The lost art of letter writing
In the summer of 2020, the COVID pandemic imposed a profound shift in the way we communicated. As the world grappled with lockdowns and social distancing, the need for real connection grew stronger than ever.
Despite isolation, we were inundated with information through constant emails, instant messaging, and video calls became the primary lifelines for most of us. Work meetings turned into Zoom calls, family gatherings transformed into virtual reunions, and friendships were sustained through text messages.
Just when I thought the constant information flow was too much, I checked in with the IABC to see if I could find some tips on how to better manage the overload of communications – but what I found was something remarkable – a pen pal!
Yes. That’s right, a pen pal.
Some brilliant minds at IABC had been feeling the same way I was feeling in our world where digital communication dominated every aspect of our lives. I had stumbled upon something so basic, so simple, so brilliant - the IABC pen pal initiative. I signed up immediately.
The IABC pen pal program encouraged members to revisit the charm of handwritten letters, which offer a more personal and thoughtful touch to communication.
Participants were matched with pen pals from different corners of the globe, creating an opportunity for cross-cultural exchange and the building of a unique connection that goes beyond the superficial.
As we navigated a world increasingly characterized by digital connections, I found a reminder of the value of authentic, meaningful communication with my pen pal Kathy from Vancouver. We shared our stories with each other through several back-and-forth letters, each time taking to LinkedIn only to advise that a letter had been mailed.
It was so exciting to know that a letter was coming to me, a glimmer of hope in an otherwise gloomy time throughout the pandemic.
As I rediscovered this lost art, our connection over the past few years through the exchange of letters led to what was one of the most exciting reunions of my professional career.
I finally got to meet Kathy at IABC World Conference 2023 in Toronto. We already knew so much about each other, it felt like two old friends picking up where we left off. This was definitely one of my top highlights from this past World Conference!
We took this photo together. It was a reunion of two old friends who had never actually met in person – and it was made possible because of the IABC initiative to have members around the globe connect using the lost art of letter writing.
The next time you check your mailbox and find only flyers and bills, ask yourself if this is the time for you to explore this exciting initiative and make some new connections.
