Intergenerational Poetry Contest Brings Together Teens, Elders

OMAHA – Two generations, separated by time, will soon come together to be joined by rhyme.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) Department of Gerontology is partnering with the Omaha Public Library, the Nebraska Writers Collective and Omaha Public Schools to host its annual Intergenerational Poetry Contest this fall.

Students from grades 7-12 and adults who are 50 years old, or older, each are asked to submit two original poems, one to addresses how the world treats teenagers and the other how the world treats older people.

Two sets of cash prizes, one for youth and adults, will be given. First place will receive $100, second place will receive $50, third place will receive $25 and seven honorable mention prizes worth $10 each will also be given.

There is no entry fee for submissions, which are due by Friday, Sept. 30.

All submissions must be on 8.5” x 11” paper with 1.5” margins. Each contestant will also need to include their full name, address, phone number, email and poem titles the upper right-hand corner of the page along with either “Elders Track” or “Youth Track” depending on their age bracket.

All who submit poems are invited to attend a special celebration held at UNO on Sunday, Oct. 16, from 1 – 4:30 p.m. The top three winners will read at least one of their poems. The event will also feature an open-mic poetry slam opportunity for anyone in attendance.

Submissions can be made online at www.omahapoetsplace.net or by mail to the following address:

Attn: Sigma Phi Omega Poetry
UNO Department of Gerontology CB211
University of Nebraska at Omaha
6001 Dodge St.
Omaha, NE, 68182

For questions about the event, or UNO’s Gerontology Department, please email unogero@unomaha.edu.

For media requests, please contact:

Sam Petto, UNO Media Relations Coordinator
unonews@unomaha.edu
402.554.2704

or

Charley Reed, UNO Associate Director of Media Relations
unonews@unomaha.edu
402.554.2129