The Ellen S. Jaffe Humanist Award for Poetry 2026
Open to everyone in Canada and the U.S.A.
Judge: Keith Garebian
Subject Guidelines
Accepting a suite of 10 poems: no fewer, no more on the humanist themes of family, community, traditions and customs, social issues, peace and the effects of war, climate change, ecological issues or the healing power of poetry.
No lewdness, foul language or heavy slant on religion. Free verse preferred. Poems must be unpublished and not sent elsewhere.
Awards
Plus: Up to 5 Honourable Mention Awards. The top 3 winning suites will be published together in a single Chapbook publication. All 3 top winners receive 10 copies each & an Award Certificate. Hon. Mention winners receive an Award Certificate. All prize winners receive signed copies of Ellen's book, Skinny-Dipping with the Muse, Guernica Editions, 2014. All winners to read their series at our Ellen S. Jaffe Tribute Reading.
Submission Rules
- Length: No longer than 32 lines (stanza spaces count as lines; titles do not).
- Width: Up to 55 characters per line, including spaces between words.
- Formatting: Arial 12 font, printed on one side of 8.5" x 11" white paper. Do not attach pictures, artwork, or bio.
Blind Judging Instructions
No author ID should appear anywhere on the poem pages. Please include a separate cover page with your name, mailing address, telephone number, email, and poem titles.
How to Enter
Entry Fees:
- $20 CAD - First submission
- $10 CAD - Each additional submission
No limit to the number of submissions per entrant. Manuscripts are not returned unless a larger envelope is enclosed with sufficient postage.
Include a #10 s.a.s.e. for winners list and $2 in coupons to spend on another contest.
Mail with payment to:
The Ontario Poetry Society#710 - 65 Spring Garden Ave.
Toronto, ON M2N 6H9
Postmarked on or before March 15, 2026.