talking?
Thanks to everyone again and dont forget us year dotters, if it wasnt for you we wouldnt be were we are now I promise you that xxxx
Deborah Stevenson (339 days ago) Report Comment
Hi Deborah, I'm the Literature Development Officer for Nottingham City - I saw you on the programme and I think you're doing some great stuff. I do lots of work around literature (e.g. community events, projects, performances, author talks, workshops) and thought there may be a few opportunities for us to work together and make connections with other writers and organisations on the Nottingham lit scene. Get in touch if you're interested, Kate
Kate Wilkinson (341 days ago) Report Comment
hey debroah hope goes well sure waitch the pragmaer hope projces go good
age 23 south london
shalim ali (341 days ago) Report Comment
Hi, Deborah
I was just looking through your profile, and was just wanting to ask if you have any advice on looking at universities? Im starting to look at them for the career I would like to do. Please let me know if you have any advice :)
Thanks very much
Holly x
Holly (341 days ago) Report Comment
Hey Deb just to say saw you on tv and thought u were brill. Keep up the good work
Mandy (342 days ago) Report Comment
A quick messeage, your poetry is haaard! Im training to be a youth worker and I know that our kids would love to see somebody like you to come and do a mini workshop for the evening! Keep up the good work!
Bex (348 days ago) Report Comment
Hi Debs,
Great year its been, hope yuo are well.
Just reading the comment below, thats fab and Helen if you have space for one more that would be great. I am older but have a lot of ambition.
Anyway Debs take care of yourself and stay true!
Hugs and stuff
Vikki x
Vikki (352 days ago) Report Comment
Hi Deborah,
Just reading through your profile and I'm really interested in what is on your 'to do' list as well as other parts of your profile.
A business partner and i are starting charity with a lot of similar ideas as you (writing workshops, creating communities amongst schools, sponsered spoken word performances etc) and we're always looking for artists who are as passionate as we are about the subject and what we aim to do. please email me if you are interested and would like to talk more.
good luck with everything.
Helen x
Helen (360 days ago) Report Comment
Hello Denorah, Just wanted to drop a quick note and say your an inspiration, you have got me back into poetry/urban poetry and I'm just about to get one published, so thank you thank you thankk youuu!!
Your amazing, keep on truckin!
-Frankie Talbot
age 17
From portsmouth
Frankie Talbot (360 days ago) Report Comment
well done on your year dot... hope your really succesful... please still keep u updated on your poetry on myspace and facebook cos i really love your poetry. :)
How many of the things on your to do list did u succeed in doing ?? all??
Ty (397 days ago) Report Comment
xxxx
Akilah (417 days ago) Report Comment
Deborah A Stevenson (449 days ago) Report Comment
Hi Deborah. Saw you on the Underground couple of weeks ago. Didn't remember who you were til you passed me! But I just wanted to say I lovve your poems n keep doin wot ur doin init!
Bless
Regal (450 days ago) Report Comment
Debs - you are inspirational! I feel drained too but watching your last video was emotional. Bring it on!
James Rene (492 days ago) Report Comment
Debs, Your energy is inspiring and Turning Point is going to be a MASSIVE SUCCESS!
Sian Petty (493 days ago) Report Comment
Was nice meeting up with you & the guys 2day, hope u got as much out of the meeting as we did? Im going to pass on your contact details to a few of the clothing designers we've worked with, and look foward to hearing back from u in more detail regarding the the festival. I'm gna have t shirt done 4 u aswell b!
Nathan (516 days ago) Report Comment
hey i just thought you my wanna know about this
Hip Hop Shakespeare Competition on bbc blast i saw it and straight thought it would be good if you entered it with one of your poems.
I love your poem from the 18 March entry.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blast/music_audio/hip_hop_shakespeare_competition/66026
ty (516 days ago) Report Comment
hey deborah im guessin you may not be able to get back to everyone that writes to you, but if you get a minute i would love to have some advice on how to get my poetry out there and get involved in some of the stuff you are doing. i love the idea of young people getting together and expressing themselves through poetry etc and think what you are doing is great!i have never had any of my poetry read out in public-except for at my grandads funeral and would really appreciate some info etc. hope to hear from you x
mary (517 days ago) Report Comment
Deborah a Stevenson (522 days ago) Report Comment
I have been watching your history for a while, well done, the first years are the hardest, your a fighter, if you need any help or some one to talk too, I will be here for you.
Shelly (527 days ago) Report Comment
akilah (538 days ago) Report Comment
Keep an eye on my blog 4 the open auditions. I love seeing creative ppl out there so lydia (also my mums name btw) and Bruno, definately keep doing what your doing. Push projects further cos it sounds like you can.
Lydia watch the blog 4 auditions. Thank you for talk 2 me (YAY i have friends lol :p) xxx
Deborah A Stevenson (544 days ago) Report Comment
yea sorz also my passion is working with youths most deffinatly! Im currently networking in theatres,skools and community groups thats wot made u stand out frm the otheers u have simular interests as me wud be gud 2 hear frm u girl! anywayz wb wen 3 x
lydia gunning (546 days ago) Report Comment
Hey girl! I watched the show on tv yesterday and I was well interested in the subjects you guys were all talking abot ! You deffinatly seem very switched on and talented Im a vocalist n dancer. studyin music n dance combined honours in manchester met! Youve got a real personatlity and theres somthing about which is really good, mate uve got a good vibe abot you and i wanted 2 write 2 u! I love jazz, soul ,blues n just improvising to beats hav performed in many places in Bristol! I seen you blog on the wall abot an opportunity im up 4 it if you offer me a chance ! email me if u not too busy, wana chat abot sum work !! safest lydia look forward 2 hearing from u x
Lydia Gunning (546 days ago) Report Comment
What up D u gd? i was just watching the show and i can totally understand where ur coming from with what u wanna do for young people out there. i went college and studied some random course i wasn’t really interested in then got into the rigmarole of work.i got the opportunity to become a youth worker best choice i've ever made really. i was kinda of just wonder have u ever thought of going down that round, this way it would kinda put some change in ur pocket if u needed thats support as well. some places do look for someone to be qualified but there are places out there which dont need qualification. just alittle thought..get back at man and let me no what u think. take care and stay focused B
M Bruno (547 days ago) Report Comment
For all you budding poets out there GET ON THE DAMN SCENE- the roundhouse, whitechaple art gallery, the albany, your local council, facebook- SEARCH FOR OPPORTUNITIES because believe u me there are loads of them out there.
