About PEDIC
Protect Em Dash Initiative Center is an independent foundation launched in May 2025.
Our Mission
The Protect Em Dash Initiative Center is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to preserving, promoting, and protecting the proper use of the em dash in written communication. Founded by a coalition of editors, writers, typographers, and language advocates, we work to combat the erosion of typographic excellence in an increasingly digital world.
Our mission extends beyond mere punctuation—we are guardians of precise communication, defenders of linguistic nuance, and champions of the full expressive potential of written language.
What We Do
Our foundation operates through four core programs designed to create lasting change in how society approaches typographic excellence.
Our Education Initiative develops comprehensive resources, workshops, and certification programs for writers, editors, and educators, ensuring the next generation inherits the complete toolkit of written expression.
Our Industry Advocacy Program partners with publishers, style guide authorities, and technology companies to establish and maintain standards that prioritize proper em dash usage.
Through our Technology Solutions Branch, we develop browser extensions, writing plugins, and AI training datasets that make correct punctuation the default choice rather than an afterthought.
Finally, our Research & Documentation Center conducts studies on the impact of typographic precision on comprehension, AI training quality, and cultural preservation of language traditions.
How to Join Our Cause
Membership in the Protect Em Dash Initiative is open to anyone who believes language deserves our highest care and attention.
Individual Advocates ($25/year) receive our quarterly newsletter, access to educational resources, and invitations to virtual workshops.
Professional Members ($100/year) including editors, writers, and educators gain access to our certification programs, industry advocacy updates, and exclusive networking events.
Institutional Partners ($500/year) such as publishers, universities, and media organizations receive customized training programs, consultation services, and co-branding opportunities for their commitment to typographic excellence.
Founding Supporters ($1,000+) join our advisory board, influence program development, and receive recognition as champions of linguistic precision in all our publications and events.
Our Structure & Approach
The Initiative operates under the guidance of a distinguished Advisory Board comprising renowned editors from major publishing houses, award-winning authors, typography historians, and linguistics professors. Our approach combines grassroots advocacy with institutional change—we believe lasting transformation requires both individual commitment and systemic reform.
Rather than shaming those who have forgotten proper punctuation, we focus on education, accessibility, and making excellence the easy choice. Our programs are designed to meet people where they are, whether they're rediscovering the em dash or mastering its advanced applications in complex prose.
Impact & Future Vision
Looking ahead, we envision a world where AI systems are trained on texts that exemplify the highest standards of human expression, where every writer has access to the tools and knowledge needed for precise communication, and where the em dash reclaims its rightful place as an essential element of masterful prose. Join us in ensuring that future generations inherit not a diminished language, but one that continues to evolve toward greater beauty, precision, and expressive power.