The Tennessee Poetry Society was constituted "for the purpose of bringing into being a close comradeship and mutual working fellowship among the recognized poets of the state; stimulating the as yet unrecognized poets of the state to make an effort for recognition in the established channels of expression; sponsoring the recognition of poetry as a creative art in the educational institutions within this state by encouraging the youth of Tennessee to secure the cultural background and appreciation necessary to achieve stature as a poet; and assisting and encouraging in every way possible the development of creative talent in the field of poetry."