[D-Link]
CONTENTS
The Postal Bulletin is also available on the World Wide Web at http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/bulletin/pb.htm for customers and at http://blue.usps.gov for employees.
Cover Letter: Black History
Month
Publicity Kit: Black History
Month
Administrative
Services
Notice: New Materials for the Associate
Supervisor Program
Child Alert
Program
Missing Children Posters
Customer
Relations
Mail
Alert
Domestic
Mail
DMM
Revision: Labeling List Changes
DMM
Revision: Label Carriers for Periodicals
Mail
APO/FPO Changes
Finance
Reminder: Migratory Bird Stamp Destruction
Notice: Revenue Unit for Fiscal Year 2001
International
Mail
Publication 141 Revision: Global
Express
GuaranteedTM Service Guide
Philately
Notice: 2002 Commemorative Stamp Poster
Correction: Stamp Announcement 02-02 -
Winter Sports Commemorative
Stamps
Pictorial Cancellations Announcement
Special Cancellation Die Hubs
Post
Offices
Reminder: Securing Registry/Accountable
Cages
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s, Birthday Holiday
Posters
Postal
Employees
All
Postal Employees: 2001 Tax Information -
Form W-2, Wage
and Tax Statement
Fraud Alert
Invalid Express Mail Corporate Account
Numbers
Missing, Lost, or Stolen U.S. Money Order
Forms
Missing, Lost, or Stolen Canadian Money Order
Forms
Counterfeit Canadian Money Order Forms
800
Number Available to Verify Canadian
Money
Orders
Postal Employees (continued)
All Postal Employees: 2001 Tax Information -
Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement
(continued)
Purchasing and
Materials
Notice: Partnership Between Postal Service and
Toyota Material Handling USA, Inc.
Notice: Interest Rate on Contract Claims
Retail
Correction: PS Form 1094, Request
for Post
Office Box Key or Lock
Service
What's in Store
Postal Bulletin
Annual Index
Postal Bulletin Distribution
Postal Bulletin Index
2001
Annual Index PB 22067 (1-10-02)
Ordering Information: Following is the list of postal stock numbers (PSNs) to use
when ordering copies of the Postal Bulletin from the
MDC:
PB
22067: 7690-04-000-5674
PB
22066: 7690-04-000-5673
PB
22065: 7690-04-000-5672
PB
22064: 7690-04-000-5671
PB
22063: 7690-04-000-5670
PB
22062: 7690-04-000-5669
PB
22061: 7690-04-000-5668
PB
22060: 7690-04-000-5667
PB
22059: 7690-04-000-5666
PB
22058: 7690-04-000-5665
PB
22057: 7690-04-000-5664
PB
22056: 7690-04-000-5663
PB
22055: 7690-04-000-5662
PB
22054: 7690-04-000-5661
PB
22053: 7690-04-000-5660
PB
22052: 7690-04-000-5659
PB
22051: 7690-04-000-5658
PB
22050: 7690-04-000-5657
PB
22049: 7690-04-000-5656
PB
22048: 7690-04-000-5655
PB
22047: 7690-04-000-5654
PB
22046: 7690-04-000-5653
PB
22045: 7690-04-000-5652
PB
22044: 7690-04-000-5651
PB
22043: 7690-04-000-5650
PB
22042: 7690-04-000-5649
The Postal Bulletin is
published biweekly; information is effective for one year unless it changes a
permanent directive or unless otherwise specified.
PUBLICITY KIT
| Item |
Page |
| Publicity Ideas to Interest the
Media |
3 |
| Suggested Participating Organizations
and Contact Information |
4 |
| Black Heritage Series (1978-2001)
|
4 |
| Speech Segment and Talking Points
|
6 |
| Suggested Public Relations
Timeline |
7 |
| Area Public Affairs and Communication
Managers |
7 |
| Public Service Announcement for
Radio |
8 |
| Pre-publicity News Release |
9 |
| Media Advisory |
11 |
| Sample Letter to Local Newspaper Editor
Thanking Residents for Support |
12 |
| Participation of Public Officials
|
13 |
| Sample Invitation to Public
Officials/Participating Organizations |
14 |
| Sample Thank-You Letter to Public
Officials |
15 |
| Government Relations Contacts |
16
|
There are many ways to interest local media in your Black
History Month/Langston Hughes commemorative stamp
second-day stamp events. Here are some methods to capture a reporter's
attention:
Note:
You can plan Black History Month events in conjunction with Langston Hughes second-day stamp ceremonies. You should
place emphasis on the fact that this is the 25th anniversary of the Black Heritage stamp series featuring Langston Hughes
on the centennial of his birth.
