Hey there,

With so much time on our hands and so much lack of human contact, let's liven up our quarantine by reaching out to each other and offering a wee bit of physical cheer (in a COVID-safe way, of course). By signing up for this mail exchange, you agree to send and receive at least 20 postcards, notecards, drawings or what-have-you to the rest of the people on the list you will receive. Please sign up by midnight June 12. You'll get the list on June 13 and complete your mailings by or around July 20th.

I was part of Round One and still haven't sent all of my notes -- can I sign up for this if I still owe Round 1 people cards?

Yes! BUT! Those original Confinement Friends are still hoping to hear from you and would love a bit of love in their mailbox, so only sign up for this after you've sent the rest of your Round 1 notes -- you have until June 12th at midnight (or email me if you have special circumstances).

Can't I just send to the original list of Dearest Confinement Friends and call that good?

You can absolutely send more notes to the original group, but no, I'm making everyone sign up again if they want to be part of round 2 -- and here's why: Not everyone might have the time or resources to participate again! New people want to participate in the mailing! Also, for personal reasons, I messed up my own address and only got half the things people sent because I am dumb even after years of doing this and telling people that the most commonly screwed up part is the zip code, I did it my owned damned self, so NEW LIST FOR ROUND 2!

How many mailings do I have to send?

Depends on your choice and how many people sign up for the exchange. When you fill out the info form, you get a choice of Under 20 or All The Mail. If you pick Under 20 notes , your name will be on one list only that contains no more than 20 people. You’ll send to the people on your own list (and they to you). If you pick All The Mail, then I’ll send you a different list with probably more than 20 people on it and you send to everyone (and they to you). Basically I do all of the sorting on my end, you just decide how many stamps and mailings you want to send.

But… I don’t actually know you or the other people in the exchange. Is that weird to send a note of encouragement to someone I don’t know?

That’s ok! The Dearest Confinement Friend isn’t about knowing the people in the exchange, it’s just about making this difficult time brighter and putting a personal touch to people who might be dealing with a lot of heavy stuff right now.

What do you write in a note you’re sending to a stranger?

How about “Hello friend” followed by your name? Or a message of hope? Or a riddle? Or a cute Post-It note drawing? Or stickers? Or mail a postcard from your town? Up to you.

Do I have to make fancy cards or draw actual art?

No! You don’t have to make cards at all! Some people choose to do this, but if you aren’t so much with the glue stick, then feel free to print labels and use mass-market cards, whatever works for you. The point is sending something fun in the mail.

Can I send e-cards?

While e-cards are super fun too -- we're looking for physical mail here. Don't deprive us of non-bill paper mail!

What if I live somewhere that is not the United States? I like cards too!

Hey! I don’t discriminate. Sign up! We love pretty stamps, and of course, it might take a little longer for you to get your cards (and for us to get yours).