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The Freedom to Write

PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world.

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A row of diverse books wrapped with a red ribbon is shown beneath text reading, Support Free Expression This Giving Tuesday. Give America the gift of reading.

A Season for Free Expression

It’s been a difficult year for that most American of values: free speech. Banning books. Censoring words and identities. Intimidating journalists. Strong-arming universities. This giving season, consider contributing  to an organization that protects your speech, in big moments and small ones. Thanks to a generous match, all donations up to $25,000 leading up to Giving Tuesday will be doubled in impact.

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Wear Your Support

They can try to ban our stories, but they can’t ban our style. This holiday season, show your support for the fight against book bans by shopping PEN America original T-shirts, tote bags, sweaters, mugs, and more. Use the discount code FREE2READ10 for 10% off!

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Five items with book advocacy themes: two sweatshirts (one says I Read Banned Books with a cartoon, one with a book logo), two T-shirts (Books Are for Everyone! and Pro-Books and I Vote), and a matching mug.

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What We Do

PEN America celebrates literature and defends free expression.

Events

PEN America celebrates literature with public programming, authors’ evenings, advocacy trainings, writers workshops, community gatherings and more.

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