Calling all young poets across New York State! Are you ready to share your words with the world? The Poetry Society of New York is thrilled to launch its annual Youth Poetry Contest, an extraordinary celebration of creativity, talent, and the transformative power of poetry. Open to all writers under 18 living in New York State, this contest is an invitation to take the stage, raise your voice, and shine.

At PSNY, we believe poetry belongs to us all. Whether you’ve been writing for years or are just beginning to explore the art of words, we want to hear from you. There’s no theme for this contest—let your imagination run wild! Submit your best work, in any form or on any subject, and share the unique way you see the world.

Winning poets will receive not only prizes but also a platform to share their work with the vibrant poetry community. First place will receive $300, second place $200, and third place $100. All three winning poets will also have their work published in Milk Press, the publishing arm of PSNY, and the opportunity to perform on the youth stage at the renowned New York City Poetry Festival. 

Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges using a rubric designed to celebrate diverse voices and poetic styles. Judges will consider originality, creativity, use of language, emotional resonance, and technical skill. Every poem will be read with care and intention, honoring the spirit in which it was written.

To enter, prepare a selection of your best original poems. 

• Submissions should include three to five pages of poetry, with each new poem starting on a separate page.
• Please ensure the document contains no identifying information. 
• Alongside your submission, fill out the online entry form, which will include your name, age, location in New York State, school (if applicable), and a brief bio sharing a little about yourself and your poetic journey.

The contest launches on January 15, 2025, and submissions will remain open until March 1, 2025. Our judges will review submissions throughout March, and the winners will be announced on March 26, 2025!

This contest is more than just an opportunity to win prizes—it’s a chance to connect with a community of poets and creators, gain recognition for your work, and experience the magic of poetry in a whole new way. We can’t wait to read your submissions and celebrate the next generation of poets.

Let’s make poetry magic together! For more information and to enter, visit poetrysocietyny.org/youth-poetry-contest

Are you a New York-based literary organization like an Open Mic event or Writing Group? Do you desire for more poetry-lovers and art-appreciators in our community to support your contribution to this space? We would love to platform you & strengthen the network of like-minded creatives in the process! Submit your application to be listed in our Monday Weekly Roundup distributed to our entire mailing, both the week prior to and the week of your Event or Product Launch. 

How to Poet is a blog designed to shamelessly attract attention to poetry. Using devices typically reserved for online “clickbait” like listicles, how-to’s, trends, hashtags, hyperlinks, hyperbole and sensational sensationalism, the poets at The Poetry Society of New York are having a little fun: creating literary content, criticism, poetry book reviews and entertainment that reaches outside the established poetry community to encourage wider audiences for poets and their work. 

Submit your proposed poetry-related article(s) here, keeping to a word length of between 350-600 words.

We publish articles every Monday. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. Feel free to contact us with questions! 

We look forward to reading your submissions!

Milk Press merges the poetry, visual, and digital art worlds by cultivating, presenting, and publishing multi-disciplinary, collaborative work. We are currently seeking submissions for our Spring issue, launching digitally in April. Submissions are open from January 17th to March 7th. Please read our submission guidelines.
 

We only consider previously unpublished works. Our reading fee is put towards the free and accessible programs that the Poetry Society of New York offers. We hope to make our selection process as equitable and diverse as possible. That being said, BIPOC, queer, and gender non-conforming folks are especially encouraged to apply.

The Poetry Society of New York (PSNY) is on the lookout for spirited and enthusiastic Programs Interns to join our vibrant team! If you have a passion for the unconventional and a knack for behind-the-scenes magic, this role is perfect for you. Join us in creating unforgettable poetry events that ignite wonder, discovery, and a lifetime of friendships.

***Our internships are for college and graduate students only.

Key Responsibilities:

   ● Event Planning and Coordination: Dive into the delightful chaos of pre-production planning for our whimsical events. Help with scheduling, logistics, and coordinating with our fantastic cast of characters. Our main priority over the Summer will be the New York City Poetry Festival; get hands-on experience from start to finish on festival production!
   ● Documentation and Design: Channel your inner creator by writing, editing, designing, and printing crucial pre-production documents like runs of show, stage plots, venue layouts, and materials lists.
   ● Vendor and Venue Coordination: Communicate with vendors, venues, and other professional contacts to ensure all pre-production needs are met, and deadlines are kept.
   ● Creative Development: Join our playful brainstorming sessions to hatch new production ideas and see them through from wild concept to fabulous execution.
   ● Resource Management: Organize and manage production resources, ensuring we have all the equipment, materials, and supplies needed for our events.
   ● Team Collaboration: Work closely with Marketing and Development Interns to align pre-production efforts with our vibrant promotional strategies.
   ● Research and Analysis: Conduct research on potential venues, vendors, and other production resources, providing insightful analysis to aid our decision-making.
   ● Administrative Support: Provide administrative support, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and maintaining our production calendars.
   ● Risk Management: Help us anticipate and navigate any bumps in the road, developing creative contingency plans to ensure smooth sailing.

