Prison and Justice Writing Internship
PEN America seeks a diligent, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic intern to support our Prison and Justice Writing Program. Working closely with the Prison Writing team, the intern will provide key support to a 30+ year program that supports incarcerated writers through a robust literary mentorship program, a yearly nationwide contest for incarcerated writers, the dissemination of The Sentences that Create Us: Crafting a Writer's Life in Prison—a guide for honing literary craft and developing writing community, and more. This internship will operate from our headquarters in New York City on a hybrid schedule during normal business hours. Applicants needing a fully virtual arrangement are also welcome to apply and should indicate this requirement in their application.
The Freewrite Project supports the self-determination of incarcerated writers by providing free copies of The Sentences that Create Us: Crafting a Writer’s Life in Prison and corresponding curricular support. We work with local community-based groups as well as isolated, incarcerated writers and formerly incarcerated authors to uplift the voices of silenced authors in our carceral system.
The intern will work closely with the Senior Manager of the Freewrite Project by performing necessary research and compiling data to support the project's goals. This internship will largely focus on the barriers to access for both the book and curriculum. It is a unique opportunity for individuals interested in the intersection of literature and the law. The intern will gain exposure to the wide range of PEN America’s work and receive hands-on experience in research, project management and execution and gain insight into issues surrounding access to literature inside. Additionally, interns are invited to attend and assist at many PEN America events.
A limited number of paid internships are available through our Centenary Internship program and would require a commitment of 15-20 hours/week over 26 weeks. All internships are also eligible for college credit.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Research regarding state legal codes for content-neutral book bans
- FOIA requests for content specific book ban lists
- Compile enforcement data on book bans using qualitative and quantitative data
- Synthesize and prepare data for presentation to involved parties including legal counsel
- Other opportunities for contributions as defined by intern interest
DESIRED ATTRIBUTES:
- Comfortable gathering and working with quantitative and qualitative data
- Must be available two days per week during regular business hours
- Has a working knowledge of issues connected to the current and historical landscape of censorship in the US
- Works at a steady pace and is comfortable taking initiative
- Demonstrates flexibility, autonomy, and carefulness in managing work priorities
- Has excellent communication and research skills, and is proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and G Suite
- Is interested in, and comfortable with, proofreading and editing creative writing
- Has an interest in the intersection of literature and justice
APPLICATION PERIODS:
Be sure to include the dates of your availability with your application.
- Fall Internship: Please submit your application between July and September
- Winter/Spring Internship: Please submit your application between November and January
- Summer Internship: Please submit your application between March and June
TO APPLY:
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and an unedited writing sample to Moira Marquis, Senior Manager Freewrite Project, at mmarquis@pen.org. Please include the cycle you’re applying for, and your name as the subject of your email (for example, “Fall PJW Internship – Jane Doe”).
PEN America does not discriminate in its selection practices, and in order to build the strongest possible team, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.
No phone calls, please.
ABOUT PEN AMERICA:
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.