![]() |
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 |
ISPS HistoryThe 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 OfficersMardelle Fortier, President; Judith Tullis, Vice President; John Gordon, Treasurer; Gail Goepfert, Secretary; Susan T. Moss, Historian; Carolyn Jevelian, ArchivistOther current ISPS LeadersBarbara 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 PresidentsGlenna Holloway (Founding President), William Marr, Phil Zurowski, Don Cornwell, Larry Turner, Mardelle Fortier, Alan Harris, Wilda (Wendy) Morris, John Quinn, Susan T. MossArchive of Recent Presidents' MessagesMembership Requirements and PrivilegesMembership 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. MeetingsCurrently there are four ISPS chapters.
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 ISPSTo 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. |