SayPro Poetry Strategic Plan and 12-Month Calendar of Activities and Events For 2025

Strategic Plan Overview

Mission:
SayPro Poetry is dedicated to fostering the power of words, amplifying voices, and building a creative community by curating poetry events, workshops, and publishing opportunities. The goal is to support poets in developing their craft, connect with diverse audiences, and provide a platform for poetic expression.

Vision:
To become a leading poetry organization that provides accessible platforms for poets, nurtures artistic growth, and enriches the literary community with dynamic, thought-provoking poetry.

Core Values:

1. Inclusivity: Embrace a diverse range of voices, themes, and experiences in poetry.
2. Creativity: Foster artistic exploration and innovation through open forums, events, and workshops.
3. Community: Build a network of poets, readers, and supporters, creating connections and opportunities for collaboration.
4. Support: Provide resources, mentorship, and growth opportunities for emerging poets.
5. Accessibility: Ensure events and initiatives are inclusive and open to all, regardless of background or experience level.

Strategic Goals
 

1. Increase Engagement and Participation
   • Grow the SayPro Poetry community.
   • Provide regular, accessible poetry events (readings, open mics).
   • Launch a mentoring program for emerging poets.
2. Enhance Content Creation and Distribution
   • Regularly publish poems and poetry-related content on digital platforms (website, social media).
   • Curate an annual poetry anthology showcasing the best works of the year.
   • Develop partnerships with publishers to increase exposure and distribution.
3. Expand Educational Programs
   • Host monthly poetry workshops, both virtual and in-person.
   • Develop an annual poetry retreat for intensive workshops and creative networking.
   • Offer online masterclasses with established poets and writers.
4. Cultivate a Sustainable Business Model
   • Introduce membership plans and fundraising initiatives (sponsorship, crowdfunding).
   • Create a paid poetry submission platform for poets to earn income.
   • Develop strategic partnerships with local and national arts organizations.

12-Month Calendar of Activities and Events

Month 2: February

• Event: Valentine’s Day Poetry Open Mic
  • Theme: “Love and Heartbreak”
  • Location: Local venue

Month 3: March

• Event: Poetry Slam Night
  • Competitive event with cash prizes for the winners.
  • Location: Local venue
• Marketing: Promote National Poetry Month (April) to build momentum.

Month 4: April (National Poetry Month)

• Event: Poetry Month Kickoff Event
  • A large-scale poetry reading and celebration featuring local and national poets.
  • Location: Local venue
• Campaign: Daily social media challenges and poetry prompts for followers to engage.

Month 5: May

• Event: Poetry and Art Collaboration
  • Collaboration with visual artists for a cross-medium experience.
  • Location: Art gallery or community space

Month 6: June

• Event: Summer Solstice Poetry Celebration
  • Celebrate the longest day of the year with poetry readings focused on nature and light.
  • Location: Outdoor venue
• Fundraising Event: Poetry Auction, where poems are auctioned to raise funds for SayPro Poetry initiatives.

Month 7: July

• Event: Poetry Under the Stars
  • Evening poetry readings with a summer night theme.
  • Location: Outdoor venue
• Marketing Campaign: Social media push for summer poetry submissions.

Month 8: August

• Event: Open Mic Poetry Night
  • Encouraging new voices to share their work.
  • Location: Local venue
• Publication: Summer Poetry Anthology release.

Month 9: September

• Event: Poetry and Music Fusion Night
  • Poets collaborate with local musicians for a fusion of sound and verse.
  • Location: Local venue
• Partnership Development: Establish new collaborations with local literary organizations.

Month 10: October

• Event: Halloween Poetry Reading
  • Theme: “Spooky, Dark, and Haunting Poetry”
  • Location: Local venue
• Fundraising Campaign: Crowdfunding for next year’s programming.

Month 11: November

• Event: Thanksgiving Poetry Reflection
  • Poetry readings centered on gratitude and community.
  • Location: Local venue
• Publication: Release fall-themed poetry collection.

Month 12: December

• Event: Year-End Poetry Celebration
  • Reflection on the year’s accomplishments and showcasing the best poems of the year.
  • Location: Local venue
• Annual Gala: A fundraising event to support SayPro Poetry in the following year.

Metrics and Evaluation

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
  • Event attendance and participation rates.
  • Growth in community members (social media followers, newsletter subscribers).
  • Amount of poetry submissions received for anthologies.
  • Fundraising and revenue growth.
  • Feedback and engagement through surveys post-events.
• Evaluation:
  • Regular assessments of workshops and events based on attendee feedback and participation.
  • Monthly team check-ins to evaluate progress towards goals.