Background & Mission
PEN New England is one of five regional branches of PEN American Center, which in turn is part of International PEN, the only worldwide organization of writing professionals. Our mission is to advance the cause of literature and reading in our region and to defend free expression everywhere.
PEN (Poets/Playwrights, Essayists, Editors, Novelists) was founded in 1921 under the presidency of John Galsworthy; among early members were Joseph Conrad, George Bernard Shaw, and H. G. Wells. Over the years, PEN centers have been established on six continents. PEN New England, founded in 1978, currently serves a thousand members in the literary community throughout Massachusetts and in all the New England states. We welcome as associate members all writers, editors, and others interested in being part of this literary community and in advancing the goals and programs of PEN.
PEN New England has adapted this mission to suit the needs and exploit the riches of the New England literary community, and its activities include the awarding of two major books prizes, literacy programs, events introducing new writers and celebrating new books, and panels which address a wide range of writing and professional issues.
The activities of PEN New England are guided by an Executive Board and its advisory body, the Council. PEN NE Executive Board and Council members are chosen because of the significant contribution they have made to the NEW England literary community.