PEN Pals
From report writing to fund-raising work, lobbying MP's to letter writing, taking part in an author visit or even just pouring wine at events, English PEN's work is only made possible by the help of a wide range of volunteers who give up their time and specialist skills. As part of our Writers in Prison Programme Fiftieth Anniversay Celebrations, we'll be showcasing the work of some of our most dedicated volunteers - our PEN Pals, asking them to tell us why they felt inspired to get involved with PEN. If after reading their stories you'd like to get involved with Engilsh PEN's work then do fill out an online Volunteer Form, or contact the relevant Programme Manager.
Nicola Crossley - custom publishing administrator at the Orion Publishing Group, and social secretary for the Society of Young Publishers.
"I first became aware of English PEN in 2005, after I had undertaken a Globalisation in Literature course at University. Ken Saro-Wiwa was a name that I came to know very quickly, and one that became an emblem for the social and environmental injustices apparent in global culture. Saro-Wiwa was executed by the Nigerian state for his book that opposed oil companies such as Shell and Chevron, and the devastating effect they were having on the Niger Delta. Saro-Wiwa became the subject of my essay for that module, and an author that I have read, re-read and recommended countless times since. In 2005, English PEN marked the tenth anniversary of Saro-Wiwa's death along with a coalition of organisations. Not only does English PEN actively support writers who are politically oppressed, but they fight for the fundamental right for freedom of expression. Saro-Wiwa famously said that 'there are people who commit time and energy to fight' and English PEN most certainly do. I became the Orion representative for English PEN in May 2009, and I have organised two fundraising events in my six months as a volunteer. I am currently working with the Writers in Prison team at English PEN to organise book donations and a vibrant events schedule with our authors. I still have that Saro-Wiwa quote on my wall, and I am privileged to help the wonderful team at English PEN."
Alexandra Masters - Event Volunteer
I've been volunteering for PEN for about 2 and a half years now, mainly writing reports on events in the Writers in Public Programme. I remember vividly one of my first volunteering experiences when I wrote the report for an English PEN event called Chinese Whispers. It was on the eve of the nineteenth anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacres and three writers had come to discuss issues of repression and dissent in
China today. The writer Ma Jian's distressing experiences of China's censorship still haunt me to this day. I'll never forget his words when explaining how his novella Stick out your Tongue provoked a political campaign and was banned: he said that from that point his voice disappeared and he became "a non-person". As Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression
regardless of frontiers" and, when it comes to the English PEN events, I can't think of a better arena for open debate; one which gives a voice to everyone, no matter how contentious the subject matter. From heavyweight issues of 'Who Loves Hate Speech?' and holocaust denial to the lighter, but no less engaging, 'Hot Air Balloon' literary debates and love poetry fests, these events have never ceased to inspire, enrage and excite. It's an honour to be able to contribute to this great organisation and I hope to do so for years to come.
Amanda Craig - writer and experienced competitor at the annual Colman Getty PEN Quiz
I was always vaguely aware of PEN as a young writer, but it was not until Francis King invited me in 1998 to talk to members about my battle to get my third novel, A Vicious Circle, published in the teeth of a libel threat that I realised how crucial its role is. Although I was successful, having had the threat of a court case and trial, with a possible prison sentence and the loss of my home, was totally traumatic especially at a time when I was also coping with two small children, one of them needing frequent hospital treatment. Although it was the Society of Authors which helped me find a lawyer, the moral support of PEN meant a good deal, and I fully support their current efforts at having our libel laws made less draconian.
Joining PEN made me much more aware of how perilous the business of being an author, journalist, publisher or editor is all over the world. PEN has spoken up on many cases, but it was the murder of the campaigning investigative Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya that made me especially determined to help. I believe that all of us involved in the Fourth Estate owe it to each other to keep freedom of speech and conscience alive, and that we can only put pressure on Governments by joining such bodies. PEN's many events are always interesting and stimulating, and include everything from serious reports on human rights issues to their "balloon" debates and film previews. I especially enjoy their annual Quiz, and getting together a table of writers to pit their wits against those on the staff of newspapers and journalists. It combines glamour, good-will and a sense of fun. I wish I'd known about these when younger, because they are an excellent way of meeting other writers. Few charities are so rewarding to join and be part of.
Lynn Carter - Director of the Prisoners of Conscience Appeal Fund
Back in 1996, I applied for two volunteer positions in the same week - one with PEN and one with the Prisoners of Conscience (PoC) Appeal Fund, where I remain to this day. It had been hard choosing between both organisations, so I was delighted to be able to link more closely with PEN when I took over as Director of PoC in 1999. As we have a very similar remit in terms of the people we help, it was natural for us to collaborate with PEN, and in particular, the Writers in Prison Committee of English PEN. We have a special relationship with English PEN, where we offer a block grant of funds on a rolling basis to the WiPC, which they draw on as
necessary. This facilitates grants in emergency situations and complements the WiPC's own work on behalf of each prisoner of conscience. Grants have been used for a variety of purposes such as basic hardship relief, medical and legal costs or costs to help writers continue their work, such as providing a suitable computer or equipment. We collaborate in other ways too. Just recently, Jonathan Heawood, Director of English PEN, was a guest speaker at our 21st anniversary seminar on Iran, held in conjunction with the Association for Iranian Political Prisoners. To hear Jonathan's speech and those of other participants on the day, visit: http://www.kanoon-zendanian.org/english/London2009.html
We are tremendously grateful to all of the committed team at PEN for helping us reach so many courageous writers and journalists and value this collaboration highly.