The theme for this year's LWV Poetry Anthology project, originated by League leaders in Wisconsin in 2025, is "The Arc of Justice." The anthology seeks to publish works from LWV members in every state.

Earlier in 2026, the first poetry anthology Democracy’s Urgent Call was published, with over 1100 copies in circulation. The 2027 volume, The Arc of Justice, is again inspired by artist/activist Niki Johnson’s four-part series, Pillars of Democracy (click here to view.)

Project organizers say:

 As poets and members of the League of Women Voters, we recognize the power of language to connect people, to stir hearts and minds, and to reaffirm the enduring promise of this nation. Together, we lift our voices in solidarity for due process, truth, fair treatment, and justice for all. These are more than ideals; they are the bedrock principles that shape our democracy and guide how we treat one another. When these principles are disregarded, we stand together, speak out and defend our better nature.

The Submission Deadline for The Arc of Justice is November 15, 2026 and the planned release date is June 1, 2027.

The project is accepting original, unpublished poems of no more than 30 lines. View submission guidelines and submit your poem through this link: https://forms.gle/8MwrqE2UaN8RqigcA

The project is spearheaded by Wisconsin League leaders Christy Schwan, Co-President LWV Ozaukee & Washington Counties WI and Eloisa Gómez, Comité por el Voto Latino, LWV Milwaukee County WI.