Arizona State Poetry Society

The Arizona State Poetry Society (ASPS), established in 1966, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational and literary organization dedicated to the art of poetry.

Mission

ASPS is dedicated to the art of poetry and promotes the reading, writing, appreciation, and speaking of poetry at state and local levels. We support our ASPS members and the community through interactive critique groups, workshops, contests, educational opportunities, reading opportunities, publication opportunities, as well as through community outreach and open public meetings and programs. We serve at state and local levels and our membership includes in-state and out-of-state members.

Vision

ASPS seeks to unite poets in fellowship, understanding, and mutual respect by embracing diversity in age, race, gender, ethnicity, beliefs, and lifestyle. We embrace the beauty and power of diversity and welcome poets, readers, and friends of poetry to join us in our celebration and study of poetry and in the promotion of our organizational mission and goals. We promote human understanding in our outreach to the community and envision a society of fellowship, and mutual respect.

Goals

• Recruit and attract poets, readers, and friends of poetry of all ages and walks of life, in- and out-of-state, to join ASPS and connect with our programs and activities in pursuit of our vision and mission, and in their personal growth in the art of poetry.

• Interact with other poetry, arts, and literary groups, foundations, societies, festivals, and centers to promote the reading, appreciation, writing, and spoken art of poetry.

• Provide in-house reading and critique groups, poetry circles, contests, and events for the enrichment of our members’ lives and poetic careers.

• Provide opportunities for ASPS members to collaborate on the publication of poetic works.

• Participate in and present public meetings, conferences, and festivals, including our own annual conference, to promote the art of poetry.