Poetry Writing for Youth

Mission statement
To offer support, guidance, and educational opportunities for high school students (and past alumni) interested in writing poetry. Members participate through constructive critiques, sharing of creative work, and writing exercises in a friendly and encouraging environment. Our goals are to help our members improve their poetry skills and to assist our young writers in preparing for publication.

Guidelines

The Poetry Writing-Youth Division group is open to active Guild members who are either in high school or are past alumni of this group, up to the age of 21. Members should be aspiring poetry writers. Additionally, members should understand that this group is made up of high school students, and as such, the language and subject content should be rated PG-13 or below. The group meets at 6 - 7:45 p.m. every Thursday except the first Thursday of each month at the Fountain City Library. (Please note the library closes at 8:00). Members are expected to actively participate in group discussions, as well as submit their own work for critique on a rotating basis.

Generally, three to five members are critiqued each month. Submissions are made by email to Kara Mclain at kara mclain @ ymail.com at least one week before the monthly meeting. Additionally, members may also elect to deliver a printed copy to Ms. Mclain.

Monthly submissions must not exceed 3 poems (or 2,500 words) and must be rated below PG-13.
All members must contribute at least three times in a 12-month period.
All members are required to critique fellow writers’ submissions, whether or not they are present for the meeting, and to provide either written or electronic copies of these critiques.

Members should conduct themselves in a professional fashion. In other words, while this group loves to have fun, we ask that members be attentive and respectful towards other writers. Thisgroup is OPEN and accepting members.