Program Description: The RSVP Pen Pal Program provides students, typically in grades 3, 4, or 5, an opportunity for building intergenerational relationships while strengthening their social-emotional skills through letter writing with an RSVP volunteer Pen Pal.
Duties include:
· Attend the Pen Pal Kickoff and Match meeting in the fall.
· Complete an All About Me profile form to introduce yourself to the student.
· Write letters to the Pen Pal(s) from September to April/May.
· Mail each letter to the teacher within a week of receiving the student’s letter. Letters come about once a month.
· Attend the Pen Pal Meet & Greet party at your student’s school.
Amount of time: Pen Pals usually spend about a half hour to an hour writing each letter.
Expectations:
· Follow the Pen Pals Best Practices
· Please mail letters on time – a late letter will cause a delay for the whole classroom.
· If you are unable to send a letter as scheduled, notify the RSVP office as soon as possible to make other arrangements.
· Do not share your contact information or have contact with students outside of the Pen Pal program.
· Serve as a role model; offer a positive attitude and nurturing influence in your letters.
· Maintain confidentiality – do not use your student's last name when talking to others.
· Communicate any concerns and/or questions about your Pen Pal or the program to the RSVP office.
Benefits:
· Build a relationship with a young person.
· Witness a student’s growth.
· Help keep the art of letter writing alive.
