Questions and Answers

Who can join the International Postcard Exchange?
Any family from anywhere in the world who is raising children bilingually and/or biculturally. We may open up the list to others on a per family basis.

What do I have to do to join?
You need to send an email of introduction to the International Postcard Exchange administrator (corey@biculturalfamily.org). In your email, include your reason for wanting to join, a description about yourself and your family, your unique situation as a bilingual and/or bicultural family and your contact information (full name, mailing address, ages of children, etc). It is important that we screen potential members to ensure a relative level of privacy (click here to review the group rules).

Why postcards? Why not just exchange emails?
There is something magical about receiving something in the mail. A postcard has such a special quality to it - it reminds us of traveling and brings the world to our door. A postcard is also something we can easily share with our children. We encourage that the postcards be addresses to the children of the family to bring them the delight of recieving something in the mail.

How exactly does the postcard exchange work?
Once you are accepted as a member, you are added to the listserv. The International Postcard Exchange administrator will forward your introductory email to the rest of the group and you should start to receive postcards. It helps if you write a few emails to the group as well so that they can get to know you. To recieve more postcards as time goes on, you will initiate the process by sending an email with your contact information (name, address, etc.) again and any other desired information (i.e. if it is a child's birthday and you'd like them to receive a postcard).

Will my address and other information be accessible to anyone?
No. The only way anyone will receive your address is if you send it to them via a direct email or to the listserv. There are strict rules in place to protect the privacy of individuals (click here to review the group rules). If anyone is found to be violating them they will be removed from the list immediately and denied access to member-only pages.

How often should I send postcards?
It is really up to you but the hopes are that you can send one at least every time you receive one and when someone makes a request via the listserv. The most postcards you can send, the better!!

What should I write on the postcards?
Again, that is up to you but we recommend that you write something of interest that makes the family receiving the postcard learn a little something about your city, country, culture, or family. It goes without saying that the content of the postcard should be respectful and appropriate for small children.

Is there any cost involved?
No. The only cost to you is to purchase the postcards and stamps. There is no fee to be a part of this exchange.

Can I leave the group if I don't want to participate anymore?
Yes. You are free to leave anytime. Just send an email to the International Postcard Exchange administrator and you will be removed from the discussion list and your information will be removed from the contact list.

To join, send a detailed intro email to the group administrator: corey@biculturalfamily.org.