Join UTSPS

If you love poetry, you’ll find a welcoming home here. Our community brings together poets from across Utah who gather in local chapters to share their work, exchange ideas, and deepen their understanding of the craft. Whether you’re an experienced writer or just beginning, you’ll find encouragement, inspiration, and meaningful opportunities to grow alongside others who share your passion.

Members can also take part in a variety of special events throughout the year. Highlights include the annual Spring Festival, as well as the October Book Concert honoring the Poet of the Year, held every other year in conjunction with the publication of the Book of the Year. In addition, membership automatically includes affiliation with the National Federation of State Poetry Societies, connecting you with a broader network of poets from across the United States.

Adults

$30

Students

Free

How to Join

Step 1: Complete the Membership Application

We’re excited you’re interested in joining us! Download the membership application and fill it out with your information. You can print and mail the completed form, or save a digital copy and submit it electronically. If applicable, membership fees may be paid securely through PayPal.

Download our Membership Application

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Submit by Mail

Print your completed application and send it to the mailing address listed below. Please take a moment to ensure all required fields are completed before sending.

Submit by Email

Save your completed application and email it to the address provided below. If applicable, please include payment confirmation with your submission.

Additional Benefits

  • UTSPS hosts an annual, blind-judged contest with a variety of categories, giving members the chance to earn cash prizes and well-deserved recognition.

  • Every other year, we publish Panorama, our member poetry anthology featuring selected submissions from across the Society.

  • In the alternating years, we publish the winning manuscript from the Book Category of the annual contest as a standalone book by one of our outstanding poets.

  • Once every ten years (mid-decade), we release UTAH SINGS, a large anthology celebrating the work of UTSPS members.

  • Through our affiliation with the National Federation of State Poetry Societies, members can also enter a national blind-judged contest, with top winners published in the anthology Encore. UTSPS poets regularly bring home top honors.

Educational Opportunities

  • UTSPS occasionally offers hands-on workshops focused on the craft of writing poetry, led by experienced and distinguished poets.

  • In partnership with the Zion National Park Forever Project, we sponsor the annual Poetry in the Park workshop, typically held on the first Friday in March.

  • We also support the Redrock Writers—our St. George chapter—with a creative writing workshop usually held on the first Saturday in March.

  • Well-known poets and university instructors are regularly invited to lecture and teach at both local and national events, giving members the chance to learn from respected voices in the literary community.

You are entitled to:
  • Electronically receive the quarterly NFSPS Strophes newsletter.
  • The Panorama anthology when published.
  • The UTSPS Book of the Year when published.
  • Utah Sings in the year it is published.
  • The annual membership directory when printed.
  • Email notifications of state contests, workshops, and other poetry events.
  • Attend chapter meetings, workshops, festivals, and other events sponsored by UTSPS.
  • Enter all categories of the annual contests sponsored by UTSPS and NFSPS, at lower fees.
  • Attend the annual NFSPS convention (attendees pay all their own fees and travel expenses).

Got questions? Contact our Membership Chair!

Reach out to Lauren Madsen at: [email protected]