• Chalice and matches
• Microphones and sound system

• Make sure microphones are live.

Participants receive guidance before the Poetry Slam to help them gather their energies for the event, focus on their roles, and observe their own responses.

Take attendance; in the event of a participant's absence, re-delegate roles as needed. Solve last-minute crises. Allow readers a minute to practice with the microphone.

Remind participants to be mindful of their own experiences during this event, to help them form their thoughts for the reflection activity you will do in the next workshop.

Have everyone come together for a quiet moment, to gather group energy. You may use the Opening designed by the group or the one below.

Gather around the chalice. As a volunteer lights the chalice, ask the group to focus on the word "fun." Invite participants to speak freely into the space a word or two that they associate with the word "fun." When everyone who wishes to has had a chance to speak, close by saying, "Go out and have fun!"