01 abr How to Find a Modern-Day Pen Pal
Perhaps you're feeling nostalgic for your summer camp days or simply looking for a reason to revive the art of snail mail. Either way, finding a pen pal can be a great way to fulfill these cravings and get a whole slew of letter-writing perks. In fact, more research shows that in today's digitally-driven world, taking the time to hand write anything-from a journal entry to a thank-you card-can provide you with real physical and mental benefits like improved memory and lower levels of anxiety.
Finding a friend to mail letters to is also a fun way to meet people from around 
the world, learn about different cultures, and maybe even work on your foreign language skills. And while social media and the power of the Internet have made it easier than ever to connect with someone overseas in real time, there's nothing quite like connecting through ink on paper.
Ready to find your snail mail buddy? Here are a few ways to get started, plus a few tips to remember before starting your search.
Worldwide Snail Mail Pen Pals
Created in 2017, Worldwide Snail Mail Pen Pals is one of the largest and most active free pen pal communities on Facebook. Run by two pen pals Aisha Conolly and Stephanie Elyse (they've met up in person), this closed group requires all members to read and accept rules (such as not posting anyone's address) once they join; members not acting accordingly will risk getting blocked. Once approved, new members are encouraged to post a short bio about themselves, inviting others to connect if they wish, as well as share letter-decorating tips and inspirations. "We have over 11,000 members and growing!" says Elyse, who has been writing to pen pals for over 20 years. "It's a great hobby that helps you improve penmanship, make new friends, and travel the world while staying in one place."
Letter Writers Alliance's Pen Pal Swap
Launched in 2007 by friend duo Kathy Zadrozny and Donovan Beeson, this Chicago-based organization is devoted to promoting the art of writing letters from its shop of designer stationery, sticker sets, and vintage stamps to its local "Letter Social" events and members-only pen pal swap.