•
Have a month-long Black History Month celebration involving employees and their
families, school children, and congressional, civic, and community leaders.
Involve those people in helping to create a traveling or permanent
African-American stamp collection exhibit that could either be placed in Post
Office lobbies or be taken to stamp events at libraries, schools, or museums
throughout the month of February. Highlight a different honoree theme every week
of the month. Some examples of different themes might include sports figures,
entertainers, inventors, educators, leaders, and scientists.
- Photo opportunity: Encourage media to cover the opening
day of your exhibit. Media can take pictures of employees and community members
setting up the exhibit to accompany an article about Black History Month.
- Opening day of exhibit should include Langston Hughes commemorate stamp and the Black Heritage series stamp unveiling ceremony. Ask
congressional, civic, and community leaders to participate in ceremonies.
•
Invite local children to design stamps about African- American history, and
display their designs in the Post Office. Have local customers select the
winners. Winners can be awarded Black Heritage or
other commemorative stamp materials.
•
Using this kit, spread the word about Black History Month and the Langston Hughes commemorative stamp in your community
by giving presentations and workshops to local elementary schools, libraries,
reading clubs, and community organizations like the Scouts and the Rotary Club.
•
Look for opportunities to partner with local philatelic organizations that may
be sponsoring local exhibits or second-day events. Offer to speak or conduct
workshops, or organize volunteers from among your staff to help.
•
Help local after-school programs set up stamp-collecting clubs and share
African-American history. Ask a local stamp collector to set up a display of
stamp collecting tools and philatelic materials, such as tongs, magnifier,
perforation gauge, albums, first-day covers, and so on. Go online to the
American Philatelic Society's Web site at www.stamps.org to find local chapters (including
African-American stamp clubs) and affiliates that might be willing to help.
Postal Service employees can find an electronic version of
the Langston Hughes stamp publicity kit on the
Intranet at http://blue.usps.gov. Click on References, then scroll down and click on Postmaster Toolkits. This electronic version makes it
easy to complete the fill-in-the-blank materials included in this kit.
Implement any of these ideas, combine them, or brainstorm
with your employees and come up with ideas of your own. Be sure to publicize
each and every event to your local newspaper, radio, and television stations via
press releases, media advisories, and letters to the media contained in this
publicity kit. Don't forget to make follow-up telephone calls.
To
purchase stamp artwork for Langston Hughes or other honorees in the Black Heritage commemorative stamp series, including
color transparencies, color prints, and "enlargements," contact:
DAN
TRACY
DODGE COLOR
4827 RUGBY
AVENUE STE 100
BETHESDA MD 20814-3028
E-mail: dant@dodgecolor.com
Phone: 301-656-0025 x230
Please plan ahead and allow enough time for production and
shipping.
The information below is a suggested listing of partners
for Langston Hughes second-day events to help
generate maximum exposure for the Langston Hughes
stamp and Black Heritage stamp series.
Hughes was a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity,
Inc.
Contact:
Lewis Anderson
National Chairman
Artifacts and
Memorabilia
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
718-817-4936
e-mail: LewisEpsilon@aol.com
National Poetry Month is April. Thousands of bookstores,
libraries, schools, and cultural institutions participate each year in National
Poetry Month, through readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other
activities. The Academy of American Poets works with partner institutions to
provide materials and assistance to participants across the country. This
includes the creation and distribution of almost 200,000 National Poetry Month
posters, which are mailed to teachers, librarians, and booksellers nationwide.
This year's poster will feature Langston Hughes. The Academy will post your
local events on its calendar of events listed on its web site. Please contact
the Academy to provide specific date, time, and location of your event. You may
submit the information directly
to
the following internet address: www.poets.org/cal/SubmitEvents.cfm
Cary Goldstein
Publicity and Events
Director
The Academy of American Poets
588 Broadway, Suite 1203
New York,
NY 10012-3210
212-274-0343, ext. 12
Fax: 212-274-9427
In
addition, you may request free posters featuring Langston Hughes for your
events. Send your request to the following internet address: www.poets.org/npm/KitOrder.cfm
Please contact your local libraries for participation in
the events.
