This project began in late 2019 after a conversation I had with my son on the way to school. 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic and that came with it filled our lives, stalling our correspondence. As I write this update in 2022, the pandemic still rages in many parts of the world, there is a war in Ukraine and another brewing in the Caucasuses and perhaps another simmering in the Taiwan Strait – now, more than ever, is it important to learn about and respect our neighbors. In this spirit, the letter sending begins anew.
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My young son often tells me of the concern he has for this world. On the radio every morning as we drive to school, he hears of war, of pending ecological catastrope, and of disease killing people both close to home and far away. Some days he asks me to change the channel to something else, while on others he listens and asks me where these places are and the whys for what is happening. In these scant moments, I do my best to explain and always try to end on a positive note. Many times I cannot.
In these troubling times it is critical to encourage international literacy among our children. I am endeavoring to teach my son that the United States is only one of many countries, and that the world is comprised of unique cultures and peoples – all of which deserve respect and understanding.
On my son’s behalf I am sending letters to the leaders of countries and nations, and territories and possessions all around the globe: from the United States to the Cherokee Nation; the Islamic Nation of Afganistan to Herm; Mount Athos and the Cook Islands; the Savage Islands and Yap. Letters are also destined for the United Nations and other transnational organizations. All voices are important. In these letters he asks two questions; this site documents the responses of the leaders of these places to a young man.
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Selected Responses & Discussion
