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Free Expression
Network: Mission Statement and Operating Principles
The Free Expression Network (FEN) is an alliance of organizations dedicated to
protecting the First Amendment right of free expression and the values it represents,
and to opposing governmental efforts to suppress constitutionally protected speech.
FEN members meet on a quarterly basis to share information and strategies. To
facilitate full and frank exchange, the meetings are private and discussions are
"off-the-record," therefore not for attribution or publication without authorization.
Guests may be invited with notice to other participants.
FEN maintains a web site, the Free Expression Network Clearinghouse, to provide
information about First Amendment issues to the public at large. It also maintains
a listserv to facilitate private communication among FEN members. Like discussions
at meetings, communications on the listserv are considered private and off-the-record,
unless otherwise agreed.
FEN meetings and other activities are planned and organized by the FEN Steering
Committee, which is composed of volunteers from member organizations. All FEN
members are eligible to participate in the steering committee, whose membership
rotates. The steering committee welcomes volunteers, and if necessary solicits
new members from those most active in FEN.
Organizational requests to join FEN or nominations for membership will be addressed
by the steering committee, which will consider whether the mission of the organization
seeking inclusion in FEN activities is consistent with FEN's goal to protect the
First Amendment and promote free expression.
The National Coalition Against Censorship is the fiscal sponsor of FEN.
Grants from the Albert A. List Foundation support the FEN Clearinghouse,
the listserv, and a limited travel budget for speakers and steering committee
meetings.
Organizations with representatives participating on the Steering Committee
as of 2004:
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American Booksellers
Foundation for Freedom of Expression
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American Civil
Liberties Union
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American Library
Association
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Association of American Publishers
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Electronic Privacy
Information Center
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Freedom Forum
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Media Coalition
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National Campaign
for Freedom of Expression
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National Coalition
Against Censorship
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PEN American
Center
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People For the
American Way
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Thomas Jefferson
Center
FEN
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