The Watsonville Poet Laureate Selection Committee is accepting nominations for the city’s second youth poet laureate.
The selected poet will succeed Rachel Huerta and Eva Sophia Martinez Rodriguez, Watsonville’s first co-youth poet laureates, whose terms expire in December.
The program recognizes a young person for literary achievement, a passion for promoting poetry and a commitment to social justice, equity and diversity.
“It was such an honor to have both Rachel and Eva serve as Watsonville’s first co-Youth Poet Laureates. During their term, they gave public readings at events that were free and open to the public,” Library Director Alicia Martinez said. “The new incoming Watsonville Youth Poet Laureate will work with our current Watsonville Poet Laureate Dr. Victoria Banales to represent the City of Watsonville and the art of poetry through outreach and literary activities of the Watsonville Public Library.”
Candidates may nominate themselves or be nominated by another Watsonville resident. Applications are available through the Watsonville Public Library and must be submitted in person or emailed to chris.brant@watsonville.gov by Nov. 1.
The youth poet laureate will serve a one-year term beginning in January 2027. Duties will include working with Banales, participating in library literary programs, reading poems at ceremonial events and public meetings, and promoting poetry and spoken-word performance in person and through social media.
The poet laureate will also encourage other young poets to participate in readings and events, attend cultural activities and participate in five to 10 free public readings and events. At the end of the term, the poet will help select a successor.
Applicants must be younger than 20 and attend or have attended school in the Watsonville area.
Each candidate must submit five original, unpublished poems; one recommendation letter from a teacher, relative or friend; and a one-page essay explaining the candidate’s reasons for applying and goals as youth poet laureate.
Applicants must also agree to be recorded on video or audio.
For information, visit https://bit.ly/345sIqL or email Chris Brant at chris.brant@watsonville.gov.