Thank you for visiting our Web site! Since 1932 the North Carolina
Poetry Society has existed as an all-volunteer organization
especially for poets and friends of poetry. We now have
approximately 350 members from North Carolina -- and numerous
locations beyond.
The Poetry Society holds regular meetings three times a year
in Southern Pines, North Carolina, at the
Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities.
Our meeting dates are usually the third Saturdays of
January, May, and September, when we gather for a day of
poetry and programs from 9:30 a.m. until about 3:30 p.m.
We also sponsor the annual Sam Ragan Poetry Festival at
Weymouth, usually the third Saturday in June. Participants
often wear bow ties and/or straw hats in memory of Sam Ragan,
North Carolina Poet Laureate from 1982 to 1996.
At our meetings we enjoy a variety of programs, including
readings, panels, workshops, and special presentations -- all
seeking to recognize a diversity of poets. Meetings are free and
open to any interested persons.
In addition to our meetings, each year the Poetry Society
provides many other top-notch programs and offerings:
Annual contests for adults and students, which offer cash
prizes and award certificates. Contest awards are presented at the
May meeting. Most of the adult contests are free to members; there
is a nominal charge for others.
The annual Poet Laureate Award, judged by the state's poet
laureate. Reduced submission fee for members.
Yearly publication of Pinesong Awards
(formerly Award Winning Poems), providing
winners deserved recognition. Members receive a free copy.
Workshops across the state, offering poets an opportunity to
gather for instruction, camaraderie, and networking. Reduced
registration fee for members.
A newsletter, published three times a year, to keep members
informed about issues under discussion, upcoming contests and
workshops, and other poetry-related news and opportunities.
The annual Brockman-Campbell Book Award, recognizing the best
book published by a North Carolina poet. This award is presented
at the September meeting. The judges have included, among others,
Mary Oliver, William Stafford, Maxine Kumin, and Billy Collins.
No submission fee for members.
In addition, in recent years we have grown as an organization and
expanded our reach:
In fall 1999 our anthology of 20th century North Carolina
poetry, Word and Witness, was published by
Carolina Academic Press. Featuring poems by 134 poets, this
long-awaited publication was celebrated with statewide readings
and performances by the
Touring Theatre Ensemble of North Carolina.
This web site, created in 1998 by Ray Dotson and now maintained
by Earl Huband with help from Ray, provides poets with frequently
updated news and resources of the Poetry Society -- and the world
of poetry in general.
In January 2003, to increase value to our members throughout North
Carolina, the NCPS Board voted to host a meeting each year in the
east and west of the state. Since then, we have met annually at Barton
College in Wilson in April, and at Mars Hill College in Mars Hill in
October, with great success. Please check out our meetings on the
NCPS Calendar
and join us when we come your way as well as at Weymouth in
Southern Pines.
We also invite you to join our organization. Just click on our
Membership Application,
send in your completed application and fee, and enjoy the benefits of
an organization that celebrates poets and poetry in all these many ways.
The North Carolina Poetry Society is closely affiliated with
other arts organizations in North Carolina, including statewide
organizations such as
Arts North Carolina,
the
North Carolina Writers’ Network,
the
North Carolina Haiku Society,
and the
Poetry Council of North Carolina.
We encourage you to support them as well since their efforts
are in line with our mission to promote the reading and writing
of poetry.
Warm regards,
Sue Farlow,
President
North Carolina Poetry Society
