In the Name of Poetry!

The University of Arizona Poetry Center seeks enthusiastic individuals to serve in its vibrant docent program.

Mission Statement

Poetry Center docents provide groups, institutions, and individuals with a positive and engaging introduction to the Poetry Center as a living archive. Docents encourage a love of language and advance a positive perception of poetry.

Vision Statement

Poetry Center docents promote the living spirit of poetry as something that can enrich, inspire, sustain, and heal. They serve as ambassadors of poetry and the Poetry Center.

Qualifications

Potential docents should feel comfortable with speaking before groups, leading discussions, and facilitating short poetry activities for people of all ages. While no prior experience with poetry is necessary, a willingness to learn about poetry and an appreciation for the value of public arts programming is required.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Job responsibilities include planning, leading, and assisting with poetry discussion groups, leading building tours, staffing informational booths, overseeing the Poetry Center front desk on select Saturdays, and other responsibilities. Docents are required to stay informed of Poetry Center events, programs, and activities.

Required Training

New docents attend a four-week course taught by senior docents. Docents-in-training also shadow staff and experienced docents as they gain a thorough knowledge of the Poetry Center's history, current programs, and library resources. All docents meet as a group bimontly from September through April for continued training, poetry discussions, and visits from special guests. These meetings are held on Saturdays. New and returning docents are strongly encouraged to attend these monthly meetings in order to keep up with the Poetry Center's ever-evolving calendar of events and roster of initiatives.

Time Commitment

The Poetry Center requires that docents commit to the program for 1 year and donate an average 10 hours per month to Poetry Center programs.

Benefits

Docents receive the following benefits:

• A 30% discount on all Poetry Center classes and workshops
• Continuing education
• Friendship and camaraderie
• Name badge
• Annual field trip

Ready to Apply?

There are no open calls for the Docent Program at this time.  Please email the contact below to express interest and learn when new docents will be admitted.   

Questions?

Contact Tyler Meier at tmeier@email.arizona.edu or (520) 626-5880.