Ignite Pongo Training

Training led by Ashley Skartvedt, MFA, and Judy Sobeloff, LMSW & MFA

ABOUT THIS TRAINING:

By attending this training you will learn & practice the Pongo Method to facilitate powerful personal poetry that inspires healing & growth in your community! In this immersive training, you will hone your skills as a Poetry Mentor, learn how to remove barriers to self-expression, & encourage honesty from survivors of difficult life experiences. During the day's activities, you will write your own poetry & experience the relief & joy that comes with the Pongo Method.

TECHNIQUES YOU WILL LEARN:

• Learn how writing poetry engages trauma, supports racial justice, and inspires healing & growth
• Discover how to facilitate a group poem
• Observe & practice using Pongo's one-on-one Fill-in-the-Blank writing activity

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS:

In partnership with Northwest Creative and Expressive Arts Institute (NWCEAI), participants are able to earn 5 continuing education credits for this training. If you are interested, after purchasing your ticket through Eventbrite, you must register for the CEs separately by emailing NWCEAI at info@seattlearttherapy.org. You’ll be required to complete a $25.00 payment, attend the training live in its entirety, and fill out an evaluation form afterwards. If you have any questions regarding CEs for this training, please visit https://seattlearttherapy.org/earning-ces/. Registration is due by end-of-day Thursday, June 25, 2026.

ADD-ONS:

Pongo Training Participant Materials Packet ($10-shipping included). ONLY AVAILABLE UNTIL 5PM (PST) FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026.

Participants not ordering the packet will either have to

a) print out the packet at their own cost or

b) have the electronic version of the packet digitally accessible while doing the training.

We highly recommend having this packet in print-form as we will be referencing it throughout the training. Relying on the electronic version during the training is not recommended for those with only one computer screen and/or those who are unfamiliar with navigating multiple windows while attending online Zoom trainings.

Writing With At-Risk Youth: The Pongo Teen Writing Method : Available via Amazon

Written by Pongo's Founder, Richard Gold , MA, Writing With At-Risk Youth (2014) is the time-tested, essential field-guide to starting your own Pongo-inspired poetry project.

SCHOLARSHIPS:

A limited number of partial scholarships are available to those who present a significant need. To request a scholarship for this training, please fill out the application via this link. Scholarship applications are due by end-of-day Friday, June 19, 2026.

YOUR TRAINERS:

Ashley Skartvedt