Friend Mail Program
Letters of Support Delivered
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We deliver peer support
to victims of bullying!
About Friend Mail
Our signature Friend Mail program was envisioned by the junior cast members of the 2015 world premiere of "IT'S EASY! The Friend Strong Musical" in the Bronx, NY. These young actors asked the playwrights for a way to carry off-stage the show's "speak up, reach out and be a friend" message, determined to help victims of bullying stay strong and know they matter. What better way than a surprise delivery of peer support delivered to their door like a big bundle of 'fan mail' to a celebrity? The young Upstanders named it "FRIEND MAIL," letters of peer support with empathetic words and art, videos and personal gifts. Currently, each Friend Mail Recipient receives between 700-2,000 letters from K-12 students across the USA and growing internationally. The more letters, the greater the impact to a child bullied beyond hope and feeling alone. Will you join us?
Current Recipients
Letter Writing Guidelines
First names only and give no personal contact info
The BAFP keeps all under-18 Ambassadors and Recipients safe and anonymous. Only school and organization addresses, Teen Kindness Board members and teacher last names, are okay. We review all letters and remove personal contact info.
Connect!
You know their story. What do you have in common? If you share hobbies, tell them about it. If you have been "in their shoes" before, let them know.
Stay mindful about Religion
It is beautiful to share what gives you strength with Recipients, but the person you are writing might have different beliefs from you. The BAFP is kindness and diversity-based, and not religion-based.
Your "style" is up to you!
The sky's the limit! Whether you send a virtual card or email, handwritten letter, class poster or creative masterpiece, a video or gift, what matters most is that you are sending your heartfelt support and be proud of it!
Don't "blame the victim"
... by telling them they "should have" done something differently. THEY SURVIVED. Especially do not tell them they should have hit their bully, or spread lies about them. We will pull out letters that encourage violence.
Introduce yourself
...without giving your last name or home address. For example: "I'm a 5th grade student in a New York City public school..."
All about how-to participate in the Friend Mail Program in a 2-minute video...
Letter Samples
How to Send Your Letter
Send All Mail To:
Be A Friend Project
P.O. BOX 30
Beacon, NY 12508
Use Office Address for UPS, FED Ex, etc.
2 Kemble Avenue
Cold Spring, NY 10516
Sending Virtual Mail:
Letters can be sent by using our online form, sending us your Google Drive link, or an email. Emails can also include PDFs or pictures of your handmade letters! For best results, take pictures overhead and straight-on, easiest to do by placing them on the floor. We will print it out for you and include it in the "Friend Mail" delivery!