needs advice on how to organize a poetry group

I am seriously considering starting up a poetry group in my local area for poets that write for pleasure, like myself and even people that just enjoy reading poetry. But I don't really know anything about leading a group and to be fully honest I’ve never had the opportunity to be a part of any social groups in the past. So I hope you can see why I am feeling a tiny insecure with this idea.
And then there is the problem of, I don’t know of ANYONE who writes or reads poetry in my area. I mean I am sure there are others out there, but how do I find them? It’s just not something most people talk about in their day to day lives. I know that most of my daily acquaintances don’t know that I am into poetry. It just doesn’t come up in conversations.

I was thinking that my group could meet up once a month and exchange poems and talk about poetry and maybe agree to write about a given topic. Maybe in time find a local business to host a poetry reading, like at a coffee shop or martini bar.

But anyway, I am looking for feedback from poets with experience with this type of thing. I always try and keep an open mind when lessoning to suggestions and would like a heads up on what sort of pitfalls to anticipate. Like for example at some point I might have to deal with a few posers. I am guessing they appear in every sort of group.

Thanks and with appreciation,
InfinityKnott

RE: needs advice on how to organize a poetry group

Try local libraries some have some, some will let you.
Make flyers, and set them up in music and book stores.
Also google search local forum boards, and post this,
Or other info if you find one.
WS

RE: needs advice on how to organize a poetry group

I try this all the time ws......... trying to set up a writers group... out of churches and just where ever I think I can touch people..... not sure if any one really likes groups really cause of so many differences....... It's like I see it we all get self consumed and try everything on our own....... I find writers but I don't think the want to be part of what I want to write....... I like writing about the grace of God by Jesus and then of course my flesh and how I feel as a different human being...... I wish all the best for you ws... as I find you to be a great writer...... redbloodink/justme69..........

RE: needs advice on how to organize a poetry group

Though I have never been in a writers group, there are several here that a dozen of my friends drift in and out of. The one and only complaint that I hear from them is it gets rather boring having to critique a piece of work that you have no connection to e.g. the topic or characters that you cannot relate to, or having someone in the group who has no sense of punctuation or spelling or critiquing others' works.

I asked them what would make a successful group and they said to have a group that writes about the same topic or theme, e.g. love poems, or lost love, or nature, or sensual poems, or whatever interests you. Sense you are going to be the Moderator you have to decide and dictate what the group is about.

The 1920's French Surrealists Group was internationally successful because they stayed with one theme, Surrealism. Other groups have been successful using this process also, like the 20th century Existentialist Group, and the Symbolist Group from the 19th century.


Writers hang out at cafes and libraries, so post fliers there. Use "Craig’s List" too
for locating writers in your area.

A group of no more than 5 people no less than three is a good place to start.

I hope this opens ideas for you.

Peace and Light,
dah

Last edited by dahlusion 08-22-2010 at 05:48:50 PM

RE: needs advice on how to organize a poetry group

InfinityKnot,
I belong to 2 such groups currently. I derive a lot of joy and learn so much about other's writing and poetry styles. I am generally not a verbal critic unless asked since I respect all poets and their varying genres. If asked however, I critique diplomatically, based on my opinion. And as anyone who writes poetry knows, poetry is a subjective art. We all have a chance to read our own poems and critique others poetry in these groups. We bring copies to pass out, however it is not mandatory to do that, some read from their own page, book, or scribble. Others have memorized their work and recite them. Both groups I attend have a monthly reading for 2 hours and we pay a yearly membership fee of $20.00. This covers special events, internet web fees and postage.One group averages 15-25 poets per meeting and is held in a conderence room of a local library. The group also sponsors public open-mike readings for members and sometimes invites the public too. The other group has about 6-10 attendees each month and that is held in an Art Gallery, and in the past has been in private businesses. I noticed that these two groups attract the middle aged to elderly. One group has folks from 40-85 years old, while the other starts at about 55-90 year olds. With respect to all ages, I realize many folks are hard of hearing, move slower, talk slower and so patience is key. Also if you use a coffee house/eatery as a meeting place, be sure to encourage the patrons of poetry to buy something, as some businesses have drriven away groups due to lack of sales, after all the poets are taking up table and chair space. Anyhow go for it! You can avertise locally. There is a websiteI consult to when I want to know what's going on here in MA.CT, VT, NY called www.poetrynewscalendar.com , check it out to get an idea how poets advertise their readings. I wish you luck!

