What's SUPPP?
Suppp! I' m Tess Feldman, creator of the Syracuse University Pen-Pals Project. I'm a junior student ambassador at Syracuse University studying to get my BFA in Stage Management in the school of Visual and Performing Arts. I also have an Organizational Development and Leadership minor within the College of Professional Studies.
I've always had a love for snail mail, especially in the increasingly digital age that we live in today. Spending my summers at sleep-away camp during my childhood instilled in me how special it feels to get something addressed personally to you. In middle school, I decided to take this hobby year-round by finding myself a pen-pal on social media. I was able to forge such a great friendship with her, but we lost touch over time as some pen-pals tend to do. This past summer, I really wanted to find that kind of friendship again, but I found it nearly impossible to find one easily without using social media, which I no longer had.
In the 21st century, it's easy to feel isolated even though we're more connected than we've ever been in history. The kind of connection one can find with someone they get to know through handwritten letters was what I was looking for, and I knew others were too. In my failed attempt to find a new penpal, I decided to take matters into my own hands by making an easy resource for people to get set up with one. I also felt as though this project could be a resource for communities that had gone through tragedy. In addition to connecting strangers to write to one another, we outreach to those communities to prioritize their healing through real connection with strangers that aren't feasible in any other mode of communication.
Safety
Safety is our #1 priority. We will never force you to give out your home address, as we have email, as well as third party mailing options. Additionally, if you are ever uncomfortable with your pen-pal after already writing one another, please write us at supenpalproject@gmail.com, and we will reassign you and your previous pen-pal.
Find your pal!
01
Find Your Match
Fill out the form with your preferences for a pal. As we are in the beginning phase of the project, it may take up to a week or two to be assigned a pal. We will keep you posted, and email you once you're assigned.
02
Start Your Letter
Write your first letter! Please introduce yourself to your pal by giving them the things you're interested in, what you'd like to know about them, and an overview of what your life looks like. If you do not receive your first letter within 14 days, email us at supenpalsproject@gmail.com and we will reassign you.
03
Keep the Connection
Continue writing regularly. Your consistent presence can make a significant difference in the lives of those you are supporting.
Say Suppp!
We are here to provide the community with the tools and connections needed to navigate whatever life throws at them. Please feel free to reach out and say whatever your heart desires! We can't wait to hear from you.