Write postcards,
Change minds

Postcarding is one of the most effective things you can do as a volunteer, and it's easy to fit into any schedule. Here's what you need to know to get started.

Why postcarding is so effective

In a world of digital ads and automated texts, a handwritten postcard stands out. Research shows that personal, handwritten notes move people in ways that mass mailings simply can't match.

Postcarding has traditionally focused on voter registration and turnout: encouraging people to sign up, apply for mail-in ballots, and show up on election day. But it's grown well beyond that: volunteers across Hawaiʻi are also using postcards to raise awareness on time-sensitive and local issues.

Postcarding lets you reach people who aren't yet plugged in, in places where other outreach doesn't always work. It's something you can do year-round, on your own schedule, from your kitchen table — or together with others in your community.

Group of people postcarding
Rally at Hawaii State Capitol
Group or indivisibles showing standing behind a table with hundreds of postcards, ready to be posted
Group of people posing with their postcards at the weekly postcarding party in Kailua, hosted by the Blue Wave and Indivisible Windward Oahu.

How postcarding works

Option 1: Join a postcard party

Postcard parties are group gatherings (in person or virtual) where we all write postcards together.

The organizing chapter provides everything: postcards, stamps, addresses, and a script.

Most parties run 1-2 hours, and many people find writing with others more motivating (and fun!) than going it alone.

Option 2: Write from home

Prefer to write on your own schedule? Request a packet from your local chapter: they'll send you postcards, addresses, a script, and a mail-by date. If you already have postcards, they can email you an address list.

Write at your own pace and put the cards in the mail before the deadline.

Upcoming postcarding events near you

Together we are powerful - by Indivisible Hawaii's North Hawaii Action Network. Join us for inspiration and to strengthen our visibility as we protest, postcard, and take action to protect Hawaii and support democracy. Ulu La'au Waimea Nature Park, behind Canada France Hawaii HQ.

Together we are powerful

First Sunday of every month in Waimea Nature Park

Image of a postcard with Indivisible logo, to illustrate the Thursday postcard social in Kealakekua.

Thursday Postcard Social

Every Thursday in Kealakekua

Group of people posing with their postcards at the weekly postcarding party in Kailua, hosted by the Blue Wave and Indivisible Windward Oahu.

Weekly Postcard Party

Postcarding and friendly conversation – Wednesday evenings in Kailua

Part of something bigger

Indivisible Hawaiʻi members have grown from 65 volunteers writing 7,300 postcards in 2018 to over 700 members writing 185,000+ in 2024.

But postcarding in Hawaiʻi doesn't stop at the state line: volunteers across our chapters connect with national postcarding efforts like the Blue Wave Postcard Movement. They send cards to people in swing states and competitive districts across the country who don't reliably show up to vote — but just might, if someone reaches out.

Indivisible Maui Chapter
Indivisible Waimea postcarding team posing with postcards - and a dog
Postcard front saying "Your Voice, Your Vote, Our Country"
Group of people posing with their postcards at the weekly postcarding party in Kailua, hosted by the Blue Wave and Indivisible Windward Oahu.

Related resources

How the 3 levels of government work in Hawaiʻi

Voting happens at three levels in Hawaiʻi: federal, state, and local (county). Each level handles different issues.

How to vote in Hawaiʻi

Voting in Hawaiʻi is straightforward, and happens entirely by mail – here’s how it works in 4 easy steps.

How postcarding works

Research shows that personal, handwritten postcards moves people to vote or take action in ways that ads and mass mailings can’t.

palm trees

Frequently asked questions

What happens at a postcard party?

You show up (in person or online), your chapter provides everything you need, and you write postcards together. It's usually an opportunity to connect with other volunteers, discuss current events, and talk about what the postcarding campaign is trying to achieve.

Most postcarding get-togethers run an hour, sometimes slightly longer.

How does postcarding from home work?

Contact your local chapter and ask about their home postcarding packet. They'll send you postcards, addresses, a script, and a mail-by date.

You write at your own pace and mail the cards before the deadline.

We can also email you an address list if you already have postcards.

What do I write on the postcard?

Each campaign includes a short script; you're not writing from scratch. The message is kept brief and personal.

You'll sign your first name (not your full name or address) and that's it.

The goal is a handwritten touch, not a lengthy letter.

Is postcarding just for elections?

Contrary to popular belief, it's not!

While postcarding started as a voter outreach tool, it's increasingly used for issue awareness — encouraging people to contact their representatives, learn about specific policies, or take action on things like immigration, healthcare, or cost of living.

Postcarding activities run year-round, covering special elections, issue advocacy, voter registration drives, and more. There's almost always something to write for, and a lot of people who need to read what you wrote to them.

Your chapter will let you know what current campaigns are focused on.

Ready to send your first batch?

Postcarding is organized at the chapter level.

Find your local Indivisible chapter

Join a postcard party or ask for a home packet

Start sending postcards and changing minds

Group of people posing with their postcards at the weekly postcarding party in Kailua, hosted by the Blue Wave and Indivisible Windward Oahu.