Other suggestions:
Local African-American
bookstores
Poetry book clubs
Public libraries
Born a slave, abolitionist Tubman was the first African-
American woman to be honored on a U.S. stamp, and the first honoree in the Black Heritage series. Tubman was a conductor for the
famed Underground Railroad by which many slaves escaped to freedom in the years
leading to and during the Civil War.
King is considered one of the most powerful and popular
leaders of the African-American Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. He
spearheaded a massive peace movement through marches, sit-ins, boycotts, and
demonstrations that profoundly and positively affected America's attitudes
toward race relations. He was presented the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
In
1753, Banneker constructed the first wooden striking clock made in America. At
age 60 he was chosen by George Washington to help lay out the design for the
city of Washington, D.C.
Young served for 10 years as the executive director of the
National Urban League. In 1969, he received the nation's highest civilian honor
- the Medal of Freedom.
Robinson broke the Major League Baseball color barrier in
1947. After retirement from baseball in 1956, he remained active in civil rights
and youth activities. In 1962, he became the first African American inducted
into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
A
composer and pianist, Joplin was the "King of Ragtime," fighting for recognition
of ragtime as a significant genre in modern music. Some 50 years after his
death, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his opera Treemonisha.
A
prominent historian and the son of former slaves from Virginia, Woodson is
credited with starting the observance of Negro History Week in 1926.
A
noted educator and social activist, Bethune was an advisor to President Franklin
D. Roosevelt. She founded the National Council of Negro Women in 1935.
Born into slavery, Isabella Baum Free went to live in New
York City after acquiring freedom. In 1843, she changed her name to Sojourner
Truth and began traveling and lecturing on women's rights and the evils of
slavery. She was considered one of the greatest speakers of her time.
A
pioneer and entrepreneur, Du Sable was the first settler in the community that
was known as the cornerstone of America's heartland - Chicago. The stamp was
issued during the city's sesquicentennial.
Johnson was noted as a lawyer, educator, and writer. His
composition "Lift Every Voice and Sing" is sung today as the Black National
Anthem.
An
eloquent spokesperson for civil rights and minority labor, Randolph organized
the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. After 12 years of fierce struggle, he
achieved the first union contract signed by a white employer and an
African-American leader.
Wells devoted her life to educating people about the
horrors of discrimination and lynching.
Matzeliger's invention, the shoe-lasting machine, patented
in 1883, revolutionized the shoemaking industry and made mass-produced shoes a
reality in America.
Critic, editor, scholar, author, civil rights leader, and
one of the most influential African Americans of the 20th century, Du Bois was
one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People (NAACP) in 1909.
Julian won fame for his work as a research chemist. He
synthesized cortisone for arthritis, a drug for glaucoma, and progesterone. In
1990, he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
An
anthropologist and educator, Davis served on the President's Commission on Civil
Rights and was vice chairman of the Department of Labor's Commission Manpower
Retraining during the Johnson and Nixon Administrations. He was a Fellow of the
Academy of Arts and Sciences and of the National Academy of Education.
Coleman was the first woman to earn an international
aviation license and the world's first licensed African- American
aviator.
Known primarily for his research in marine biology, Just
pioneered experiments in the process of the fertilization of marine
invertebrates. He also studied the fundamental role of the cell surface in the
development of organisms.
Davis distinguished himself in a long military career that
saw him become the nation's first African-American brigadier general. He was a
driving force in the eventual integration of the U.S. armed forces.
Walker was an early 20th century beauty product pioneer and
one of the nation's first female millionaires. An early advocate of women's
economic independence and empowerment, her hair products manufacturing company
employed thousands of women as sales agents and beauty consultants.
In
the late 1950s Malcolm X emerged as a major spokesperson for African Americans.
He was both a brilliant scholar and a fiery orator whose persuasive and
passionate views helped define the debate on race relations.
An
extraordinary leader, committed public servant, and champion of civil rights,
Harris dedicated her life to improving the quality of life for all Americans.
She was the first African-American woman to hold a U.S. ambassadorship and the
first African-American woman to serve as a member of a presidential Cabinet.
Wilkins advocated tirelessly for racial equality. In 1931
Wilkins joined the NAACP and led the organization from 1955 to 1977 as executive
secretary. Under his leadership, the NAACP campaigned for the Civil Rights Act
of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Fair Housing Act of 1968.
