What Is the Mission of the Illinois State Poetry Society?

Updated

The Illinois State Poetry Society (ISPS) exists to promote poetry in all its forms and to spotlight its members and their work. Its stated purpose is "Connecting people and poetry" — a mission carried out through a statewide network of chapters, recurring readings, contests, and member publications rather than through a single central program. If you write poetry in Illinois, want to hear it read aloud, or are looking for a community of poets near you, ISPS is built around that goal.

The mission in practice

ISPS describes three connected aims:

  • Promote poetry in all its forms — from formal verse to haiku, which has its own dedicated chapter.
  • Spotlight members and their work — the society frames its activities around giving members' poems an audience.
  • Connect people and poetry across Illinois — chapters and events are distributed geographically and online so participation isn't limited to one metro area.

How the mission is carried out

Chapters across the state

ISPS organizes members into regional and interest-based chapters, which is how the "across Illinois" part of the mission becomes concrete:

  • North Suburban
  • Southern
  • Champaign
  • Lisle (Founding)
  • West Suburban
  • Haiku
  • Pontiac (North Central)

Chapters meet regularly in public venues and/or online. To find meeting dates and times, ISPS points visitors to its Chapters & Meetings page and its Events Calendar.

A monthly open mic and reading

For almost twenty years ISPS has sponsored a monthly open mic with two featured poets. The event is held at Brewed Awakenings in Westmont (19 W Quincy), led by Wilda Morris, on the last Sunday of the month from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ISPS states that this event is free.

Events and contests

The site highlights upcoming events as "artists and poets connecting and collaborating," with a full calendar of events available. Contests are also listed among the society's offerings, alongside resources for members.

Who this mission is for

The welcome message addresses "poets and poetry lovers" — so the intended audience is broader than published writers. If your interest is reading, listening, or critiquing rather than submitting, the chapter meetings and monthly reading are the most direct entry points. If your interest is publication and recognition, the contests and member-spotlighting activities are the relevant ones.

How to get involved or ask questions

  • Browse the Chapters & Meetings page and Events Calendar to find a gathering near you or online.
  • Attend the last-Sunday open mic at Brewed Awakenings in Westmont if you want a low-commitment first visit.
  • Contact the society directly at [email protected] with questions.

The site does not state membership fees, dues, or any login requirement, so treat cost and access terms as unconfirmed until you ask.