Helpful Links & FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
How will I be matched with a pen pal?
Pen 2 Paper uses an interest form to pair you with an Elementary student who has similar interests as you. For example, if you like sports and art, we will use that response to find you someone who also enjoys those topics. Gender may also be a factor as some elementary students may be more comfortable writing to someone of a certain gender. However, we cannot guarantee our demographics will fit everyone's preferences. Once we have everyone's responses, we will send you an email with your pen pal's address and interests. High school students send out the first letter, and the process continues from there.
What should I talk about in a letter?
Anything you want to as long as it is appropriate! If you are feeling stuck, we have included a list of suggestions you could incorporate in your letter.
Do I have to mail my letter or can I just email it?
Letters are to be sent by mail. With the majority of activities presently being virtual, we designed our club to be something off of screens. We also ask that you handwrite your letter to provide a more personal connection, but if you have extenuating circumstances that would prevent you from doing so, reach out to us and we will do our best to accommodate you!
Can I get community service for Pen 2 Paper?
You can! Each letter counts for 30 minutes of community service. All members are given a spreadsheet to keep up with, and an example sheet is provided here.
What if I don't get a response from my buddy?
We take prompt communication very seriously as it is one of the things forming a relationship hinges on. If you are consistently not receiving responses in a timely manner or have not received a response at all, please reach out to our high school coordinator, Avery (aaw23@scasd.org), or fill out the google form linked above.
I missed the original deadline. Can I still join?
Yes! We have a waitlist, and the sign-up form is provided in our helpful links sections as well as here. Please note that late sign-ups will not be matched by interests, so it is better to sign up on time if possible so that we can guarantee you a buddy who shares your interests. Waitlisted members are not guaranteed a pen pal, but we will do our best.
When do we have meetings?
Pen 2 Paper does not actually have many meetings! Much of our club relies on members doing things independently, so while we may have an occasional meeting, you are not committing your time to meetings every week. However, if you are interested in talking to one of the Pen 2 Paper officers about any questions or concerns you might have, feel free to reach out to any one of us!