Wilkins helped organize the August 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and
Freedom, during which he also delivered a speech.
Use talking points for speeches at local ceremonies and
events to support Black History Month / Langston Hughes second day of
issue.
[Recognize participants from other organizations.]
This month we celebrate Black History Month reflecting on
the progress, richness, and diversity of African- American achievements.
Although February is devoted to Black History Month, every
month is a celebration as we continually pay homage to the African Americans who
were instrumental in shaping America's history.
This year, the Postal Service celebrates the 25th
anniversary of the Black Heritage commemorative
stamp series and Langston Hughes. Hughes joins 24
other honorees in the Postal Service's Black
Heritage series, which salutes outstanding African-American activists,
theorists, writers, educators, and leaders.
Langston Hughes is particularly known for his colorful
portrayals of black life in America from the 1920s through the 1960s. He wrote
novels, short shories, and plays, as well as poetry. Some of Hughes' most noted
works of poetry include The Weary Blues (1926), The Negro Mother and other Dramatic Recitations (1931),
The Dream Keeper (1932), Shakespeare in Harlem (1942), Fields of Wonder (1947), One
Way Ticket (1947), The First Book of Jazz
(1955), Tambourines to Glory (1958), Selected Poems (1959), and The
Best of Simple (1961).
Other notable Americans in the series include Harriet
Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr., Jackie Robinson, Carter G. Woodson, Mary McLeod
Bethune, Bessie Coleman, Ernest E. Just, Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., Madam C. J.
Walker, Malcolm X, Patricia Roberts Harris, and Roy Wilkins who was honored in
January 2001.
African Americans have played a vital role in the shaping
of America's history, and the U.S. Postal Service is committed to educate and
inform America regarding their achievements and contributions.
There have been numerous e-mail rumors and newspaper
articles stating that the U.S. Postal Service will discontinue its long-standing
Black Heritage stamp series. This is absolutely
untrue! It is unfortunate such rumors have spread. We are sincerely committed to
honoring African Americans on stamps: given the popularity and importance of the
Black Heritage stamps, there are no plans to
discontinue the series.
Learning about our history and notable African Americans
through stamps can help us learn more about today's world and ourselves.
We
encourage children and adults to continually learn about Black history and
African Americans on stamps. There is a phenomenal story behind every
commemorative stamp - stories that can take us back in time to learn about great
Americans.
Stamps can also take us back in time and help us relive
moments in the past - moments that we cherish.
For more than 200 years the Postal Service has been a
shining example of a public service institution that the American people can
rely on and trust. But in many ways, it's our commemorative stamp program that
best connects the Postal Service with the American people.
This month, we hope children and adults of all ages will be
participating in Black History Month activities around the country.
Thanks to all of you for joining us here today.
# # #
Note: If
you have questions or need assistance with any of these items, please contact
your area's Public Affairs and Communications representative.
| Action: |
Suggested
Timing: |
| 1. Send invitations to local and area
dignitaries. |
A few weeks before event. |
| 2. Send announcement and invitations to
employees. |
A few weeks before event. |
| 3. Distribute calendar/weekend advisory
to newspapers. |
A few weeks before event. |
| 4. Distribute public service
announcement to radio/TV. |
A few weeks before event. |
| 5. Distribute news release. |
A few weeks before event. |
| 6. Distribute media advisory to all news
media. |
1 week before event. |
| 7. Remind invited dignitaries about
event via telephone. |
5 days before event. |
| 8. Redistribute media advisory to all
news media. |
1 to 2 days before event. |
| 9. Make follow-up calls to local news
media. |
1 day before event. |
| 10. Distribute day-of-issuance news release.
|
Day of event. |
| 11. Send letter to newspaper editor thanking
community. |
1 day after event's completion. |
| 12. Send newspaper clips to area Public Affairs and
Communications manager. |
Within 1 week after event.
|
Ralph Stewart
Manager, Public
Affairs and Communications
Eastern Area/U.S. Postal
Service
PO Box 40593
Philadelphia, PA 19197-0593
215-931-5054
Carol Larson
Public Affairs and
Communications
Capitol Metro/U.S. Postal Service
475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Rm 10647
Washington, DC 20260-3100
202-268-6575
Diane Todd
Manager, Public Affairs
and Communications
NY Metro Area/U.S. Postal Service
421 Eighth Ave, Rm 5114
New York,
NY 10199-9681
212-330-3118
Debra Hawkins
Manager, Public
Affairs and Communications
Northeast Area/U.S. Postal
Service
6 Griffin Rd N
Windsor,
CT 06006-9876
860-285-7265
Earl C Artis, Jr.