Keep an eye on my blogs, on my myspace (link is to the left) I will keep u up to date on open mics, auditions, events etc. Read my blogs because there is already info on sum opps now and there sould be some open auditions coming up!
In terms of youth projects- talk to your local council, conections, the princes trust, arts council etc. Talk to poeple already running projects and ask if you can shadow them so you can get an idea of the dynamics behind different projects and get an idea of whats already out there, aswel as clarify to yourself what you want to do. I dont think its just about the art its about managerial skill and creative industry. Alot of ppl enjoy music but making a living from it is something different. Alie?
And if your confused about what you want to do, or u are geting/ have gotten your qualification then I aint guna tell u what to do next but I can say, research and explore to the max. Try undertstand whats best for you and most productive for you- ya know? What sustains your interest? What has room for growth? What has bredth? How many opertunities are within that area? You dont want to restrict yourself...
Sorry this is so generalised, Im running to meetings in a moe and Im only in london one day a week. But PLEASE comment back, spread the word. Post short poems and I will comment and feel free to comment on my poetry. Its all about provocation, criticism, productivity and progress. And i can see your all progressing so thanks for putting a smile on my face after a 4 hour train journey and 3 hours sleep.
HEART U GUYS ;) xxx Debris xxx
Deborah Stevenson (547 days ago) Report Comment
hey deborah, my name's holly and i'm from norwich in norfolk.I'm doing alot of volunteer work myself to do with Peer mentoring and various different youth groups and am trying to set up projects for young people to help them get off the streets and envolved in something there interested in and i believe music is the best way to do it.The reason i say this is because i speak from personal experience as a young person and found myself going off track as i thought because i wasn't accademically smart i had no future.I met my youth worker who showed me that the passion i had for music was just as important as 12 GCSE's and has completely changed my life around.I want to be able to do the same for other young people but really don't know how to go about it.I think your ideas are fantastic and we share alot of beliefs, i was wondering if you had any advice on how to get started.
The other reason for my message is my sister. She's amazingly talented. Her and her friend Dan have a band with just the two of them called Ducky Vodka, they are on 15 but write really catchy indie songs.They've been doing gigs around Norfolk for the past year and i really believe they could go alot further.They have a myspace page look up ducky vodka.Take care Holly xx
holly king (547 days ago) Report Comment
i'm think what you are doing is amazing. It a had world out there and you've provided great opportunities. I've done my photography course and sold some of my work, but i don't know what to do next. love tiff
tiff (547 days ago) Report Comment
really love your ideas... i'm 18 and i'm really in to art .. just did my a-levels and having a year out then going to college (didnt wanna go uni) to do art but i dont know what career i want .. i just know i want art to be involved..
how about spreadin it through the web.. like, i dunno, a website where young people can show all there creative talents.. and advice could be given to those like me who dont like know what to do next
ty (547 days ago) Report Comment
Deborah A Stevenson (548 days ago) Report Comment
You are fit, but you are also talented, loving the confidence and the poetry is very unique, keep up the belief and forget about the 'boring' students, I've done BSc and MSc and you get a lot of so-called ambitious people of the arts who are actually too scared to do anything different. Good to see you're not one of them. Jx
Joseph (550 days ago) Report Comment
ur fit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol
alex (550 days ago) Report Comment
Hey, I'm sure you (used to) live in my area, because I've seen you about.I also have you on MySpace where you sent me a message about this YearDot thing but didn't really 'Get It'. Today, im home because I'm sick and I just finished watching the YearDot programme on channel 4. Went on the website and I've been looking through. Oh How I wish I was in your shoes. lol. I really applaude you for what you did at that poetry kind of group at your Uni, you were totally write in what you were saying. That guy sat on the chair and didnt seem to have given a 'performance' that would have reached out to young people, were as you did. I'm a writer myself and you have inspired me :)
Good Luck
x
Sho (550 days ago) Report Comment
Hi Debs, loving your ideas hun, I'm a 23 year old girl from London, I've been writing poetry for years and would love to get involved with what your doing, just let me know how I can get involved... Thanks babe Diana xxx
Diana (550 days ago) Report Comment
hi deborah,i saw a episode where u wasduin yur poem infront of the creative writin people,dey seemed like dey havent heard a poem before lol anyway i write a bit of poem my
self any advice?
sadony (552 days ago) Report Comment
Would appreciate your advice on my poetry and in return can maybe offer you some advice from someone who identifies with how you are now as being like you when I was younger and has had over the years learned so much about life but unfortunately not so much about computers.Can you email me or post how to send a private message.Ellie
ellie (553 days ago) Report Comment
hey what a great idea.... poetry .... im doing radio at the moment and would love to hear some more poetry you do.... email me if you want would be good to get to know you...
ryan walker (newcastle) (554 days ago) Report Comment