Qualifications:

   ● Interpersonal Skills: You’re a confident communicator, outgoing, and cool under pressure—just the person we need to keep things running smoothly.
   ● Organizational Skills: Highly organized with a keen eye for detail, you’re a multitasking maestro who can juggle tasks with ease.
   ● Hands-On Approach: Self-motivated and intuitive, you’re not afraid to roll up your sleeves and dive into the creative process.
   ● Artistic Eye: You have a strong artistic aesthetic and a passion for creativity, always finding beauty in the bizarre.
   ● Flexibility: Able to work remotely and during nonstandard business hours, you’re ready to adapt to the ever-changing needs of our events.
   ● Passion for the Arts: You’re familiar with and enthusiastic about poetry, literature, theater, and performance art, and eager to share that passion.
   ● Technical Skills: Experience using Eventbrite and Square Point of Sale systems is a plus.

● Research Skills: Strong research skills with the ability to compile and present information effectively.

● Problem-Solving: You can anticipate potential issues and develop effective solutions with a touch of creative flair.

 Expectations:

● Commitment: Must be able to commit to a minimum of 10-15 hours per week.

● Availability: Flexible schedule with availability to work evenings and weekends as needed for event preparation and execution.

● Professionalism: Maintain a high level of professionalism and a positive attitude in all interactions.

● School Credit: Priority will be given to college students interested in earning school credit for this internship.

Benefits:

● Experience: Gain hands-on experience in event production and project management.

● Networking: Build a network within the arts and event production communities.

● Skills Development: Develop valuable skills in communication, organization, and creative problem-solving.

● Mentorship: Receive guidance and mentorship from professionals in the field.

 Working Environment:

● Remote Work: Primarily remote work with occasional on-site requirements for events.

● Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive, collaborative, and creative environment.

● Learning Opportunities: Opportunities to learn about various aspects of event production, from conception to execution.

How to apply:

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience. Priority will be given to college students interested in earning school credit for this internship.

Please note that we're more than happy to offer college credit or collaborate with a paid program through your school! 

The Poetry Society of New York (PSNY) seeks a highly organized, detail-oriented, and motivated individual eager to gain or improve the development skillset essential for founding and growing nonprofits. The ideal candidate should have a demonstrated interest in arts administration and nonprofit development. Skill learning areas will include grant discovery, grant-writing, pitching sponsors and advertisers, cultivating donor relationships, fundraising event-planning, membership program development, and strategic planning. Although experience in these domains is not required, it is a plus.

***Our internships are for college and graduate students only.

Key Responsibilities:

• Grant Discovery and Writing: Assist in identifying potential grants and contribute to the grant-writing process.
• Sponsorship and Advertising: Support efforts to pitch sponsors and advertisers.
• Donor Cultivation: Aid in building and maintaining donor relationships.
• Fundraising Event-Planning: Help in planning and executing fundraising events.
• Membership Program Development: Contribute to the development of membership programs.
• Strategic Planning: Participate in strategic planning sessions to further organizational goals.

Qualifications:

• Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication skills and the ability to work well with others.
• Organizational Skills: Highly organized with an eye for detail.
• Self-Discipline: Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Passion for the Arts: Demonstrated interest in arts administration and nonprofit development.
• Flexibility: Comfortable working remotely and adapting to changing priorities.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with grant-writing tools and CRM systems is a plus.

Expectations:

• Commitment: Must be able to commit to 5-10 hours per week.
• Professionalism: Maintain a high level of professionalism and a positive attitude in all interactions.
• School Credit: This internship can be done for academic credit. Please inquire!

Benefits:

• Experience: Gain hands-on experience in nonprofit development and arts administration.
• Networking: Build a network within the arts and nonprofit communities.
• Skills Development: Develop valuable skills in grant-writing, fundraising, and strategic planning.
• Mentorship: Receive guidance and mentorship from professionals in the field.

Working Environment:

• Remote Work: Primarily remote work.
• Collaborative Culture: Work closely with the Development Director and CEO.
• Learning Opportunities: Opportunities to learn about various aspects of nonprofit development.

Compensation:

• This is a volunteer position, but there is potential for commission-based grant-writing.

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience. Priority will be given to college students interested in earning school credit for this internship.

Please note that we're more than happy to offer college credit or collaborate with a paid program through your school!