As I write, fall flourishes—hillside shimmering with frost-melt dew, even the giant oak that resists the season’s change shifting color. (My sun-loving dog, Ollie, has traded morning deckside leisure for curling up in bed indoors.)

Our society’s fall pace seems an endless stream of leaves. Student, Collegiate and Festival contests have launched. Our new edition of Tennessee Voices Anthology is available! Monthly programs and monthly contests continue. Popular programs like these (designed to achieve our mission) are made possible by volunteers, sponsors, and participants. THANK YOU.

As a society created by poets for poets, the Board is listening and leaning in. That is why we issued our summer survey, continue to peruse results, and discuss them in our meetings. We were humbled and honored that all who took time to respond were likely or highly likely to recommend our society to others and overall offered high ratings of satisfaction with our various programs. We agree with you: the society is running well AND we can improve.

Last month I shared a list of improvement-focused actions. This month, I’m pleased to share a few more:

• You’re right: our full membership should be represented in our anthology. We will give all members an opportunity to be published in Tennessee Voices Anthology, 2025-2026! Our festival contest chair (Deborah-Z Adams) and incoming editorial board (Chair KB Ballentine, Howard Carman, Pat Hope, and more to be named) have agreed to take on the extra effort required. (Thanks a million!) Look for a call for submissions soon.
• We asked you why you joined: you selected every program and reason we listed, and added a few. Collectively, the top three are educational programming, networking, and supporting Tennessee poets and poetry (our mission!). We are thrilled that you not only come for educational programming but are happy with the programs and presenters. (We think the programs are awesome, too. Thanks, Jake Lawson!) It’s heartwarming to know you value the society’s mission and join to support it. We also heard you: you are looking to network AND develop deeper relationships. (“Friends!” Yes, please.)
• You like our meetings, but there is room for improvement. We will continue to offer educational programming but balance that with monthly meetings more focused on sharing poetry, opportunities, ideas, and celebration. Stay tuned for more information on this.

On behalf of the Board, we thank you for your engagement, and we will continue to work through survey results and your ongoing feedback. Here’s what’s happening now:

Earlier this month, Valencia Robin led a fascinating exploration of lyrical and narrative forms. On November 8, Julie Cummins—poet, tech guru, and President of Columbine Poets, Inc.— will explore digital pathways to publication. If you’ve been hesitating to try submission managers (e.g., Submittable), want ideas for digital resources, or have technology questions, join this program.

Next up for our monthly members-only contests is an ekphrastic, sponsored by Janet Qually. Send us a poem in response to her art work (below). Entries accepted November 1 through 15. Get contest details here.

We are always looking for volunteers to support our mission. (We promise, inquiries are not expectations for commitment.) Current needs include regional connections committee reps and members, a 70th Annual Festival chair and members, and communications committee members. Contact us at poetrytennessee@gmail.com to learn more.

Curious about PST? Join us at a meeting or other activity. Reach out anytime. Peruse our website, monthly newsletters, social media (@poetrysocietyoftennessee on Facebook and Instagram). Ready to join? Find membership information here (online & mail options available). I hope to see you soon at an event—in person or virtual.

With appreciation and enthusiasm—
Lisa Kamolnick
President, Poetry Society of Tennessee