In 1979, Peter Elstob founded the San Miguel chapter of PEN International, an association of writers with 145 Centers in 104 countries. We remain a welcoming, dedicated grassroots organiziation in the city of San Miguel de Allende. Promoting friendship and intellectual cooperation among writers everywhere, PEN represents the conscience of literature, and vigorously defends writers worldwide who have been persecuted for their work. In 1987, San Miguel PEN began their popular Winter Lecture Series to raise funds for their heroic efforts.