Illinois State Poetry Society
 About the Illinois State Poetry Society
Home Page
Poetry Competition
ISPS Member Poems
Poem Index by Poet
Poem Index by Title
Poet Bios
ISPS Member Books
Submitting Poems
About ISPS
To Join ISPS
Guestbook
Other Sites



Search only ISPS site

ISPS History

The Illinois State Poetry Society was chartered in 1991 at the yearly convention of the National Federation of State Poetry Societies held in Madison, Wisconsin. ISPS was formed "to encourage the crafting and enjoyment of poetry in the State of Illinois...." From its twelve charter members, ISPS has grown to about 100 members and is actively working at its mandate.

More complete ISPS history (PDF)

Current ISPS Officers

Mardelle Fortier, President; Judith Tullis, Vice President; John Gordon, Treasurer; Gail Goepfert, Secretary; Susan T. Moss, Historian; Carolyn Jevelian, Archivist

Other current ISPS Leaders

Barbara Eaton, western suburbs facilitator; Susan T. Moss, northern suburbs facilitator; David Alexander, central Illinois facilitator; Kathy Cotton, southern Illinois facilitator; Judith Tullis, Hinsdale facilitator (this is our newest chapter). We have two members at large: Joanne Blakley (from southern Illinois) and Wilda Morris.

Past ISPS Presidents

Glenna Holloway (Founding President), William Marr, Phil Zurowski, Don Cornwell, Larry Turner, Mardelle Fortier, Alan Harris, Wilda (Wendy) Morris, John Quinn, Susan T. Moss

Archive of Recent Presidents' Messages

Membership Requirements and Privileges

Membership in the ISPS is $20.00 per year, which includes membership in NFSPS (National Federation of State Poetry Societies). Each member may have one poem published on the ISPS Web site per bi-monthly submission period (see Submitting Poems). Members receive the NFSPS quarterly publication Strophes and may enter NFSPS competitions. The ISPS newsletter ISPS News is mailed to all members bi-monthly. ISPS members are admitted free to ISPS seminars and lectures.

Members who wish to pay at least $30 for a year's dues will be listed on the ISPS Web site home page as Patrons. Members who wish to pay at least $50 for a year's dues will be listed as Benefactors.

Meetings

Currently there are four ISPS chapters.

  1. The Southwest Suburban Chapter generally meets in the southwestern suburbs of Chicago, most often at the Lisle Public Library at 1:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of February, April, June, August, October and December.
  2. The Northern Chapter meets at 1:00 p.m. on the second Sunday of January, March, May, July, September, and November at the Northbrook Public Library.
  3. The Central Chapter meets on the second Saturday of even-numbered months: February, April, June, August, October, and December at 1:00 p.m. at the Pontiac Public Library.
  4. The Southern Chapter meets on the second Sunday of January, March, May, July, September, and November at the Carbondale Public Library, Carbondale, Illinois.
  5. The Hinsdale Chapter meets on the first Saturday of the odd-numbered months: January, March, May, July, September, and November at the Hinsdale Public Library.
On occasion, a meeting date or location is changed, so it is wise to verify the date, time, and location before attending. Check "Upcoming Meetings" on the ISPS home page.

Within the fellowship of our common interest in poetry, we read to each other our current work for comments and suggestions. Sometimes ISPS also sponsors workshops or readings.

How To Join ISPS

To join, please print and fill out the membership form and mail it with your check for the yearly dues of $20.00 to Illinois State Poetry Society, 744 S. Kensington Ave., La Grange IL 60525. Also, please include a short bio of yourself so that you can be introduced to the rest of the membership. Your bio will be published in the ISPS newsletter only, and not on the Web unless you submit it along with a poem for the Web site.