By Karis Hudgins 

In an age of digital media where a large portion of communication occurs through online platforms, handwritten letters are a rare occurrence. The act of writing and delivering a letter may feel old fashioned and time consuming compared to the norm of social media, but the benefits are undeniable. A group of students at UNC Greensboro are dedicated to bringing letter writing back through The Letter Project (TLP), a global wide organization founded with the mission of building community through personalized letters and spreading kindness one letter at a time. It reminds us of the positive impact of slowing down to reflect and connect outside of the digital world for both sender and receiver. 

Originally created as a Christian organization in 2016, the project’s focus was on encouraging and supporting young girls. Over the years, that expanded to include members of all faiths, genders, and ages, inspiring universities across the states to create their own chapter. In recent years, TLP was brought to UNCG’s campus when the idea was proposed by a small group of students. Word, and letters, quickly spread as reactions from students reflected the club’s welcoming environment for all.  

Current members are excited to keep the tradition of letter writing alive and invite everyone to join. In the Fall 2024 semester, meetings included writing future letters to your future self, scary story swaps in honor of Halloween, thankfulness cards, and free write days. For CJ Minor, a second-year member, club meetings have developed into more than writing letters; they have become a form of self-care. Minor says, “Having an organized time set aside is nice because I’m usually so busy that it’s hard to find time to catch up with people. It’s also nice to actually write something down and make it look all pretty.” Her experience is one of many that echo the club’s inclusive environment. 

In addition to the experiences of those on campus, TLP strives to send acts of kindness to those in the Greensboro community. In the past, members have written holiday cards to nursing homes and hospitals, gratitude letters to café workers, and even notes for strangers to find in the public library. 

As Rhea Uchil, TLP’s current president, prepares to graduate at the end of the year, the club’s future may be shifting, but the ideas remain bright. “I hope the club spreads to more people for everyone to have this resource,” Uchil said. “Positivity and gratitude are skills you have to be purposeful about, so we try to provide a space to be able to do that.” 

However, before passing on the torch, she has multiple club events left to plan. Uchil has begun planning their most anticipated annual event: candygrams. Each February, TLP hosts a candygram workshop complete with heart-shaped letters and Valentine’s candy that students can send to loved ones. Students look forward to this event, and it’s the one meeting of the year that helps TLP raise money for their arts and crafts supplies. 

TLP strives to be accessible to students by providing supplies, from decorated paper and envelopes to glitter pens, stamps, hot wax seals and stickers: members aren’t required to bring anything of their own to participate. Urchil reinforces the importance of this: “As college students, we don’t always have as many stationary things as we did as kids, so it’s cool for everyone to have access to these things. We have really fun things in here to do while practicing positivity.” Writing and delivering a letter to someone reminds us of the power of human connection and the lasting effect kindness towards each other can have, exactly what TLP highlights.  

Club meetings take place every other Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Club meeting locations vary, but you can follow them on Instagram @uncgtlp for more information.