Hi and welcome to r/penpals! Whether you're interested in exchanging one snail mail letter or over 9000, we have you covered!

CONTEXT: Some folks want long-term pen pals with whom they can exchange letters into oblivion. Some folks want to cement inseparable friendships through paper and ink. Some folks may want to write to 100's of people.

What we sometimes don't see is that the inverse is also a reality. Some people may just want the novelty of a single letter or single pen pal. Some may be content with not having to develop a full-fledged friendship. Others may simply want to give it a try without disappointing someone if they decide not to keep writing.

Good news! Noobs and ink-stained Veterans, rejoice as an inclusive new system unfolds before you!

MISSION: Our sub has its share of awesome folks, but we also have a couple who are just "extra." As a matter of fact, they're so extra they even volunteer as members of a dedicated Snail Mail Response Team! These nerdy Volunteers love writing letters so much they will respond to pretty much any letter they receive!

WHAT THIS MEANS: The below list of volunteers will send a commitment-free snail mail response to a letter or postcard you send to them. There's no expectation for you to continue writing them if you don't want. It's totally guilt-free! This way, the short-term exchange seekers can experience the excitement without the potential heartache of disappointing someone and enthusiasts can bounce envelopes with the team in between those long international delivery times (dude I know, right?!)

HOW TO GET STARTED: Choose a volunteer from the below list (or keep an eye out for users with the Volunteer flair) and send them a PM. Mention you would like a Volunteer Response and politely request their address. It may also be good to specify whether you'd like short- or long-term commitment. Mail the volunteer a letter or post card*. Now all you have to do is live your fantastic life as usual and soon you'll have a response letter in your mailbox! Enjoy the hell out of your super cool mail! THAT'S IT! Reply if you wish, but there is no pressure or expectation to do so. We're just THAT happy you enjoyed receiving your letter.

tl:dr- You can write to a Volunteer to get a guilt-free (no reply necessary) snail mail response. Good if you want to exchange short-term without ghosting, and also good if you're having trouble finding someone long-term.

Allow me to introduce myself.

Resident Nerd Volunteer:

u/digitalmayhap - 35-55/NB (they/she) - fountain pens, letter writing and paraphernalia, Dungeons and Dragons, board/classic games, birdwatching, audiobooks/reading/writing, journaling/bullet journaling, LGBTQIA+. User would like others to know: "I do not enjoy writing about politics or religion, but it's okay to mention it as long as your entire letter is not about it. I identify as a witch. I will not bombard you with my practices nor will I curse or hex anyone for you. Just as your practice is your own, mine is my own. Please respect that."

Are you interested in being a Volunteer on r/penpal's Snail Mail Response Team? You must be mad! Which means you're probably just the right person for the job!

Click "Volunteer Application" below to reach the online form.

Mods will periodically review submissions, notify new Volunteers of their updated status, then assign flair accordingly! Mods will also add usernames below in the comment thread.

Volunteer Application

List of USA Volunteers (Google Drive Doc)

List of International Volunteers (Google Drive Doc)

• Volunteers and Requesters are each responsible for the respective postage costs on whatever they send. Don't be that person: if you're unsure your letter or card has enough stamps, have your local Post Office Clerk check the thickness and weight. Please pen pal responsibly, kids!

Please make sure to message the mods after you have submitted the form! This is how we update the forms and your flair!

Until next time,

Skylar