The Poetry Society of Virginia just celebrated its 100th birthday last year. Based in Williamsburg, Virginia, it is the official state poetry organization in Virginia and hosts and supports readings, conferences, festivals, literary competitions and other literary activities throughout the state. Historically, the society vets and shortlists poets to recommend to the governor for Virginia Poet Laureate.
The organization has about 100 members and is divided into seven regions across Virginia, each with an elected vice president who leads programming and activities for each region. Virtual and in-person regional programs connect audiences with living poets sharing original poetry. Membership dues are $40 a year for adults, $10 for high school or college students.
The society sponsors an adult poetry contest every year, with 25 categories across a wide variety of subjects and styles. A student poetry contest also boasts a wide variety of subjects and styles, as well as grade-levels. Additionally, the society sponsors a North American Poetry Book Award for a full-length collection of original poetry in English, published in North America the year before the award is made.
Details about the organization can be found online at the Poetry Society of Virginia.
