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SOME PENPAL FAQS
How do I join?
It’s easy to get started -simply fill in the form here.
How much does the program cost?
The Wandering History PenPal Program is free! Other than postage, there are no costs associated with participation. We love meeting new people and would like to share the experience. Anyone is welcome to join – we ask only that you do so in a friendly manner and with a serious commitment to your new friendship.
Is there commitment?
We ask that participants join with a planned active commitment of at least six months to allow the pen pal relationship time to develop.
Is there an age requirement?
No! We will do our best to match all participants with similar ages. For participants younger than 16 a legal guardian’s consent and email are required.
What if I choose someone in internationally?
Not a problem! Please be aware that postage and travel time may go up.
I haven’t heard back from my match, what do I do?
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What if my match and I don’t work out?
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We don't have anything in common. What do I do?
It’s okay if you don’t have much in common at first. You could learn a lot from someone whose life or interests are different from your own. Once you get to know each other your likely to discover commonalities that weren’t apparent in the beginning. Share your interests and ask your penpal questions. Letter writing isn’t much different than other social encounters and it could take awhile before you get to know your penpal – and ultimately build a strong relationship. And because letters take time to deliver this process can take a bit longer.
Try these suggestions to get the ball rolling:
– Read the same book and share your thoughts and feedback through your letters – think of it as a private long distance book club.
– Create a creative art project together, send a drawing back and forth, adding to it in each letter.
– Share interesting articles or blog-posts.
– Letter writing might seem like journal writing, you can include details of your day or week – something that seems boring to you can spark your penpal’s interest and give you something to talk about.
I identify differently than my penpal. Is this an issue?
Even when we identify similarly our opinions are certain to differ on some things. We encourage penpals to be open-minded. Learning and exchanging is a rewarding part of correspondence and getting to know one another.
My penpal and I have fallen out of touch. What should I do?
If you’re still interested in corresponding, we encourage you to write to your penpal and ask them directly if they want to keep writing. Please remember that ebbs and flows in correspondence are normal. If your exchange has come to an end, please let us know. We are happy to provide resources or rematched you.
I'm really bad at sending letters regularly
A common problem shared by all. Here are a few things that might help:
– Sign up with a friend to get a penpal. Having someone to talk to about writing will help make it a comfortable part of your daily life. Plus, seeing your friend will act as a reminder to write.
– Set up a weekly time when you sit down and write, even if it’s just for 15 minutes at a time. Setting aside one lunch hour or a daily commute for writing can get you into the habit of writing more often.
– Send a short card or note to keep in touch more regularly, even when you can’t write a long letter.
What do I say?
Writing the first letter can be intimidating, but you probably have lots of interesting things to share. It’s just a matter of getting started. Think of letter writing like any other conversation and try a comfortable ice-breaker. In person conversations rely on the other person’s responses to carry the conversation – in letter you just say everything at once! Conversing with a penpal might feel awkward at first – writing letters can feel uncomfortable at first but don’t let this deter you – it will get easier with practice.
More questions? Contact us here or at penpal@wanderinghistory.com