Strategic direction, research and analysis for PEN America

Cheryl has provided strategic direction and support for PEN America as the preeminent writing and international human rights organization moved more deeply into influencing domestic policy. After PEN received a major grant to create a DC office and policy agenda, it turned to Cheryl in late 2018 to write a comprehensive white paper analyzing five issue areas, recommended policy positions and the most productive role PEN could play based on her deep knowledge of the policy sector, research and interviews with key stakeholders. The white paper recommendations ranged from joining existing campaigns where it was efficient and alignment was clear, to acting as a convenor in developing consensus in areas where policy positions were less developed and PEN was well-positioned to influence others and identify a common sense path forward. PEN sought Cheryl’s help again with researching and analyzing 22 state bills, for their original Educational Gag Orders report in 2021 (covering the early state efforts to prohibit so-called ‘divisive concepts’); a scoping report for their Online Abuse Defense Program’s potential state advocacy project that interviewed stakeholders and evaluated promising policy positions with respect to PEN’s need for additional resources, free expression pitfalls, useful critiques and potential allies or partners; and detailed underlying research and outlines for The Florida and California Effects reports.