Manager, Public
Affairs and Communications
Southeast Area/U.S. Postal
Service
225 North Humphrey Blvd
Memphis, TN 38166-0832
901-747-7544
Jim Mruk
Manager, Public Affairs
and Communications
Great Lakes Area/U.S. Postal
Service
244 Knollwood Dr, 4th Floor
Bloomingdale, IL 60117-2208
630-539-6565
Dan De Miglio
Manager, Public
Affairs and Communications
Pacific Area/U.S. Postal
Service
390 Main St, Ste 200
San
Francisco, CA 94105-8000
415-536-6490
David Mazer
Manager, Public Affairs
and Communications
Pacific Area/U.S. Postal Service
7001 S Central Ave, Rm 364A
Los
Angeles, CA 90052-9641
323-586-1212
Robert S. Bolen
Manager, Public
Affairs and Communications
Southwest Area/U.S. Postal
Service
7800 N Stemmons Freeway, Ste 450
Dallas, TX 75247-4220
214-819-8710
Scott Budny
Manager, Public Affairs
and Communications
Western Area/U.S. Postal Service
1745 Stout St, Ste 400
Denver, CO
80299-7500
303-313-5130
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT
DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR RADIO
Public Invited to
Participate in Celebration of Black History Month;
2002
Black Heritage Stamp Series Honoree Langston Hughes Will Be Dedicated in
[INSERT CITY] on [INSERT DATE]
[INSERT CITY]
postmaster [INSERT NAME] invites everyone to [INSERT LOCATION] to participate in activities
surrounding the Postal Service's celebration of Black History Month and the
unveiling of the 2002 Black Heritage stamp featuring
Langston Hughes, on [INSERT DAY AND DATE] from [INSERT TIME] to [INSERT TIME].
On that day children and adults will learn
more about black history and African Americans on stamps. Activities include [DESCRIBE ACTIVITIES].
Come take a moment to celebrate
African-American history with stamps. It's an educational way to learn about the
historic people, places, and events printed on U.S. postage stamps each year.
- end -
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT
DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
CELEBRATION IN [INSERT CITY]
FEATURES AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY ON STAMPS
Tribute Given to
25th Anniversary of the Black Heritage Stamp Series
and
Honoree Langston Hughes
[INSERT YOUR CITY,
STATE] - As part of Black History Month celebration, the U.S. Postal
Service, The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Gwendolyn Brooks
Center, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. [IF
PARTICIPATING] will join together to celebrate the 25th anniversary and pay
homage to Langston Hughes, the 2002 honoree in the U.S. Postal Service's Black Heritage commemorative stamp series. [CHANGE TO REFLECT WHO YOUR PARTICIPANTS ARE]
Langston Hughes, writer/poet, became the 25th
American honored in the long-running Black Heritage
series on the centennial of his birth. The stamp will be issued in February
2002.
The celebration comes to [INSERT CITY] with a special ceremony scheduled for [INSERT EXACT TIME OF EVENT] on [INSERT DATE] at the [INSERT
NAME OF POST OFFICE, LIBRARY, SCHOOL, MUSEUM, ETC. WHERE EVENT IS HELD].
[INSERT EVENT
AGENDA]
[INSERT QUOTE FROM
USPS UNVEILING OFFICIAL]
[INSERT QUOTE FROM
SCHOMBURG CENTER OR OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY OFFICIAL]
[FEEL FREE TO USE THE
FOLLOWING BACKROUND INFORMATION AND CUSTOMIZE FOR INSERTION INTO YOUR RELEASE]
Hughes joins 24 other honorees in the Postal Service's Black Heritage series, which salutes outstanding
African-American activists, theorists, writers, educators, and leaders. Other
notable Americans in the series include Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Benjamin Banneker, Jackie Robinson, Carter G. Woodson, Mary McLeod Bethune,
W.E.B. Du Bois, Bessie Coleman, Ernest E. Just, Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., Madam
C.J. Walker, Malcolm X (El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz), Patricia Roberts Harris, and
Roy Wilkins, who was honored in January 2001.