RE: needs advice on how to organize a poetry group

Poetry groups can be alot of fun and a way to blow the creative door of one's mind right off the hinge! lol. I agree with WS in ways to start one of get info, any of the big libaries in the area should have resources availble, many already have such groups going on, if not they would plenty of info on how to start one. You could also post a forum on OP for anyone that would be interested that wants to join, you would be surprised with the amount of poets on this site, only PAPA knows the number for sure but I have seen friends with like over 10,000 people on thier list so you might be surprised by how people there are in your area that visit this site. You could also call around to local coffee houses as many times they have poetry reads and groups available. Goodluck and godbless! Purity of the soul, journey well!!! with grace and humility ANGEL

RE: needs advice on how to organize a poetry group

Thank you all for your fabulous advice. I will be sure to keep you in mind when I need help in the future. You've given me some great idea on what I can do with my group.

So far I have a fan page on facebook and here's some info I posted on it to let people know what I want my group to be about.

Find local writers and artiest

Why join a poetry group?

Joining a poetry group is a great way to express your own creativity and share your passions with others who have common interests. Discover how everyone has their own unique style of writing and receive positive feedback.

Having doubts that your poetry may not be good enough because you have very little experience in writing? No worries. This group is not about judging others work, it’s about support and exchanging ideas so that we all can grow and become better writers.

Poets learn through practice just like everyone else. So make sure that you are serious and willing to put some effort into your writing. This group doesn’t have time for people with negative attitudes or lack of enthusiasm.

You love to read poetry but can’t write? That’s fine. You are still welcome to join in group discussions and share some of your favorite poets work. Also other artists are welcome.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Anyone interested in becoming a full member to the SCPC (Schuylkill County Poetry Club) please send a PM (private message) on facebook to Angie Knott or send her an email that says “Attentions Poetry Club” to angiem2227@yahoo.com.

Establish group meetings to exchange ideas

Let’s meet one or two times a month at a prearranged locations and talk about poetry, share ideas, read, and receive feedback on poems. We can come up with a biweekly topic to write about and exchange inspirations. Also we will make time for display of artwork if applicable.

Our long term goal is to eventually expose our love for writing with the public by having local businesses host poetry readings. Like for example at a coffee shop, art store, or martini bar. This in turn should also be equally beneficial for the business owner.


http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1066749211#!/pages/Schuylkill-County-Poetry-Club/141461779225291?ref=mf

RE: needs advice on how to organize a poetry group

I found this site, studying poetry lessons by Bates online.
You all may find this useful.

http://www.readinggroupguides.com/roundtable/start.aspl

Last edited by WordSlinger 08-23-2010 at 07:02:28 PM

RE: RE: needs advice on how to organize a poetry group

I love this idea of yours on starting a poetry group in your local area. You have go me thinking about doing the same here where I live in Florida. I think it would be a great idea to share with others face to face and be able to learn and share ideas to help become a better writer/poet..........let us know how it is going and what steps you took to make it all take off........I am seriously thinking of doing the same here, I know there are several poets in my area, so I think I will look into this great idea........thanks for the idea and good luck to you for much success on a splendid idea........love asha

RE: needs advice on how to organize a poetry group

Angie Knott,

you can know tell your group that your entries of interactive poetic verse are published in a book, The Poem is, The Eastern Darkness, Demons of the Sand Lands.
here is the link to the production, and info

http://www.originalpoetry.com/forum/view/topic/topic_id/3009/p/6

POB