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About OPA

The Ohio Poetry Association (OPA), chartered originally as the Verse Writers’ Guild of Ohio, is a nonprofit, educational volunteer organization with a 501(c)(3) Federal designation.

We exist to promote the art of poetry and support poets and others who appreciate poetry. Since being organized as in Columbus in 1929, the Ohio Poetry Association has become statewide in scope. We are eager to assist poets, whether amateur or professional, as they hone their craft.

The Ohio Poetry Association (OPA) is an affiliate of the National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS). Besides sponsoring our own state contests, members are eligible to participate in the numerous contests of other state affiliates. We are also a strong supporter of Ohio Poetry Day, a separate not-for-profit organization to which we have close ties through our founder, Tessa Sweazy Webb.

We work extensively in Ohio schools, helping students to understand, enjoy, and create poetry. The Ohio Poetry Association and its chapters sponsor and underwrite student poetry contests, including a spring high school competition that has been offered since 1976.

We provide Quarterly Workshops in Columbus which feature some of the finest Poets authors, publishers and teachers in the world.

Other services provided by the Ohio Poetry Association include:
  • an online calendar in which to list your poetry venue, events and workshops
  • a quarterly newletter, "Workshopping Your Words"
  • a journal of poetry, Common Threads, featuring contributions from members
For more information and to become a member, please visit our website.

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CREATING POETRY CHAPBOOKS

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Columbus,OH – The Kelton House Museum & Garden will host a special Juneteenth Event focusing on drumming and poetry to lift the spirit and soul. The celebration will feature the drumming of Akwaaba , led by founder BabaaRitah Clark who is also a dancer at Djun'kendafala Dance Company. Ohio Poetry Association (OPA) and Poets Against Racism & Hate ( PARH)   USA will feature the following four award-winning and renowned poets: Susann Moeller,  a bi-lingual eco- and social justice poet, serves as Vice President of the Ohio  Poetry Association (OPA) and Chancellor of the National Federation of State Poetry Societies  (NFSPS). Chiquita Mullens Lee, acclaimed playwright and poet, serves as Arts Learning coordinator at  the Ohio Arts Council, performs with Columbus-based Wild Women Writing and leads Word  Warriors creative writing ministry. Karen Scott , published in anthologies, reviews, and zines, keeps her fingers on the pulse of all- things...

Odes of October 2024 Contest Winners Announced

OPA is pleased to announce that our judge for 2024, Karen Scott, has chosen the three winners and three runners-up for the 2024 Odes of October contest. First prize is awarded for "Restless Peace," by Jo Anne Moser Gibbons. First prize includes an award of $65 and inclusion in the 2025 issue of Common Threads, as well being published below. Second prize goes to "Scarecrow," by Dr. Anna Cates. This prize includes an award of $25 and appears below. Third prize goes to "Fall," also by Jo Anne Moser Gibbons. This prize includes an award of $10 and appears below. Honorable mention poems were: "Rite of Passage," by Claire Scott Rubin "Alone in Silence," by Jonathan Smith "Assassination Attempt Haiku," by Susan Glassmeyer Karen said she found her task made more difficult by the high quality of submissions, so each participant should be congratulated for their work. We thank them for participating and being a member of the OPA. A spe...