PEN (Poets, Essayists, and Novelists)

PEN, originally forming in 1921, is an international organization that promotes freedom of expression and supports writers—including poets, essayists, and novelists—around the world. It advocates for writers facing censorship, imprisonment, or persecution, and encourages literary exchange and understanding among cultures. Members work together to defend the right to free speech, promote literary excellence, and foster connections among writers from diverse backgrounds. Overall, PEN acts as a global voice advocating for writers’ rights and the power of literature to influence positive change.