Local Poets nurtures poetry in Sisters youth

A "new" nonprofit is making its debut in the Sisters arts scene, encouraging the creative writing efforts of local youth.

"Local Poets" was born and raised here and has finally found legs enough to begin making its way in the world. Incorporated as a nonprofit in late 2008, granted

501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in July of 2009, and finally finding business footing late last year, Local Poets has as its mission the support and promotion of the publication and performance of young people's poetry. Initially, this translates to publishing poetry written by young people of Sisters in The Nugget.

Local poet Alexander Weiss, after first gaining approval from a supportive board of directors and many of the teachers at Sisters schools, presented the idea to the students and invited their poetry submissions. Since last December, middle and high school students have been submitting poetry (e-mail submissions accepted at [email protected]) with hopes of their writing making its way onto space purchased by the nonprofit on The Nugget's pages.

Next week, readers will find within The Nugget the first of what is hoped to be an ongoing presentation of creative writing by young people in Sisters. After gaining some momentum, poetry readings are likely, maybe even slams (poetry performance with a competitive edge).

For more information visit http://www.localpoets.org and discover a brief history, submission guidelines, and release form. Anyone 18 years old and younger is welcome to submit their poems for consideration.

Sponsors are needed. Persons or organizations interested in helping to finance the publication of poetry may do so by mail at Local Poets, P.O. Box 1552, Sisters, OR, 97759. Donations are tax

deductible. For further information contact Alexander Weiss at 541-419-6958.