The Poetry Council of North Carolina is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit of about 15 volunteers who conduct an annual poetry contest, publish the winning poems in our contest anthology Bay Leaves, and host Poetry Day each fall so that the poets who submitted a winning poem may read and attend a luncheon that includes a guest speaker. Because we do not have a paid membership, we charge a small entry fee of $5 for adult entries by contest category, and there is a modest charge to attend the luncheon so that we may recover those costs. The student contests are supported by donations, and do not have an entry fee as a means to facilitate the ability of school administrators and teachers to encourage students to enter one of the grade-appropriate contests. Questions about the Poetry Council may be directed by e-mail to edcockrell@hotmail.com.