Volunteering with PEN

Thank you for your interest in working with PEN Canada. PEN Canada could not operate were it not for the involvement of individuals who generously contribute their expertise, their time and their passion to advance our work in defence of free expression. Whether it is helping out at our signature events, joining one of our committees, advocating for a writer in prison or pitching in wherever the need is greatest—consider becoming a volunteer with PEN Canada.

PEN receives several volunteer and intern requests annually and while we do our best to accommodate everyone, there is always more interest than we have capacity and while we appreciate your willingness to be involved, opportunities for volunteering in-office are rare.

Event Volunteers: Event volunteers are called upon to lend a hand on the day of an event. Duties may include handing out programs, ushering, and managing a guest list. If this is of interest to you please email the office administrator, at kcoholan@pencanada.ca, so you can be added to our event volunteer email list.

Advocates for Writers in Prison: PEN Canada is seeking to strengthen our Advocates program and we need your help. Become an Advocate for one of PEN Canada’s Honorary Members.
For more information on you can become an Advocate, please contact Programs Coordinator, Brendan de Caires at bdecaires@pencanada.ca or 416-703-8448 ext. 21.

Supporters for Writers in Exile: If you would like to get involved in PEN Canada’s Writers in Exile Program by accompanying refugee writers to their hearings at the Immigration and Refugee Board. Your presence and support does make a huge difference to them.
Please contact Program Chair, Mary Jo Leddy at mjl@romerohouse.org.

Internships

Interns work in the PEN office alongside PEN staff on either a full or part-time basis (9am-5pm) depending on the project needs, desk availability, and the availability of the intern.

Current Intern Opportunities – There no intern opportunities at this time. Please check back again in late July for fall intern positions. 

Social Media Intern – 4 months*
The social media intern will be exposed to all aspects of life at a busy non-profit, with a focus on digital communication and how to create and maintain a lively online presence. Primary responsibilities include:
*Identifying and developing relevant content and posting onto Twitter, Facebook and our blog using a consistent tone of voice
*Developing and executing a social media strategy for various events and initiatives
*Live-tweeting relevant events
*Editing audio podcasts and posting on to our website
*Monitoring local, national, and international news for issues related to PEN’s work

Required skills:
*Strong knowledge of the Internet, web trends, and best practices
*Excellent writing skills and the ability to maintain a consistent voice across multiple platforms
*Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work as a team and independently
*Experience in Adobe Creative Suite applications and audio/video editing for the web are not required but will be considered an asset

Interns play an active part in the office. They are expected to attend staff meetings, contribute to PEN programming, on occasion be available on evenings and weekends for PEN events, and take part in discussions on current issues of free expression both at home and aboard. The PEN office is always busy and always exciting. We look forward to your application.

Special Projects Intern – 4 months*
The special projects intern will be exposed to all aspects of life at a busy non-profit. The specific jobs of the special projects intern will change depending on the time of year and what work PEN has in the pipeline. General responsibilities include:
*Building and maintaining relationships with literary festivals across Canada
*Helping to coordinate PEN events – this includes but is not limited to; helping out with media outreach, invitation management, and day-of participation
*Helping to maintain PEN archives
*Contributing content for the PEN Canada website

Interns play an active part in the office. They are expected to attend staff meetings, contribute to PEN programming, on occasion be available on evenings and weekends for PEN events, and take part in discussions on current issues of free expression both at home and aboard.

Examples of past projects:
*Corruption, Impunity, Silence: The War on Mexico’s Journalists
*Digitizing the PEN archives
*Non-Speak Week

The PEN office is always busy, always exciting, with everyone wearing several hats. We look forward to your application.

 *All interns will be subject to a two-week probationary period.