Engage Youth Through the NGC Poetry Contest

Many clubs are searching for ways to connect with youth in their communities. Whether offering youth-focused programs or simply inviting kids to attend one of your events, sometimes it has been challenging to find the things that resonate with young people.  How about taking a different approach this year?  Add the National Garden Club’s Youth Poetry Contest to your club’s schedule!  The theme this year is “Sing with the Songbirds- Exploring the Glory of Nature.”

The 2021-2022 contest is open to all K-9^th grade students. Research shows a strong connection between writing and interest in nature.  So, as schools (and homeschools) are preparing to return for fall classes, here are some tips to help you promote the contest:

1. Contact K-9 English teachers in your community.  Tell them about the contest; then recruit them to build the contest into their plans.
2. Contact youth organizations in your area (Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H, FFA, religious affiliated youth groups). They are always looking for interesting projects for their members!
3. Contact day care centers in your community.  Their staff will appreciate having a fun activity to engage kids.
4. Advertise the contest on your social media – Facebook, Instagram, and your website!
5. Encourage your club members to get their own grandchildren, children, and all the other youth in their lives to participate.

Club entries must be sent to your State Youth Chairman (state deadlines vary – contact your state). Then, names of state winners must be sent to the Regional Chairman by February 1, 2022, and names of regional winners must be sent to the National Chairman by March 1.  For details and guidelines, visit: https://www.gardenclub.org/poetry-contest.