When Poetry Society of Tennessee (PST) eliminated chapters three years ago, a new way to connect poets within regions emerged: the Regional Connections Committee. Members from different regions participate on the committee to serve and represent their region. The committee works to bring poets together and promote poets and poetry within their regions. (Learn more about their mission here.)

Last year, representatives from Knoxville, Memphis and Northeast Tennessee were joined by members in the Kentucky Lakes and Middle Tennessee regions. The committee not only engaged with their communities to create awareness, shared and attended community events, and developed programs, they formulated a way to advance their work moving forward. One of the missing ingredients was a formal delineation of regions to better connect members and offer a more defined focus for representatives.

Introducing PST Regions

PST is pleased to share our official regional designations. Eight regions consist of groupings of Tennessee counties. At least one state university is located within each region. Our at-large region has been formed to support the unique needs of our out-of-state members. While members will be assigned a “home base” region, they are welcome to participate in any region’s activity.

Seeking Representatives

Committee members work with each other and within their region to support members, promote the society within their region, and develop programs for the region. The committee meets monthly to share progress, tips, and discuss broader work of the committee. Learn more about the RCC here.

Members will soon receive information about their home region and opportunities available to get involved with their region and the RCC. If you’d like to become involved or have interest in developing your region’s connections as a regional representative, please reach out via poetrytennessee@gmail.com with the SUBJECT line RCC REGION.

Get in Touch

RCC representatives would love to hear from PST members to identify important areas of growth for the future. Email your ideas to poetrytennessee@gmail.com with the subject line REGIONAL CONNECTIONS, and your message will be forwarded to the appropriate committee member.