Take Action
PEN America is at the forefront of the fight to defend free expression, artistic freedom, and the free press in the United States and beyond. We research and report the challenges, host educational and advocacy events, draft op-eds, pressure governments and other powerful forces, and provide support to individual writers and artists at risk.
But for free expression to flourish, writers and readers everywhere must rise to the challenge of defending it, for all people. Please, join us by taking action below.
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Advocacy • Open Letters • Petitions • Rapid Actions
Take Action to #FreeTheBooks
PEN AMERICA NEEDS YOUR HELP TO #FREETHEBOOKS In classrooms, school districts, and libraries across the country, the freedom to read is under assault by restrictions and bans on books. Join… More
SIGN NOW: Hinds County Schools, Reading Is Not a Crime
We object to the idea that reading a children's book shouldn't be the cause for a teacher's firing in Mississippi. More
Morocco: Authorities Must Ensure Prominent Journalist Soulaiman Raissouni a Fair Trial and Release Him Pending the Outcome of His Appeals
PEN believes that journalist Soulaiman Raissouni is being targeted for his writings following an unfair trial, putting his health at risk. More
Turkey: Charges Against Kurdish PEN Member Must Be Dropped
PEN is deeply concerned for the well-being of Kurdish PEN member, writer and poet Meral Şimşek, who is facing up to 20 years on two separate charges. PEN believes… More
Azerbaijan: Serious Concern for Health of Journalist Elchin Mammad
PEN is deeply concerned for the health of reporter, lawyer, and human rights defender Elchin Mammad, who is serving a four-year prison sentence on trumped-up charges of theft and… More
SIGN NOW: Demand Burbank Schools Reinstate Banned Books
We the undersigned object to the news that several books dealing with the subject of race in America have been temporarily banned within Burbank public school classes. More
Uganda: Drop All Charges against Kakwenza Rukirabashaija
PEN condemns the unlawful arrest and detention of Ugandan novelist and journalist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija. He was arrested on the morning of September 18, 2020 at his home in Iganga… More
NYC Literary Action Coalition
The NYC Literary Action Coalition aims to create an activism network of NYC-based literary members to build the community’s capacity to mobilize on behalf of free expression and social… More
Cuba: Immediately Release Poet and Journalist Roberto de Jesús Quiñones Haces
PEN calls for the immediate and unconditional release of poet, lawyer and independent journalist Roberto de Jesús Quiñones Haces. In April 2019, he was detained while he was covering… More
United Against Hate: A Statement of Solidarity
We, the undersigned, call on everyday citizens to join us in standing in solidarity with all those targeted by hate during COVID-19. More
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Are you an artist at risk or know someone who is?
PEN America On 
Fort Worth, TX: On Tuesday Oct. 11 we're talking local reporting and community media with some journalist luminaries. Join us! @FortWorthReport @keratx @VotebeatUS https://pen.org/event/celebrating-the-power-of-community-journalism-in-fort-worth-during-election-seasons/
Four years ago, #JamalKhashoggi was murdered on orders of the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Today, Saudi writers and critics are jailed for decades, as Mohammed bin Salman’s power expands. We continue to demand #JusticeForJamal and the #FreedomToWrite: https://pen.org/advocacy-case/jamal-khashoggi/
Festival Day is still on for today! All of our programs have moved INDOORS!
💔Unfortunately, we've had to cancel our Literary Marketplace due to the wind. You can still support them all online! And we look forward to having them next year!