Born in Joplin, Missouri, on February 1,
1902, Hughes was raised by his grandmother until he was 12 years old, when he
moved to Lincoln, Illinois, to live with his mother. It was during his high
school years that he began writing poetry. Following graduation from high
school, Hughes spent a year in Mexico and a year at Columbia University. He then
traveled to Africa and Europe. He finished his college education at Lincoln
University in Pennsylvania. Hughes was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity,
Inc.
Although Hughes considered himself a poet
first, he also wrote novels, short stories, and plays. Some of Hughes' most
noted works of poetry include The Weary Blues
(1926), The Negro Mother and other Dramatic
Recitations (1931), The Dream Keeper (1932), Shakespeare in Harlem (1942), Fields of Wonder (1947), One
Way Ticket (1947), The First Book of Jazz
(1955), Tambourines to Glory (1958), Selected Poems (1959), and The
Best of Simple (1961).
Hughes died of cancer on May 22, 1967, in
Harlem, New York, at the age of 65. His block of East 127th Street was renamed
"Langston Hughes Place."
The Postal Service continues its commitment
to honoring the historical achievements and contributions of African Americans.
The Black Heritage stamp series is very popular and,
given its significant educational importance, it will continue in the future.
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT
DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com
Media Advisory
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
CELEBRATION IN [NSERT CITY]
HIGHLIGHTS ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF AFRICAN AMERICANS ON
STAMPS
EVENT: The U.S.
Postal Service teams up with the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture,
Gwendolyn Brooks Center, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., for Black History
Month celebration. Unveiling of Langston Hughes
commemorative stamp, 25th honoree in Black
Heritage series. [CHANGE OR ADD TO THIS INFO IF YOUR
EVENT IS DIFFERENT, BUT KEEP IT SHORT]
WHO: [LIST ONLY DIGNITARIES, KEY POSTAL OFFICIALS, AND ANY WELL-
KNOWN SPECIAL GUESTS PARTICIPATING AND/OR ATTENDING EVENT]
WHAT: [DESCRIBE WHAT MAKES EVENT NEWSWORTHY - LIST ANY
ENTERTAINMENT, REFRESHMENTS, SALES, ETC.]
WHEN: [INSERT HOUR, DAY, DATE]
WHERE: [INSERT EXACT LOCATION OF EVENT]
BACKGROUND:
Hughes, considered one of the most important American writers of the 20th century, joins 24 other outstanding African-American
activists, theorists, educators, and leaders. Other notable Americans in the Black Heritage commemorative series include Martin
Luther King, Jr., Benjamin Banneker, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Madam C.J. Walker,
Malcolm X (El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz), Patricia Roberts Harris, and Roy Wilkins.
CONTACT: [LIST AREA
PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS REPRESENTATIVE OR POSTMASTER'S NAME AND PHONE
NUMBER]
# # #
SAMPLE LETTER TO LOCAL NEWSPAPER EDITOR THANKING RESIDENTS
FOR SUPPORT
[INSERT DATE]
[INSERT NAME]
[INSERT TITLE]
[INSERT NAME OF
PUBLICATION]
[INSERT
ADDRESS]
[INSERT CITY,
STATE, ZIP+4]
Dear [INSERT TITLE
AND NAME]:
I want to thank the citizens of [INSERT CITY NAME] for their enthusiasm and support in
making yesterday's Black History Month celebration such a successful event for
our community and for the U.S. Postal Service.
African Americans have played a vital role
in the shaping of America's history. The U.S. Postal Service continues its
commitment to honoring the historical achievements and contributions of noted
African- American leaders, inventors, educators, scientists, entrepreneurs,
entertainers, and sports figures. The Black Heritage
series, along with other stamps, pays tribute to these individuals.
Our nation's commemorative stamp program
has been developed over the past 100 years largely through the participation of
the American people. Their stamp ideas and suggestions are instrumental in
helping the Postal Service honor some of the greatest achievements and achievers
who have made our country great.
Again, thanks to everyone in our community
who participated in our Black History Month celebration. We hope everyone
enjoyed celebrating African-American history with stamps.
Sincerely,
[SIGN]
[INSERT
POSTMASTER'S NAME]
Postmaster
U.S. Postal Service
[INSERT CITY, STATE, ZIP+4]
Black History Month events are a perfect opportunity to
involve elected public officials in an important and positive local event. They
are likely to have a keen interest in the event, as it provides elected
representatives a chance to interact with constituents in a friendly, civic
setting with secured media coverage.
