Membership
Membership in the Ocean State Poets is open to all who ascribe to the purpose and goals of the Ocean State Poets, as stated above, and as they are developed and refined in ongoing efforts to grow and improve.
Levels of Membership
Ocean State Poets shall have voting “active” members who commit to doing both outreach and organizational work; and non-voting “supporters/friends.”
Active members elect the Board of Directors and vote on officers to represent and govern OSP. Active members are eligible to serve on the Board and its Committees.
Supporters/Friends: Poets and non poets who support the mission of the OSP, and are included in the OSP email group and meetings.
Annual dues for all members shall be $25.00 and may be adjusted by a majority vote of active members at the Annual Meeting.
Membership Responsibilities--Active Members
Active members will be writing poets, interested in improving their craft and contributing to the community through active participation in at least one venue.
Potential members under the age of eighteen are required to provide written parental permission when applying to join Ocean State Poets. The member may be assigned a mentor who is an Active Member of OSP.
New members will be introduced to the work of the Ocean State Poets and will be offered a choice of venues. They may observe at venues before they chose one or another.
Veteran members in a venue may determine the skill level of a new member and help that person in whatever way seems necessary.
Ideally, all members are willing and able to read their poetry and share their skill in participative workshops and poetry readings.
New active members will be required to go through an orientation process, which may include an application interview, a submission of original poetry and attendance at one or more outreach sessions. Active members who work with children may be asked to submit to background checks if required by the outreach agency. Members working in the ACI (Rhode Island’s Adult Correctional Facility) are required to take the ACI training. The orientation process for new active members should be overseen by at least two representatives of the membership committee.
Membership Responsibilities--Supporting Members
Non-voting "supporters" will become members of Ocean State Poets by interview or recommendation of Active Members. Supporters may be invited to participate in public readings sponsored by OSP, may submit original poetry for publications OSP may produce and would receive any communication publications (i.e.: newsletters) as part of their membership. The Board of Directors has the discretion and authority to add other benefits and/or responsibilities as seen appropriate for supporting members.
Membership in the Ocean State Poets is open to all who ascribe to the purpose and goals of the Ocean State Poets, as stated above, and as they are developed and refined in ongoing efforts to grow and improve.
Levels of Membership
Ocean State Poets shall have voting “active” members who commit to doing both outreach and organizational work; and non-voting “supporters/friends.”
Active members elect the Board of Directors and vote on officers to represent and govern OSP. Active members are eligible to serve on the Board and its Committees.
Supporters/Friends: Poets and non poets who support the mission of the OSP, and are included in the OSP email group and meetings.
Annual dues for all members shall be $25.00 and may be adjusted by a majority vote of active members at the Annual Meeting.
Membership Responsibilities--Active Members
Active members will be writing poets, interested in improving their craft and contributing to the community through active participation in at least one venue.
Potential members under the age of eighteen are required to provide written parental permission when applying to join Ocean State Poets. The member may be assigned a mentor who is an Active Member of OSP.
New members will be introduced to the work of the Ocean State Poets and will be offered a choice of venues. They may observe at venues before they chose one or another.
Veteran members in a venue may determine the skill level of a new member and help that person in whatever way seems necessary.
Ideally, all members are willing and able to read their poetry and share their skill in participative workshops and poetry readings.
New active members will be required to go through an orientation process, which may include an application interview, a submission of original poetry and attendance at one or more outreach sessions. Active members who work with children may be asked to submit to background checks if required by the outreach agency. Members working in the ACI (Rhode Island’s Adult Correctional Facility) are required to take the ACI training. The orientation process for new active members should be overseen by at least two representatives of the membership committee.
Membership Responsibilities--Supporting Members
Non-voting "supporters" will become members of Ocean State Poets by interview or recommendation of Active Members. Supporters may be invited to participate in public readings sponsored by OSP, may submit original poetry for publications OSP may produce and would receive any communication publications (i.e.: newsletters) as part of their membership. The Board of Directors has the discretion and authority to add other benefits and/or responsibilities as seen appropriate for supporting members.
