I’m participating in the 30 Poems fundraiser for the Center for New Americans again this year, and it’s sparked some thoughts about the juxtaposition of poetry and fundraising.

Why choose poetry for a fundraiser? Poetry is free and dreamlike, unbound and emotional, timeless and maybe even anti-capitalist. It seems odd pairing with fundraising, unlike more familiar drives that center walking, running, biking, or baked goods. But poetry does one thing well that we need more than ever in this historical moment in America. Poetry connects and humanizes. It unlocks our human powers of compassion, empathy, and imagination. It makes simple things like a red wheelbarrow or the taste of ice-cold plums universal symbols for us to bond over. It brings us together. So what better way to marshal our collective energies for a cause? What better way to remind us of the value of empathizing with others?

And I certainly enjoy how it brings writers together, as well. Working with the daily prompts that are supplied to the participants is a rich ground for creativity. There are usually some workshops offered, which I generally choose not to attend, as writing for an hour or two at a stretch is generally too much for me, physically. But the juicy energy of writers all creating together in a room is a wonderful thing to facilitate. I feel a part of that community even when I’m only there in spirit.

I hope that many of the people in my circles will join me this November in supporting CNAM’s important work by following the link above to my campaign page to donate; everyone who does gets an original poem of mine via email. If I raise $300, I will take great pride in reading one of my poems at the wrap-up event in December, and buying some copies of the gorgeous anthology they publish with work from participants.

For folks who live locally, a delicious opportunity is coming up on Sunday, November 9th, from 2:30-4:30pm. The Florence Poets Society will be holding a poetry reading in support of 30 Poems. Many Florence Poets participate in the CNAM’s campaign every year, and this year we are celebrating with poetry, art, snacks, and community! I’ll be one of the 20 or so featured readers, and will be presenting 3 or 4 poems. The event will be held at Invisible Fountain, an art gallery in the Eastworks building, west entrance, suite 206/2nd floor, 116 Pleasant St, Easthampton MA. And there will be copies of Silkworm 18 available for purchase for those interested in the Florence Poets Society’s yearly journal. Hope to see some familiar faces there!