Poetry Communities and Organizations: Find Your Writing Tribe

Many writers enjoy joining groups that promote poetry events, advocate for the craft, and work to bring poetry into everyday life. If you’re looking to connect with other poets, improve your writing, and discover new opportunities, poetry communities offer invaluable support and resources.

Why Join a Poetry Community?

Combat Writing Isolation

Writing is a wonderful pastime, but it’s solitary by nature. Sometimes solitude is nice, but other times it can feel very isolating. When you’re responsible for all aspects of your craft, it’s easy to procrastinate and put off disciplined writing. Even when you don’t waste time, you might write inefficiently. You might even get lonely and want to meet others who love the often maligned discipline of poetry.

Getting to know and network with other writers helps with motivation and accountability. It’s heartening to know you have people cheering you on and encouraging you to write consistently.

Find Your Kindred Spirits

All of us like to find kindred spirits, and other writers understand the struggles and challenges that writing brings. Being in a group provides space for support and understanding. They get the struggle and pain and can offer support and practical tips to overcome writer’s block or deal with rejection.

Access Business and Networking Opportunities

Writing success depends partly on talent, but also on business savvy. Writing groups offer networking opportunities and events, help organize contests and facilitate connections with industry professionals. The profession is diverse and prone to change, so networking helps you know when and where opportunities become available. There is great value in knowing what agents are reading and what publishers are taking submissions.

Continuous Learning and Growth

Poetry communities create a culture of disciplined learning, where writers can gain insights about the craft, publishing industry, and marketing strategies. Engaging with different writers and their styles, genres, and perspectives serves as inspiration. The more exposure you have to new ideas, the better your own poetry will become.

Major Poetry Organizations

Academy of American Poets (poets.org)

The Academy of American Poets is a renowned nonprofit organization established in 1934 to support American writers at all career stages. The organization manages programs, awards, and resources for poets, including the annual National Poetry Month – the largest literary celebration in the world.

The Academy operates the Poets.org website, which hosts a vast collection of poems, poet information, educational resources, and the popular Poem-a-Day series. They also publish the bi-yearly magazine American Poets.

Poetry Foundation (poetryfoundation.org)

This Chicago-based organization was established in 2003 with a mission to promote poetry as a vital form of cultural expression and make it accessible to wider audiences. The Foundation accomplishes this through various initiatives: publishing Poetry magazine, organizing public events and lectures, providing awards and fellowships, and offering extensive online resources.

Their website features a comprehensive collection of poems and poet biographies. They also maintain archives of Poetry magazine issues dating back to 1912, all available online.

Poets & Writers (pw.org)

Poets & Writers has been advocating for writers for over three decades. They organize events, promote writers, and publish Poets & Writers magazine, with archives available on their website.

Valuable Resource: The editors maintain a searchable database of over 1,000 literary magazines. You can search for magazines with open reading periods that accept unsolicited submissions at pw.org/literary_magazines.

Finding Local Poetry Groups

While it would be difficult to list even a small number of local groups, this is an evolving resource. You can find local groups through:

• Literary magazines and publications
• Local universities and their creative writing departments
• Independent bookstores and libraries
• Community centers and adult education programs
• Social media groups in your area

Many cities have active poetry scenes with regular readings, workshops, and critique groups. Don’t be shy about reaching out – most poetry communities welcome new members enthusiastically.

Getting Started

Start by exploring the major organizations’ websites to get a feel for the poetry world’s scope and opportunities. Sign up for newsletters, follow their social media, and consider attending virtual or in-person events when possible.

If you find a group you’d like to see featured here, please let us know. Poetry thrives on community, and we’re always happy to help connect writers with resources that support their craft.