Lucas County Poet Laureate

The Lucas County Commissioners and its partners encourage all eligible candidates to self-nominate and for members of the public to nominate eligible candidates. The Lucas County Commissioners and its partners comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil and human rights, including processes and practices free of discrimination based on race, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or age. All residents of Lucas County are eligible for nomination, excluding employees of the Lucas County Commissioners and members of the nomination review and selection committees and their immediate families. Community Advisory Panel members invited to submit input on the nomination process and Poet Laureate program are eligible for nomination. 

Past Poet Laureates include Jonie McIntire (2022-2026), Jim Ferris (2014-2020), & Joel Lipman (2008-2014).

Nomination Guidelines

All Lucas County Poet Laureate Nominees must: 

• Be at least 18 years of age 

• Have been a Lucas County resident for one year prior to the nomination deadline 

• Remain a Lucas County resident through the Poet Laureate two-year term 

• Have a demonstrable body of work showing excellent skills in the writing, reading, and/or performance of poetry in any form 

• Provide evidence of achievement in the art of poetry, a) including a body of publicly accessible works (e.g. print and/or digital publication, audio and/or video recording, streaming, and other means of publication), b) also including significant recognition or awards for contributions to poetry 

• Demonstrate excellence in promoting awareness of and engaging the public in enjoyment of poetry 

• Be able to reach and serve a county-wide audience (in-personal and virtual) 

• Agree to conditions for the term of the appointment 

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage own schedule

Expectations of the Position

The Lucas County Poet Laureate is expected to: 

• Contribute to the growth and awareness of poetry throughout Lucas County

• Lead one (1) significant project unique to the individual that will inform future Poet Laureate programming and/or act as an archive of the Poet Laureate's influence or experience

• Present annual report to Lucas County Commissioners to be documented in public minutes; complete final reflection paper and/or audio or video recording at the conclusion of the term

• Attend statewide literary events and educational programs as schedule permits, including engagement with Ohio Poet Laureate

• Contribute one (1) significant work developed during Poet Laureate term for public archives of the program

• Assist in the transition of the succeeding Lucas County Poet Laureate