SL: More than a refugee

There are a number of letter-writing initiatives to support one of the most vulnerable groups of our world's population: displaced people, or refugees.

Let's take some time this month to remember those folks who are awaiting a permanent, safe home. Many of these displaced people come from places where conflict or a lack of personal safety has led to them taking the extreme measure of leaving their homes. Many of these people are children. Send one letter of encouragement to one of the groups below who collect them for distribution to those who are living in refugee settlements around the world (or post other links below), and one postcard to your swap partner with a friendly note, thought, quote, recipe, etc. Here is a great list of guidelines for letter writing in this situation -- it is written for Australian citizens, but it applies to other countries equally well.

Letters to folks seeking asylum in Australia / living in detention in Mauru Island or Manus Island, in the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea

Postcards to children participating in programs supported by Jesuit Refugee Service -- this idea came from a 10 year old child, how cool is that?!

Letters to refugee children living in Europe -- and some interesting and heartfelt stories from former child refugees who have sent letters through this project

Letters to mothers and children living in immigration detention in Texas, US. A more political site than the ones above, but the intent is the same: to support people with letters.

If you have a child and feel ok sharing an anonymous photo, this organization is collecting images of children around the world showing support for the children of Syria

Open to all members in good standing, I will angel any unsent swaps. Thanks for participating!