An invitation from
Christy Schwan (christy@swancygnet.com), Co-President LWV Ozaukee & Washington Counties, Wisconsin
and
Eloisa Gómez, Comité por el Voto Latino, LWV Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
Co-Creators/Authors/Publishers of Democracy’s Urgent Call
The Arc of Justice
A Poetry Anthology
by Members of The League of Women Voters
Earlier this year, we published our first poetry anthology, Democracy’s Urgent Call, which has over 1100 copies in circulation. Our 2027 volume, The Arc of Justice, is again inspired by artist/activist Niki Johnson’s four-part series, Pillars of Democracy (click here to view.)
As poets and members of the League of Women Voters, we recognize the power of language to connect people, to stir hearts and minds, and to reaffirm the enduring promise of this nation. Together, we lift our voices in solidarity for due process, truth, fair treatment, and justice for all. These are more than ideals; they are the bedrock principles that shape our democracy and guide how we treat one another. When these principles are disregarded, we stand together, speak out and defend our better nature.
We hope LWV members from all 50 states will contribute to this anthology. Please pass this letter to all LWV members who might be interested in submitting.
Submission Guidelines
We invite original, unpublished poems and welcome a wide range of voices, styles, and perspectives. Surprise us with something fresh—insightful, musical, memorable. We’re looking for poems that move us: make us laugh, cry, reflect, or see the world in a new way. Both free verse and traditional forms are welcome, as well as bilingual poems, though we are unable to accept entire non-English poetry due to space limitations and editors’ language capacity.
Please submit one original, unpublished poem of no more than 30 lines, including stanza breaks, formatted to fit on a single page using 12 pt Times New Roman font. Submissions with special formatting, visual elements, or artwork cannot be considered.
A panel including a former Wisconsin Poet Laureate will review submissions and make final selections. Chosen poems will reflect the League of Women Voters’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please avoid references to specific elected officials or political parties, as we are committed to maintaining a nonpartisan focus.
There is no submission fee nor is monetary payment possible at this time. Selected contributors will receive one complimentary printed copy of the book. All rights revert to authors upon publication. If your poem is later reprinted in a collection or anthology, we kindly request acknowledgment of its original appearance.
The publication will be produced via print-on-demand. Once available, local and/or state Leagues will have the option to purchase copies in bulk at cost + shipping for gifts, direct sale, and/or local fundraising. Additional details will be shared upon publication.
Please submit your poem through this link: https://forms.gle/8MwrqE2UaN8RqigcA
Timeline
Submission Deadline November 15, 2026
Selections Finalized January 15, 2027
Advance Orders Begin March 1, 2027
Design, Layout &
Production Completed April 30, 2027
Release Date June 1, 2027