Become part of Chattanooga’s first Democracy Speaks Poetry Trail!
Be one of the 16 poets we are choosing to help create a new public poetry destination for our city. Submit your best poem by December 26, 2025 to be considered for this opportunity.
About the Project
Democracy Speaks is a public poetry and history trail that will open during Pops on the River 2026 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It will feature poems and stories about freedom, justice, community, and the many voices that shape our democracy.
We want poems from people of all ages and from many different backgrounds. Your story, your voice, and your point of view matter here.
How to Enter
Complete the submission form below by December 26 and send us the following items:
- One family-friendly poem you have already written (any topic, any style, any length as a link, Word document or PDF).
- One video of you reading your poem (a phone video is fine; make sure we can see and hear you clearly).
- Your name, email address, and phone number so we can contact you with the results.
- Be prepared to answer the following questions:
- “If you are selected, what theme about democracy would you want to write about?”
- “What unique perspective will your poem bring to this project?”
When you are ready, fill out the form below and upload your poem file and your video.
Who Can Enter?
- All ages are welcome.
- You can be a new poet, a student, or a long-time writer.
- You can submit any form of poetry: spoken word, page poetry, rhymed, free verse, and more–just make sure that it is family-friendly.
If You Are Selected
A selection committee will review all poems and videos. If you are chosen as one of the 16 featured poets:
- You will be asked to write a brand-new poem for the Democracy Speaks trail.
- You will receive a $500 honorarium for your final commissioned poem.
- Your work will be part of a public poetry and history trail on the Poetry Pathway in Renaissance Park in Chattanooga, TN during the America 250 year celebration.
Timeline
- Submission Deadline for Your Existing Poem: Friday, Dec. 26, 2025
- Selection Notice: Poets will be notified by email after review with details on next steps.
- Workshops & Check-Ins: February and March 2026 (dates and location will be shared with selected poets).
- Final Poetry Submission and Recording: April 2026
- Official Public Launch: Pops on the River – July 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I have to be a “professional” poet?
A. No. You do not have to be a professional. New and experienced poets are welcome.
Q. Do I have to write a new poem right now?
A. No. Right now, we only ask for a poem you have already written. If you are selected, then you will create a new poem for the project.
Q. Does it cost anything to enter?
A. No. There is no fee to submit.
Q. Why do you need a video?
A. The poetry trail will include recordings of poets reading their work. We ask for a video now so we can hear your voice and your style.
Q. Who do I contact if I have more questions?
A. Send an email to us at PoetryPathwayCHA@gmail.com.
Submit Your Poem
Click below to submit your existing poem and video of you reading it.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this call for poets or the Democracy Speaks project, please email us at PoetryPathwayCHA@gmail.com.
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