--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When I got back to NY had the opportunity…" description: "\"When I got back to NY had the opportunity to work with the beginning years of the poetry project which was founded with money from the OEO under Lyndon..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e05/anne-waldman-4046_able_when-i-got-back-to-ny-had-the-opportunit_2227627.jpg" --- # When I got back to NY had the opportunity to work with the… ![“When I got back to NY had the opportunity to work with the beginning years of the poetry project which was founded with money from the OEO under Lyndon Johnson to work with alienated youth on the lower East side. This was extraordinary, to be able to help then to create a culture that would…” quote by Anne Waldman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e05/anne-waldman-4046_able_when-i-got-back-to-ny-had-the-opportunit_2227627.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e05/anne-waldman-4046_able_when-i-got-back-to-ny-had-the-opportunit_2227627.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e05/anne-waldman-4046_able_when-i-got-back-to-ny-had-the-opportunit_2227627.jpg) > “When I got back to NY had the opportunity to work with the beginning years of the poetry project which was founded with money from the OEO under Lyndon Johnson to work with alienated youth on the lower East side. This was extraordinary, to be able to help then to create a culture that would capture the energy that I felt at Berkley.” [Anne Waldman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-waldman/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Early poetry initiatives funded by government programs aimed to engage marginalized youth, fostering creative expression and community. **In simple terms:** Poetry can empower alienated youth. Key Takeaway Support arts for at‑risk communities. Themes art social justice community education Mood reflective optimistic Type inspirational activist When to use this quote - after‑school programs - community workshops - grant writing - peer mentorship Key Concepts Cultural policy youth empowerment creative writing Questions to Reflect On - What resources sustain community arts? - How can participants continue beyond the program? 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