Calling all wordsmiths: Poetry Out Loud looking for participants for competition

Calling all poets!

Poetry Out Loud is looking for competitors for this year.

The national arts education program is dedicated to helping students engage with poetry and hone public speaking skills.

The program is made possible through a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts, the Poetry Foundation and the New Mexico Arts.

The program wraps up in poetry recitation competitions, first locally and then at the national level.

Earlier this year, Rutenda Musharu from Montezuma represented New Mexico in the national competition in Washington, D.C.

“Through Poetry Out Loud, students discover great poetry while also learning about themselves, world history, contemporary life, and the power of words,” says Maria Rosario Jackson, NEA chair. “Through their participation in the program, they have the opportunity to build important public speaking skills, increase self-confidence, and build appreciation for different world views and styles of expression.”

Poetry Out Loud is available to schools, as well as non-school organizations like school clubs, libraries and non-profit organizations.

Schools and organizations will have access to free curriculum materials, including a poetry anthology, a comprehensive teacher’s guide, and more, through PoetryOutLoud.org.

Once they have registered, participating schools and organizations are invited to hold classroom and school contests through December.

Winners of these local contests will then advance to a state competition on March 3, 2024.

State champions will advance to the national finals, which are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., April 30–May 2, 2024.

Those interested should reach out to New Mexico Arts by Nov. 3.

Each state champion will receive $200 and will advance to the national championship, where $50,000 in awards and school stipends will be distributed, including a $20,000 award for the Poetry Out Loud National Champion.

The school or organization representing the state champions will receive a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry materials.

The first runner-up in each state will receive $100, with $200 for their school or organization.

For further information on Poetry Out Loud, visit PoetryOutLoud.org.