Dear Friends,
Rather wild mood swings––September weather in New England! Some days, Mother Nature seems unable to decide whether it still has summer simmering on the back burner––or autumn setting the table for the winter we know is coming! But I hope you’re enjoying the waning days of…whatever you call this, before the real cold returns.
Just a few items to share with you:
- We’ve launched our official search committee to interview and select the next NEPC Vice President. Ever since Linda Conte resigned the position in June, after a decade of fine service, things have been a lot more hectic––but leadership has pitched in, trying to help carry the load. Having someone new assume this crucial role will not only help our organization run more smoothly; they will also help shape the new vision we’ve been developing for NEPC. The committee is chaired by David Miller, and he’s let me know that in their initial discussions, their approach will be two-pronged. They may find someone who is eager to assume this important operational role; in that case, we’ll be grateful to have new energy to help guide the Board. Or they may find a candidate who envisions themselves as President and takes on the greater challenge of guiding NEPC’s course forward. In that case, the new appointee can work closely with me in the Vice President role as we develop a transition plan.
If you know someone who you think might be an excellent choice for this leadership position––or if you yourself would like to be considered––please send a note to David at dpmiller1955@outlook.com. - We are still savoring the success of the second summer of our WE (too) THE PEOPLE program. We drew large, appreciative crowds for 8 poetry/music events held across two summers. By our best estimate, 1,200 people attended the readings in person, and another 1,500 enjoyed the programs via live stream or video. If you missed any of the events or would like to rewatch a favorite, they are all available at our YouTube channel, managed by Somerville Media, which recorded and edited the materials:
- This fall, I’ll be able to offer you more information about two new reading programs we’re in the process of creating. The first will be the inaugural event in our new U35 series, curated by James Fraser (many of you know him as the manager of the Grolier Bookshop and publisher of Staircase Books). And later, we’ll let you know about the launch of what we hope will be a yearly addition to our programming calendar: a special reading and craft talk delivered by one of poetry’s acclaimed talents (following up on the popularity of the We (too) programs). We hope to hold these both in person and via Zoom so members across New England can participate. More soon!
- Finally, our finance committee is completing work on our first major fundraising drive, which will extend across New England, reaching out not only to membership but, more broadly, to individuals and foundations who want to help ensure poetry and the arts continue to thrive at this precarious time in our culture. We envision an organization entering a new stage in its evolution, able to serve the needs of its membership while also acting as a strong advocate for poetry across the region and beyond. We are tapping into the leadership development expertise of several new members. Our goal is to increase our financial stability so that we can improve our existing programs––the numerous reading series, poem and book contests, social media/outreach, and more––while exploring new ways of impacting the broader literary community. Our hope is that this will help enlarge and diversify our membership, and invite the participation of younger poets––both necessary conditions if we are to ensure that NEPC continues to grow stronger and more effective as it progresses through its second century. We hope you’ll help us in all of these endeavors in any way you can.
Now I’ll put up a pot of coffee, stare at the sky for a bit, and then get back to work.
With my warm regards,
Steven
– President, NEPC