Executive Order  No. 640: Creating the Position of Poet Laureate of Massachusetts

WHEREAS, poetry enriches the civic life of Massachusetts in innumerable ways, igniting critical thought and dialogue, inspiring meaningful change, nurturing empathy across differences, and strengthening the bonds of community;  

WHEREAS, the Healey-Driscoll Administration honors the place that poetry has in our culture and history, and celebrates the work of pioneering Massachusetts poets such as Phillis Wheatley Peters, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Sam Cornish, Emily Dickinson, Tracy K. Smith, Martin Espada, Stanley Kunitz, Sylvia Plath, and Mary Oliver;

WHEREAS, it is critically important to cultivate in all residents—and especially our schoolchildren—a lifelong appreciation for the humanities, including the reading and writing of poetry;

WHEREAS, establishing an official Poet Laureate of Massachusetts will not only inspire the next generation of poets and readers, but also promote literacy, foster shared understanding, and elevate talented Massachusetts individuals to serve as distinguished ambassadors of the arts;

WHEREAS, the position of Poet Laureate provides opportunities for collaboration with schools, libraries, the private sector and cultural organizations statewide, thereby expanding access to the transformative power of poetry for every resident of Massachusetts;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Maura T. Healey, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution, Part 2, c. 2, § I, Art. I, do hereby order as follows:

Section 1: Poet Laureate of Massachusetts

The Poet Laureate shall be an honorary position within the Commonwealth appointed by the Governor and reporting to the Governor’s Office. The Poet Laureate shall serve for a two-year term and may be reappointed for up to one additional two-year term.  The Poet Laureate shall be responsible for: (i) encouraging appreciation of poetry and creative expression across Massachusetts; (ii) attending public readings and other statewide literary and cultural events in diverse regions of the state as requested by the Governor or Lieutenant Governor; (iii) composing poetry for ceremonial occasions as requested by the Governor or Lieutenant Governor; and (iv) advising the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on an outreach program for schools focused on the celebration and advancement of poetry. 

The Poet Laureate shall reside in Massachusetts and have lived here for a minimum of three years. The Poet Laureate shall possess a substantial body of work and shall have demonstrated a commitment to promoting an awareness of poetry and literary excellence.  The Poet Laureate may accept such stipends or honoraria as may be available for the position of Poet Laureate.

Section 2: Nominating Committee for Poet Laureate  

There is hereby established, within the Office of the Governor, an advisory Poet Laureate Nominating Committee responsible for reviewing, submitting, and making recommendations on applications for the position of Poet Laureate to the Governor.

The Committee shall be comprised of the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, or their designee, who shall serve as Chair of the Committee; the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities (Mass Humanities), or their designee; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, or their designee; the Senate President, or their designee; and at least 5 members appointed by the Governor, 1 whom shall be a poet or editor of poetry, 1 of whom shall be a representative of a humanities organization within the state, 1 of whom shall be a representative from an indigenous community or Tribal Nation in Massachusetts; and 1 of whom shall be an scholar from one of the state’s public universities or colleges.  The Chair of the Committee, with the approval of the Governor, shall select one member of the Committee to serve as co-chair. 

On behalf of the Committee, the Massachusetts Cultural Council shall create and advertise an appropriate and inclusive application process for collecting biographical information, professional information, and representative material from applicants.  Upon request by the Governor, the Committee shall review applications and select at least two qualified individuals to submit to the Governor for potential appointment.

Appointed Committee members shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor, in an advisory capacity and without compensation.  The Committee shall meet as often as the Chair directs.

Section 3: Compatibility with Existing Law

Nothing in this Executive Order shall be construed to require action inconsistent with any applicable state or federal law.

This Executive Order shall continue in effect until amended, superseded, or revoked by subsequent Executive Order.