100 Thousand Poets for Change: looking for organizers

Michael Rothenberg, co-founder and coordinator of 100 Thousand Poets for Change is inviting Caribbean poets to participate in 100 Thousand Poets and Musicians for Change 2012, scheduled for September 29.

The event brings together poets, writers and musicians from around the world in a celebration of poetry and the arts. They’ll be organising activities in their local communities to inspire and encourage people to come together to promote “meaningful social and political change.” The events are held simultaneously around the globe. They can be big or small – poetry sessions, a concert, a demonstration, an art and craft exhibition, handing out poems in the street – whatever the organizers feel is appropriate.

Michael Rothenberg, who is also a poet, songwriter and publisher of Big Bridge magazine said last year’s event was a huge success.

“Last year’s event was history making. It looks like this year will exceed all expectation. We have over 550 events confirmed in 100 countries. And we are hoping that we can expand the involvement of Caribbean nations. People who want to organize in their cities can contact me at walterblue@bigbridge.organd I would be happy to sign them up. Also they can find us on our Facebook event page at http://www.facebook.com/events/189035231173286/ Stanford University has volunteered to continue archiving this event and we are creating individual blog pages for all participants. September 29 will be an amazing day!!”

Numerous participants in last year’s celebration echoed Rothenberg’s praise for the event, including the 100 Thousand Poets for Change Jamaica Chapter, as well as participants in Trinidad.

John Dorsey of Toledo Free Press said, “What really makes it [100 Thousand Poets for Change] different is, unlike so many other events, people seem to be listening and really coming together … Poetry is a great vehicle for social change and community transformation, but in the end the goal is to be able to really see others, to see that we are not only our differences but also our similarities. We are all human beings, no matter what our walks of life.”

US Poet, Peggy Sapphire said poets “worldwide gathered to carry forth a new vision for the world forged from the poetry, dreams and visions of impassioned citizens everywhere.”

Participating poets from Rochester, New York said, “100 Thousand Poets for Change” was the biggest reading EVER.”

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