From 12 charter members, the organization has grown to a membership of about 150 and actively works to achieve its mission "to encourage the crafting and enjoyment of poetry in the State of Illinois..."[1] The society currently has seven affiliate chapters.
The ISPS publishes member poetry on its website, and a bimonthly newsletter.
The society maintains a cycle of contests annually[2] and publishes an anthology titled Distilled Voices.
[3] The society also organizes meetings, conferences, programs and poetry readings.
The organization supports the institution of Poet Laureates within the state to promote the art of poetry.