Poems and Literacy

November is the Poem-a-day challenge. This will be my third year in the challenge, but this year there is a twist.  This year, for each poem I write, people will be pledging money that will go to the Center for New Americans (CNA), a non-profit organization that supports and educates immigrants and refugees and their families.  

I am excited for two reasons: one, this is where I teach and I love my students.  Two, the money will be going to continue our family literacy program, which allows children of our adult students to be taught in a pre-kindergarten literacy program, while their parents are learning English. 

30 Poems in November was conceived by Northampton Poet Laureate Leslea Newman, who challenged the poets and writers of Northampton to write their poems during November 2009 to raise funds for CNA.  The idea caught on like wildfire and the fundraiser not only was a success, but it became a yearly event that has now grown into a community celebration of poetry.

Poets can sign up to join the challenge.  At the end of November, each poet will submit a favorite poem for an anthology that is put together.  Writers will be invited to come to Smith College on Wednesday, December 5 at 7:00 PM to read their poems.   

One of the great things about this event is that while there are many well-known regional and national poets, who participate, some of the poets are first time writers of poetry.  What a gift to be able to share their work with the world! 

If you would like to sponsor me as I write 30 Poems in November, please visit my FirstGiving page at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/linda-neas/30-poems-in-november-2012.

If you would like to join me in the challenge by writing poems, please sign up at http://www.cnam.org/30-poems.

Namasté!