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Our 
Story

About the Nebraska Poetry Society

Welcome to the Nebraska Poetry Society, where words flow, imaginations soar, and the spirit of poetry is celebrated every day. Whether you're here seeking the camaraderie of fellow poets, looking to hone your craft, or to support our mission of making poetry accessible to all corners of Nebraska, you've found the right place. Join us as we champion the power of poetry to connect, empower, and inspire. At the Nebraska Poetry Society, every word counts, every voice matters, and every dream is worth pursuing.

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Who We Are

Welcome to the heart and soul of the Nebraska Poetry Society.

Official and Impactful

We're proud to be an official 501c3 organization, which means your generous donations support a worthy cause and are tax-deductible, too. And with our passionate team made up entirely of volunteers, every penny you give directly bolsters our community programs.

Community and Growth

From our humble beginnings in August of 2020, we've nurtured a thriving community of over a hundred dedicated members. These members, whether they've contributed the annual fee or have been awarded a scholarship, are the backbone of our society. Our virtual gatherings are steadily drawing in an ever-expanding audience of 25 to 40 poetry enthusiasts each month.

Our “Why” is Rooted in Passion and Experience 

Founded by Charlene Pierce, who is a domestic abusive survivor, battled poverty while earning a college degree as a single mom and continues to overcome challenges posed by her deafness with a cochlear implant, we have a profound respect for equality, free speech, and the sheer transformative power of poetry.

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Photo credit: Joey Sears, Papillion Public Library

Our 
Mission

Dedicated to celebrating and educating diverse voices of all ages and skill levels. Our goal: make poetry accessible to all and honor Nebraska’s poets.

At the Nebraska Poetry Society, our mission is more than a statement – it's our commitment, our promise, and the driving force behind every initiative we undertake.

Making Poetry Accessible for Everyone

We dream of a world where the beauty and power of poetry are within everyone's grasp. To transform this dream into reality, we've kept our membership fees to a minimal $35/year. This small investment gives you a golden ticket to all our monthly workshops. For those facing financial constraints, a scholarship is just a click away on our website – no hoops, no hurdles. Students and youth always have free access.

Championing Nebraska's Talented Poets

Every month, we shine the spotlight on one gifted Nebraska poet, offering them a platform that’s a tad different from the usual. Instead of a mere reading, it's an enriching experience, with engaging discussions and spirited Q&A sessions. It's an opportunity to connect with a local poet and learn about their art. 

What We Believe

At Nebraska Poetry Society, our beliefs are more than just words on paper – they're the compass guiding our every endeavor.

Accessible Learning for All 

Financial constraints should never be a barrier to knowledge and skill. While writing workshops and classes at other organizations can put quite a dent in your wallet, we ensure everyone has an equal shot at honing their craft. If you're eyeing the scholarship, know we won’t play 20 questions. Your ambition to learn is proof enough for us.

Poets Deserve Their Due (and then some!)

Ever heard the saying, "Penny for your thoughts"? Well, we reckon a poet's insights are worth a tad more! Though we might not have the deepest pockets (yet!), we're staunch believers in paying our poets and workshop facilitators. As we thrive on grants and donations, every year sees us inching closer to giving our poets the compensation they so rightly deserve. After all, poetic genius deserves more than just applause!

Empowerment through Expression

Hand someone the tools and confidence to articulate their thoughts, and you've gifted them a superpower. With every stanza and line, we see individuals rising, using their newfound voice to advocate, influence, and inspire. Thanks to our workshops and resources, members have published poems, whole collections, and some have gone on to earn post-graduate degrees.

Supporting Hearts and Arts 

The world of poetry is intimate, raw, and deeply personal. We've built a fair space where everyone, regardless of their journey, feels welcome. Because sometimes, sharing our writing work isn't just about art – it’s about healing, for the poet and their listeners.

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Our Benefit to the Community

The Nebraska Poetry Society is more than just a hub for poets and poetry enthusiasts. We're a positive force, reverberating through communities, bridging gaps, and fostering growth. Here's a glimpse of our enriching contributions.

