Mission

The Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission is the volunteer selection and support body for the Wisconsin Poet Laureate. Governor Tommy Thompson created the commission on July 31, 2000 and Governor Jim Doyle renewed the Commission's charter during his term. Five statewide organizations—the Council for Wisconsin Writers, the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets, the Wisconsin Regional Writers Association, the Wisconsin Humanities Council, and the Wisconsin Arts Board—were directed to appoint members to the Poet Laureate Commission. The Commission's duties are to plan and conduct the poet laureate selection process, assign responsibilities to the new poet laureate, and assist that individual in performing official duties. The Wisconsin Poet Laureate is asked to contribute to the growth of poetry in this state, plan and attend at least four statewide literary events each year, and perform in at least four government, state, and civic events as requested by Wisconsin school systems, libraries, and literary organizations.

History

Governor Thompson created the Poet Laureate Commission in Executive Order 404 on July 31, 2000, to recommend candidates for the Poet Laureate of Wisconsin. Seven members were appointed to four-year terms. Each of five statewide organizations recommended one person for membership: the Council for Wisconsin Writers, the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets, the Wisconsin Regional Writers Association, the Wisconsin Humanities Council, and the Wisconsin Arts Board. Governor Thompson directed the commission to:

• recommend three candidates
• assign responsibilities to the new poet laureate
• assist that individual in performing official duties

The poet laureate is asked to:

• contribute to the growth of poetry in this state
• plan and attend at least four statewide literary events each year
• perform in at least four government, state, and civil events as requested by Wisconsin school systems, libraries, and literary organizations

In December 2000, Governor Tommy G. Thompson appointed the first Wisconsin Poet Laureate, Ellen Kort of Appleton, to a four-year term. Governor James Doyle appointed Denise Sweet of Green Bay to a four-year term in September 2004, and in November 2008 Governor Doyle appointed Marilyn L. Taylor to a two-year term. In November 2010, Governor Doyle appointed Bruce Dethlefsen to a two-year term.

In early 2011, Governor Scott Walker eliminated support for the Wisconsin Poet Laureate Commission. Soon afterward, the Wisconsin Academy became steward of the program in order to ensure continued financial and structural support for the Poet Laureate of Wisconsin as well as the commission. Questions about the stewardship role of the Wisconsin Academy, can be sent to Jason A. Smith, the Wisconsin Academy's communications director and editor of their magazine, Wisconsin People & Ideas.

Commission Members

Co-chairs:
Jane Hamblen
Representing: Citizen-at-Large
Madison, WI

Charles Ries
Representing: Wisconsin Regions Writers Association
Milwaukee, WI

Public Relations:
Richard Roe
Representing: Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets
Middleton, WI

Applications Coordinator:
Mary Wehner
Representing: Council for Wisconsin Writers
Fond du Lac, WI

Secretary:
Charlotte Meyer
Representing: Wisconsin Humanities Council
Madison, WI

Expense Coordinator:
Storm Elser
Representing: Wisconsin Arts Board
Chenequa, WI

Member:
Karla Mullen
Representing: Citizen-at-Large
Watertown, WI

Poet Laureate:
Bruce Dethlefsen
Westfield, WI