PENledare

PENledare is a term used in Swedish to describe the leader or chair of a PEN Center, the national branch within PEN International, a global association of writers. The name PEN itself derives from the initials Poets, Essayists, Novelists, reflecting the organization’s literary focus, and its international network dates back to its founding in the early 20th century in London.

In a PEN Center, the PENledare heads the center’s governance, chairs meetings, and represents the center in dealings with PEN International and other centers. The position involves coordinating programmatic activities such as literary events, readings, translation projects, and writers’ workshops; supporting members; and organizing campaigns related to freedom of expression, writers in prison, and related human-rights advocacy. The role often includes fundraising, public outreach, and oversight of committees or working groups.

Selection of the PENledare is typically by election, either by the center’s members or by its governing board, for a term that varies by center—commonly ranging from two to three years with possible renewal according to local rules. The leader is usually expected to uphold PEN’s code of conduct and to work collaboratively with the center’s leadership and broader PEN International governance.

Within the broader PEN International framework, the PEN ledare connects national activities to international policy and strategy. While the specific title and duties can differ between centers, the core aim remains the same: to promote literature, defend freedom of expression, and support writers worldwide.