Reaching Every Corner 

By hosting virtual events, we ensure that no poet is left behind. Whether you're in the Omaha metro or the serene countryside in the panhandle, our doors are open. For those in rural and underserved areas, we bring world-class poetic experiences right to their screens.

Transformative Journeys 

From the hesitant first-timer to the blossoming poet ready to share their new book, we've witnessed countless transformations. Providing a nurturing platform empowers individuals to find their voice, share their unique narratives, and blossom with newfound confidence.

Empowering Literary Dreams 

The world of publishing is not just competitive; it's a labyrinth. With our continuous support and encouragement, many of our poets have taken brave steps into this world. While there's no magic wand to guarantee publishing success, we're elated to see our community members earn their rightful spots in print, one publication at a time.

A Melting Pot of Perspectives 

When poets from diverse backgrounds and walks of life converge, it’s not just words that are exchanged. Our participants learn, grow, and evolve by hearing stories and experiences that might be worlds apart from their own. This enriches their craft and fosters a deeper sense of empathy and cultural awareness.

Building Bridges

Poetry, in its essence, transcends boundaries. In every line and verse, it brings together diverse communities, forging connections and promoting mutual understanding. Our programs are laying the foundations for a more inclusive, understanding, and harmonious community.

Our Programs

High-Quality Monthly Workshops

Our workshops are where talent meets guidance. Hosted monthly and facilitated virtually, these sessions connect budding poets from every corner of Nebraska and beyond. Each workshop is designed and delivered by accomplished poets, boasting MFA degrees and published poetry collections. Learn from the best without stepping out of your comfort zone!

Engaging Monthly Poetry Readings 

Something for everyone and all skill levels

With a focus on voices with Nebraska roots, our monthly poetry readings promote and support our poets. The audience has the opportunity to interact with the poet in the Q&A portion. The best part? These virtual sessions are free and open to all. Inspiration is just a click away!

Events for the Powerful Spoken Word

From stirring open mics to exhilarating poetry slams, our commitment to the craft of spoken word poetry is deep and expanding. With an aim to spread this vibrant art form across Nebraska, we're constantly adding more events and specialized workshops. Even if you are not a spoken word poet, be sure to catch one (or all!) of these events. We promise you’ll be moved and leave inspired.

On the National Stage 

We proudly send a slam poet to represent Nebraska at the National BlackBerry Peach Slam Competition. Not just in spirit, but we also cover their journey, ensuring our state's voice resonates at this prestigious event.

Poetry Contests 

Poets, it's time to shine! We host two annual contests, one focused on traditional print poetry and the other on spoken word/performance poetry. With cash prizes up for grabs and esteemed professionals from the respective fields as guest judges, it's an opportunity to showcase talent and get recognized.

Annual Poetry Retreat/Convention/Festival

Imagine a space brimming with poetic energies, where creativity flourishes. We may call it a convention, festival or retreat, but regardless of the name, our in-person multi-day day events are a haven for poets. Learn through workshops, engage with renowned speakers, enjoy captivating entertainment, and most importantly, be a part of a close-knit community of poets. A perfect escape to reignite your muse!

Image by Georgia de Lotz

Become Part of the Nebraska Poetry Society

Get to Know Us

At the Nebraska Poetry Society, every verse contributes to our larger poetic narrative, and every supporter is a cherished chapter in our ongoing story. If you've felt a spark of connection or curiosity while browsing our story, why not ignite it further? Attend one of our workshops, readings, or events and experience firsthand the camaraderie and creativity that infuse our gatherings.

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For those with a heart for fostering the arts, we welcome donations of any magnitude. Your contributions directly fuel our endeavors, ensuring that the world of poetry remains vibrant and accessible to all. Interested in crafting a unique sponsorship opportunity or collaboration? We're all ears and eager to discuss possibilities. Reach out, and let's pen a beautiful future for poetry together.

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Help us make quality programming accessible to all and promote

our local poets with your charitable donation.

The Nebraska Poetry Society is a non-profit 501c3 organization.

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© 2020 by Charlene Pierce. Created with Wix.com by Poets

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