2012 Contest Announced - "Social Activism"

Carl Sandburg was known as the "poet of the people" because he expressed the social struggles of all Americans. He became the voice for those that had none: child laborers, factory workers, soldiers, immigrants and workers of all races. In honor of Sandburg's role as a champion for social rights, the theme for 2012 is Social Activism. Poems must be submitted by February 24, 2012.

Theme

Carl Sandburg was known as the “poet of the people” because he expressed the social struggles of all Americans. He became the voice for those that had none: child laborers, factory workers, soldiers, immigrants and workers of all races. In honor of Sandburg the theme for 2012 is Social Activism.

Submission Rules

• Poetry accepted from 3-12th grades only.
• Poems must be submitted by a teacher; homeschool teachers included.
• No more than three poems per classroom (each from a different student).
• Poem will be judged on its ability to communicate the theme.
• Poem can be written in any style, but must not exceed one-page in length. No illustrations.
• Poems must be typed, no handwritten entries.
• Do not place any identifying information (name, school, grade, etc...) on poem.

• Paperclipped to poem, no staples
• Must be signed by parent, student and teacher
• Include title of poem so we can identify the author

Submissions must be postmarked, faxed, or hand-delivered by Friday, February 24, 2012. If you have any questions regarding the Student Poetry Contest, please contact Ginger Hollingsworth-Cox, Education Program Coordinator at (828) 693-4178 or by e-mail at ginger_hollingsworth-cox@nps.gov.

Judges from the literary community will make the decision for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place within each grade category (3-5th, 6-8th, 9-12th) Visitors to Carl Sandburg Home NHS during the weeks of March 5-March 16 can cast a vote for the best poem within each grade category; poems with the most votes at the end of the voting period will win a People’s Choice award.

Winners will be notified by Friday, March 23, and will be invited to present their winning poem at a special reception on Friday, March 30, 2012. Poetry Partners The 2012 Poetry Contest is a result of tremendous community support including the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara and the North Carolina Poetry Society members who serve as judges. Thank you.

More Poetry Resources

A copy of the park’s education film, Where to? What next? has been included with this mailing. Please use this to continue inspiring your students to share their stories through poetry. You can find accompanying lesson plans on the park’s webpage at http://www.nps.gov/carl/forkids/where-to-what-next.htm

(Image provided by National Park Service.)

Looking for more happenings in the area? Check out spartanburg.com's comprehensive visitor center.