General Conference Information

Conference Focus

The Power of Words calls out to all those who use writing, storytelling, performance, singing, songwriting, spoken word, integrated or expressive arts, collaborative arts, archival arts, or any other form of the written, spoken or sung word for individual, community and societal growth and change. We also invite you to consider yourself Transformative Language Artists: people who know the power of words to break silences, foster greater vision, and celebrate what we can create on our own and collectively through words aloud or on the page.

Why Is This Conference Different From Other Conferences?

Many conferences provide participants with ample and pertinent information, which we also cover in this conference. Yet the Power of Words is unique on several counts: 1) We provide sessions and events focused on the written, spoken and sung word to foster a community of people who work with diverse forms of the language arts; 2) We bring together presenters, performers, and participants, from different races, backgrounds, ethnicities, experiences, and communities; 3) We build into the conference integrative experiences (in small groups and large sessions) for you to make sense of what you’re learning as you’re learning it; and 4) We emphasize right livelihood, listening to and following your calling, and finding better balance between serving your community, developing yourself in your work and arts, and self-care.

About Goddard College

 Goddard is a small college in rural Vermont recognized for innovation in education; Goddard encourages students to become creative, passionate, lifelong learners, working and living with an earnest concern for others and the welfare of the Earth. The college, located in the heart of Green Mountains, features wonderful meeting areas, gardens, woodland trails and panoramic reviews. The conference is held throughout college meeting spaces; accommodations are in dorms (mostly eight rooms per dorm building), each equipped with a small kitchen, and living room. Fall foliage is just beginning in early September, and the weather ranges from 60s-70s in the day to 40s-50s at night. Learn more here. 

Off-Campus

For staying off-campus, we recommend bed and breakfasts, hotels, and motels in nearby Barre (10 miles), Montpelier (12 miles), or near Marshfield (5 miles). Montpelier is the state capitol, and there are many choices of accommodations there. Barre is also close by with several options. One of the closest choices, which also offers a discounted rate to Goddard visitors, is the Marshfield Inn (3 miles from campus) at www.marshfieldinn.com. Please see Travel Vermont for further lodging information. Please note that if you’re staying off-campus, you are responsible for making all your travel arrangements, including transportation. Important: Please note that autumn is a popular time to visit Vermont, so make your reservations early.

Transportation

The closest airport is Burlington International Airport, about 40 miles from the college. Rental cars are available at the airport.  For more complete travel information, visit: Goddard College's Travel Page. Contact Kristina Keefe-Perry with any questions. 

Consultations

Many of our keynote speakers will be available for individualized office hours in which conference participants have access to them in one-on-one settings wherein specific questions can be asked and guidance sought.  

Resource Sharing, and Book & CD Signing

All conference participants are welcome to distribute and sell any products relating to Transformative Language Arts, such as books, CDs, artwork, t-shirts, etc. We also have a book and CD signing (and selling) party for all who would like to participate. 

Cosponsors

We welcome organizations, businesses and institutions to cosponsor our conference for a reasonable fee. Please contact Callid Keefe-Perry  for details.  

Professional Development Hours and Poetry Therapy Certification Hours

 We are happy to provide you with whatever documentation that you need for professional hours upon request. Poetry Therapy trainees may earn peer hours for all workshops facilitated by someone certified in poetry therapy, and didactic hours for many other workshops and conference events. To learn more of poetry therapy training, please see their site. 

Scholarships & Work-study Positions

We have a limited number of work-study positions, partial scholarships, and through the Roxanne-Florence Fund, partial scholarships for people of color. Generally, we cannot award more than half the registration fee, and recipients are also responsible for their room and board, travel, and any pre- or post-conference workshops. If you are interested in applying for a work-study position or scholarship, please write to Kristina Keefe-Perry.

Conference Pricing Information

Purchase a membership to take advantage of Member Rates.