Statement from Button Poetry President & Founder Sam Van Cook

3/10/21 Update

Last week Button released a statement intended to increase visibility around a long time conversation of youth safety. We believe that statement has done the work it was intended to do and are replacing it with links to the developing conversation.

At this time we believe it is important to help orient focus on next steps. Below are links to current news articles and statements from the organizations on the ground in Chicago.

We are hopeful that the changes at YCA will herald in an era of safer spaces for young writers. Thank you for your support, please direct questions and comments to support@buttonpoetry.com

Links:

YCA Leadership change:

Haymarket Statement

Free Write Statement

http://freewriteartsliteracy.org/2021/02/17/free-write-community-accountability-process-update-3

News
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/3/4/22314082/young-chicago-authors-louder-than-bomb-kevin-coval-rebecca-hunter-culture-silence

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/3/5/22315800/cps-schools-inspector-general-young-chicago-authors-sexual-assault-rebecca-hunter-kevin-coval

https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/books/ct-prem-ent-young-chicago-authors-allegations-20210309-fzaavatl4jep5ath6dfp3blayq-story.html

https://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment-and-culture/2021/3/8/22320182/louder-than-bomb-postponed-late-spring-young-chicago-authors-build-trust-community