how to get out the vote Poet
It’s true – there’s never been a more important time to get involved. Now’s the time to get involved. It’s on each of us to do everything and anything we can to help to get out the vote poet.
This is not hyperbole. Rather, this is about a high stakes place (and poetic space) in history and one that must be documented (by design, not by denying what’s right).
Ready to step up and poet? There is no other way.
Sure, the act of poeting is often done alone. Behind a closed door. Hidden under a dusty curtain. Sometimes written by hand. But now, no matter how you do it, it’s not enough for you to do it alone. Be a good literary citizen and build a community that poets alongside you.
Step up and ensure your neighbors, friends, family members, and colleagues all poet this season – whether in person or by mail. It’s crucial to make sure they, too, know just how important it is. Need some ideas on how to get out the vote poet
1. Register new poets
Register new poets? For what, you want to know? For all things poeting – invite potential poets to community workshops, social gatherings, Zoom sessions, group chats, coffee conversations, neighborhood walks. Get those who have yet to jump on board ready to go. Syllable by syllable. Line by line. Beat by beat. Rhyme by rhyme. It’s critical. It’s time. Every word and every poet matters.
2. contact your poet-people
Wait, what? I have to talk to someone? Well, sure—you can talk and talking works! Conversation is one of the most effective ways to convert a reluctant poet and resurrect a disenchanted poet. But, fear not – texting, emails, and posts on socials work too! Heck you can even poet on a postcard. It’s also cool to participate in poetic conversations. Yes, that’s right. Reengage with communities in which you used to be an active participant. Say Hello, Hola, or Bonjour. Type updates. Post emojis – pens, pencils, couplets. Who knows, you just might reignite a poetic burst in other dormant members, too.
3. be an informed poet
Yes, it’s true. Surprise associations in poetry often work great. But don’t overlook the fundamentals. Assonance is just as powerful as alliteration. Free verse can be as powerful as form. Rhythm and rhyme both work fine. Repetition is also very effective. Choose your words wisely. Apply metered and measured speech. Think strong verbs. Utilize description to poet with power. Think concrete objects. Don’t lose sight of your objective – more poets! Don’t reinvent the poetic wheel. Share Poet 101 resources widely. Of course, make sure you share only reliable poeting resources.
4. bolster fellow poets
Yes, that’s right. It’s on you, an informed poet, to boost and bolster groups less likely to poet. Help unlikely-to-poet youth navigate access. Help the elderly attend poeting events. Work poetry polls. Poll for potential poets. Forgo illusion and embrace allusion. Resist reams of fake claims and embrace rhyming schemes. It’s hard to find good help but it’s not hard to find a good poet. You fit the bill! Be a verb. Spread the word.
5. poet early
The sooner you start to poet the more time you’ll have to poet. We all know that you can’t edit a blank page. It’s also true that getting started is often the hardest part of the process. Yes, clichés should be avoided at all costs when poeting, but sometimes there’s truth in their tired wisdom. It’s not only USPS and traffic that pull surprises. Life is unpredictable. Writer’s block can be as formidable as a traffic jam. Use enjambment to your (and democracy’s benefit) and seize every opportunity to poet.
The (Bottom Line): Every. Poem. Counts.
P.S. While you’re here, don’t forget to vote as you poet! Whether you poet as you vote or you vote as you poet, do it! Don’t forget!
Written by Jen Schneider
Writer Bio: Jen Schneider is a community college educator who lives, works, and writes in small spaces in and around Philadelphia. She served as the 2022 Montgomery County (PA) Poet Laureate. She's as committed to "poeting" (and building poetry communities) as she is to voting (and related engagement). Ready. Set. Poet (and vote while you're at it).