Frequently asked questions

Photo: Roberk Brooks

  • PEN International promotes literature and freedom of expression. It is a forum where writers meet freely to discuss their work. It is a voice speaking out for writers silenced in their own countries. The organisation is governed by the PEN Charter and the principles it embodies: unhampered transmission of thought within each nation and between all nations. PEN International was founded in London, UK, in 1921, simply as PEN. With professional staff working from its London base, a network of 130 autonomous Centres spread across 90 countries, and approximately 40,000 members (including writers, translators, bloggers, journalists and publishers, among others), today PEN International is recognised as the world’s foremost association of writers, as well as a leading international charity and expert on freedom of expression.

  • It is thanks to the ongoing support of many generous individuals and organisations that we are able to defend freedom of expression and protect writers at risk. Please consider becoming a Friend of PEN International..

  • Many writers across the world face persecution solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression. They rely on PEN International to advocate and campaign on their behalf, so that their human rights are respected and protected. There is a lot you can do to support them. Please check our Take Action page.

  • We ask that you first join at Centre level. Writers have an important voice in their own communities, and we believe it is vital that communities join and work together whenever possible. Please check if there is a Centre near you. If there are none nearby, it might be possible to join a Centre in a neighbouring country, or one formed on the basis of your language or culture.

  • PEN International is not a publishing house, though we work closely with publishers to strengthen our activities and to make sure that we stay involved with writing from around the world. We do not act on behalf of writers looking for a place to publish their work.

  • PEN International only offers financial support to persecuted writers and their families, through the PEN Emergency Fund. We also work closely with PEN Centres and our funders to develop programmes, projects and events that reflect our principles, promote freedom of expression and celebrate literature.

  • PEN International is funded by a number of individuals, companies and organisations. We also receive a small amount of money from PEN Centres in the form of membership dues. If you would like to know who supports our work, please check our Who We are Page.

  • The PEN International office works to support PEN Centres around the world. If you are interested in learning about the procedures to set up a new PEN Centre, please get in touch with Olha Mukha, Congress, Committees and New Centres Manager at: olha.mukha@pen-international.org