This allows those who attend to give input, offering a wider variety of material. Ideas for topics can be gathered from poetry writing books that go into detail on poetic tools, styles, forms and other elements. Also, find web sites of other workshops and gather ideas from their syllabus. It is a good idea to select one quality poetry writing book and one book of poems to be used from time to time, so that all participants can read and study on their own time. Certainly other materials can also be used, but having standardized books for everyone will help keep things moving along in an organized fashion.
Workshops can benefit greatly from guest speakers or video productions.
For example, if you arrange for an experienced poet from a nearby university to speak, this will draw local interest. Such an event should be well advertised to gain the most local support. If you use a video production, such as a public broadcast production, explain before viewing what you believe to be essential about the presentation. After the viewing, open the room to collective discussion. This type of group brainstorming can trigger very interesting questions about the elements of poetry.