“The Power of Words: Volunteering and Creativity”

In celebration of a decade of nurturing poetic voices across Nigeria and beyond, Poets in Nigeria (PIN) Initiative proudly announces a special call for submission of poems to be tagged; 10th Anniversary Anthology of Poems. Since inception in October 2015, PIN has curated various anthologies via Initiatives within the Initiative including the Nigerian Students Poetry Prize (NSPP), PIN 10-Day Poetry Challenge, etc. This is the first open call for poems for the publication of an all-embracing anthology of poems. A frontline hub fostering literary creativity and community engagement, PIN@10 is a major milestone.

This commemorative anthology, themed “The Power of Words: Volunteering and Creativity,” invites poets to explore how language inspires action, builds communities, and drives positive change. We welcome fresh, original compositions that reflect on the transformative potential of words in volunteering, creativity, and community service.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

POETRY SUBMISSIONS
-One poem per contributor (max. 35 lines)
-Previously unpublished work only (no reprints or simultaneous submissions)
-Theme: “The Power of Words: Volunteering and Creativity”

SUBMISSION PERIOD
-Opens: May 1, 2025
-Closes: Midnight, June 22, 2025

HOW TO SUBMIT
-Send your submission to: pinsubmissionportal@gmail.com
-Email subject line must read: “PIN 10TH ANNIVERSARY ANTHOLOGY”

In the body of your email, include:
-Your full name
-Email address
-Bio (maximum 100 words)
-Your poem (pasted in the email body)

RULES
-All entries must be original work of the submitting poet
-Poems containing profanity or vulgarity will be disqualified
-100 poems will be selected for publication
-Authors retain copyright of their poems, but submission grants PIN permission to publish selected poems in the anthology

ELIGIBILITY
-Open to all poetry lovers and PIN supporters, regardless of nationality or residence
-No entry fee required

PUBLICATION & ACCESS
-The anthology will be published in July 2025
-All participants will receive a complimentary e-copy
-A QR code will be made available for free download of the anthology

POETRY READING AND PERFORMANCE SLAM
As part of activities marking PIN@10, the anthology will be officially unveiled at an anniversary event in Lagos featuring:

-A spoken word reading and performance slam with cash prizes
-A special poetry reading slam, where the selected poets will have the opportunity to perform/read their published poems
-Prizes will be awarded to winners of the poetry reading slam
-Details about registration for the poetry reading slam will be communicated to selected poets

For inquiries, please contact: pinsubmissionportal@gmail.com

Chris Emecheta
Moderator PIN 10th Anniversary Anthology of Poems