You are encouraged to reach out directly to your federal,
state, and local elected officials. Government Relations
representatives are available to assist you in coordinating political
involvement and would be pleased to help in any way.
This Black History Month Community Relations publicity kit
contains simple guidelines, sample letters, a suggested invitation list, and the
names and telephone numbers of your Government Relations contacts.
Send a written invitation 4 to 6 weeks before the event to your two U.S. Senators,
your congressional representatives, your state governor, and the mayor of your
community. Please include any other local elected officials you feel would be
appropriate. The local postmaster should sign the invitations.
Follow up the written invitation with a telephone call to the
elected official's scheduler within a week if you have not received a reply. You
may need to call more than once.
Keep in touch with all elected officials who respond. If asked, provide
updated information to the elected official's staff as it becomes available
(i.e., who else is participating, where and when to meet, what his or her role
will be, etc.) Stress that remarks should be brief and limited to the unveiling
of the Langston Hughes and Black Heritage stamps and recognition of the role the
U.S. Postal Service continually plays in celebrating African-American history
with stamps.
Include names of all participating elected officials on the "official
program" as honored guests, and mention them in all media advisories.
Provide a courtesy copy of the program to the elected official in advance.
Send a written thank-you letter to all elected officials who participated in the
ceremony, expressing your appreciation.
Provide copies of any newspaper articles about the event to their
offices. Even though they might see those articles on their own, you can take
the opportunity to remind them of the press coverage the event received.
Provide a supply of extra cachets with the special cancellation, if applicable,
to elected officials, even to those who could not attend. These make great
give-aways and serve as a positive reminder of the event.
Obtain and frame a photo of the elected official posing beside the stamp image and
make an appointment to present it in person, if possible. A matted, well-framed
photograph stands a good chance of being hung on the wall of the official's
office, again serving as a positive reminder of the event.
Keep in touch with your elected officials. Good relationships are built
over time.
# # #
SAMPLE INVITATION TO PUBLIC OFFICIALS
[INSERT DATE]
[INSERT NAME]
[INSERT TITLE]
[INSERT
ORGANIZATION]
[INSERT
ADDRESS]
[INSERT CITY,
STATE, ZIP+4]
Dear [INSERT TITLE
AND NAME]:
Employees of the [INSERT NAME] Post Office invite you to be an honored
guest at a special ceremony celebrating Black History Month on [DATE] at [TIME]. During
our ceremony, the United States Postal Service will dedicate the Langston Hughes [AND/OR Black Heritage series] commemorative stamp [OR stamps IF DEDICATING ENTIRE SERIES].
The Postal Service values its role as a
community leader, and we believe that our commemorative stamp program gives us
an opportunity to connect with customers in a very personal and entertaining
way. During our ceremony, children and adults alike will have an opportunity to
learn about the achievements and contributions of African-American leaders,
inventors, educators, scientists, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and sports
figures.
At the stamp ceremony, you will be invited
to say a few words about the Langston Hughes stamp
[AND/OR Black Heritage
series) and any comments you may have about African-American history. We
expect significant press coverage of the ceremony and a good size crowd,
including families, schools, and civic organizations.
We hope you will join us for our stamp
unveiling and special Black History Month celebration. Please confirm your
participation by calling [NAME OF CONTACT] at [TELEPHONE NUMBER] as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
[SIGN]
[INSERT
POSTMASTER'S NAME]
Postmaster
U.S. Postal Service
[INSERT CITY, STATE, ZIP+4]
SAMPLE THANK-YOU LETTER TO PUBLIC OFFICIALS/PARTICIPATING
ORGANIZATIONS
[INSERT DATE]
[INSERT NAME]
[INSERT TITLE]
[INSERT
ORGANIZATION]
[INSERT
ADDRESS]
[INSERT CITY,
STATE, ZIP+4]
Dear [INSERT TITLE
AND NAME]:
On behalf of the United States Postal
Service, I want to thank you for joining us during our special ceremony
celebrating Black History Month and the dedication of the Langston Hughes [AND/OR Black Heritage series] commemorative postage
stamps. It was a wonderful event for [INSERT NAME OF
COMMUNITY], and your participation helped make it a success.
