About T.O.P.S.
Our Mandate
The Ontario Poetry Society was founded to create a democratic organization for members to unite in camaraderie, friendship, emotional support and encouragement in all aspects of poetry, including writing, performing and publishing.
Code of Ethics
To preserve the good reputation of the society, all members must at all times adhere to the following code and avoid conflict of interest.
All members of the executive shall vote on all issues and matters pertaining to the business of The Ontario Poetry Society. The majority vote shall rule and must be acted upon as quickly as possible.
No single person on the executive may take over another chairperson's responsibilities without prior consent or a majority vote. Similarly, no single person may hire or dismiss any individual (executive, contract, or volunteer) without the majority vote of the entire executive body.
All financial records and accounts must be kept in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. All members must exercise strict precision and accuracy in accounting for all funds received or expended.
Any executive member who fails to perform duties responsibly (e.g., not keeping records up-to-date or providing receipts) shall be dismissed by a vote of the executive body.
Membership & Conduct
The Ontario Poetry Society welcomes members who live and/or work in the Province of Ontario. Auxiliary membership is offered to other Canadians living outside of Ontario. To provide a poetry-friendly place for everyone, all members are invited to participate in all events sponsored by T.O.P.S.
Both Free Verse and Rhyme shall be acknowledged for their aesthetic value equally.
Privacy Statement
The Ontario Poetry Society respects the privacy of its members and will not trade, sell or give away contact information. Any contact information (postal address, email, or phone) appearing on these pages or in printed material is presented with the permission of the member. Should you wish to have your information removed, please contact us immediately.
Executive Structure
- Officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Member-at-Large.
- Elections: Held every three years via mail-in ballot.
- Contest Rule: To avoid conflict of interest, Executive members may only enter contests that are judged blindly.
Branch Managers
Managers are welcomed from different cities across Ontario to organize get-togethers, readings, and local recruitment.
Not-For-Profit Organization
The Ontario Poetry Society is a registered not-for-profit provincial organization. Corporation Number: 1406118.