RYOT was formed in the winter of 2004 by MNSWA with programming specific to developing youth voice, leadership and activism through spoken word and the arts. Its first multi-media hip-hop and spoken word event titled MISSED AMERICA was a huge success, raising over $1500 for The Anti War Organizing League (AWOL) at the University of MN. Together youth, adults, activists and organizers work together to develop leadership skills, create opportunities, nurture youth voice, and elevate their own consciousness of the world we live in through partnerships and collaborations across communities. Note: For organizational information, or to request an interview, contact 612-288-9491 or info@mnspokenword.org.