All of us in the Postal Service are
extremely proud of the role our organization has played as a community leader
and in commemorating many of the people, places, and events that have made our
country great. The stamp unveiling ceremony was a wonderful way for us to share
African-American history on stamps with our friends, neighbors, children, and
customers here in [INSERT NAME OF COMMUNITY]. I am
enclosing 10 copies of our special cancellation [IF
APPLICABLE] for you to share with your constituents, as well as copies of
press clippings and photographs that recorded the event [IF APPLICABLE].
The Postal Service will continue to
provide reliable, cost-effective service to our customers through the ongoing
development of our world-class communications network. I look forward to working
with you on future community events. If I can be of assistance with any postal
matter, please contact me at [TELEPHONE NUMBER].
Sincerely,
[SIGN]
[INSERT
POSTMASTER'S NAME]
Postmaster
U.S. Postal Service
[INSERT CITY, STATE, ZIP+4]
We
can help! Your Government Relations representatives are here to serve you. As
you plan your Black History Month events - or any special civic event - please
let us know.
| State |
Name |
Telephone
No. |
| Alabama |
Laurie Solnik |
x 3743 |
| Alaska |
Jennifer Alvarez |
x 7839 |
| American Samoa |
Jennifer Alvarez |
x 7839 |
| Arizona |
Renee Gadson |
x 7217 |
| Arkansas |
Vacant |
x 3744 |
| California |
Bill Weagley |
x 3745 |
| Connecticut |
Jo Waterman |
x 6748 |
| Colorado |
Renee Gadson |
x 7217 |
| Delaware |
Jo Waterman |
x 6748 |
| District of Columbia |
Rebecca Sumner |
x 3755 |
| Florida |
Laurie Solnik |
x 3743 |
| Georgia |
Jim Quirk |
X 8468 |
| Guam |
Jennifer Alvarez |
x 7839 |
| Hawaii |
Jennifer Alvarez |
x 7839 |
| Idaho |
Jennifer Alvarez |
x 7839 |
| Illinois |
Cynthia Puryear |
x 3750 |
| Indiana |
Rebecca Sumner |
x 3755 |
| Iowa |
Sheila Meyers |
x 7505 |
| Kansas |
Renee Gadson |
x 7217 |
| Kentucky |
Faith Beamon |
x 3754 |
| Louisiana |
Vacant |
x 3744 |
| Maine |
Katherine Sitterle |
x 6027 |
| Maryland |
Rebecca Sumner |
x 3755 |
| Massachusetts |
Jo Waterman |
x 6748 |
| Michigan |
Cynthia Puryear |
x 3750 |
| Minnesota |
Sheila Meyers |
x 7505 |
| Mississippi |
Laurie Solnik |
x 3743 |
| Missouri |
Sheila Meyers |
x 7505 |
| Montana |
Jennifer Alvarez |
x 7839 |
| Nebraska |
Sheila Meyers |
x 7505 |
| Nevada |
Jennifer Alvarez |
x 7839 |
| New Hampshire |
Jo Waterman |
x 6748 |
| New Jersey |
Jo Waterman |
x 6748 |
| New Mexico |
Renee Gadson |
x 7217 |
| New York |
Katherine Sitterle |
x 6027 |
| North Carolina |
Jim Quirk |
x 8468 |
| North Dakota |
Sheila Meyers |
x 7505 |
| Ohio |
Faith Beamon |
x 3754 |
| Oklahoma |
Vacant |
x 3744 |
| Oregon |
Jennifer Alvarez |
x 7839 |
| Pennsylvania |
Rebecca Sumner |
x 3755 |
| Puerto Rico |
Katherine Sitterle |
x 6027 |
| Rhode Island |
Jo Waterman |
x 6748 |
| South Carolina |
Jim Quirk |
x 8468 |
| South Dakota |
Sheila Meyers |
x 7505 |
| Tennessee |
Jim Quirk |
x 8468 |
| Texas |
Vacant |
x 3744 |
| Utah |
Renee Gadson |
x 7217 |
| Vermont |
Katherine Sitterle |
x 6027 |
Virgin Islands |
Katherine Sitterle |
x 6027 |
| Virginia |
Faith Beamon |
x 3754 |
| Washington |
Jennifer Alvarez |
x 7839 |
| West Virginia |
Faith Beamon |
x 3754 |
| Wisconsin |
Cynthia Puryear |
x 3750 |
| Wyoming |
Renee Gadson |
x 7217 |
Note:
Area code and prefix for all extensions is 202-268-XXXX.
- Community Relations,Public Affairs and Communications,
1-10-02
|
