PUBLICITY KIT

The Art of Disney: Friendship

Disneyland - the "Happiest Place on Earth" - became even more animated on June 23, 2004, when the U.S. Postal Service® issued The Art of Disney: Friendship postage stamps. The first day of issue dedication ceremony took place at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.

The stamps feature Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, and a host of Disney friends. In addition, a new set of stamped postal cards and stamped stationery will make it easy to write .

The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps are expected to be very appealing to youngsters and to the millions of Mickey Mouse and other Disney character enthusiasts. Many community and youth outreach events are taking place surrounding the announcement of The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps.

This stamp issuance leverages our relationship with the Walt Disney Company to maximize publicity and revenue opportunities by conducting events inside more than 300 shopping malls that house Disney retail store outlets. And, with your help, our stamps will once again help spread a message of friendship on millions of letters mailed all across America.

Inside this field publicity kit, you will find suggestions and ideas to help you implement events in your community surrounding The Art of Disney: Friendship stamp. Be sure to use the expertise of your Public Affairs and Communications team as you develop and plan your local events.

As we make plans to promote The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support. Promoting the Postal Service'sTM stamp program provides us with a unique way to gain community support for Postal Service public policy programs and helps strengthen our ties with the communities we serve.

Azeezaly S. Jaffer

Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications

PUBLICITY KIT

The Art of Disney: Friendship

Postal ServiceTM employees can find an electronic version of The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps publicity kit on the Intranet at http://blue.usps.gov; in the left-hand column, click on Public Affairs and Communications; in the left-hand column, click on Postmaster's Toolkits. That electronic version makes it easy to complete the fill-in-the- blank materials included in the kit.

Publicity Ideas to Interest the Media

Stamp Dedication Ceremonies in Malls That House Disney Stores

The key to generating additional revenue and media attention is to publicize the event as a unique opportunity to have the Disney stamps postmarked on anything - including Disney collectibles - on the day of the special stamp dedication ceremony. Conducting the event in your mall's public access area near a Disney Store will assist in attracting collectors of Disney memorabilia.

Disney Stores are similar to those found in the Disney theme parks in Anaheim, California, and Orlando, Florida, in that they sell Disney-themed toys, dolls, movies, games, clothes, accessories, art, and other collectibles. More than 300 Disney Stores are located in shopping malls across America.

Due to space constraints and potential disruptions to Disney Store retail operations, events cannot be held in Disney Stores. Before moving forward, postmasters must first obtain permission from mall management to conduct the ceremony in the public access area. In some situations, mall management may require a fee.

We ask postmasters not to contact their local Disney Store. Contact Clint Johnson with the Disney Store's corporate offices at 818-265-4232 as soon as possible. Clint will contact the store to share the information so that the store employees can inform customers of the upcoming event and staff their store accordingly.

Stamp Dedication Ceremonies at Post Offices

If a Disney Store is outside of your service area, consider conducting either a ceremony at your Post OfficeTM or a local youth outreach event. Disney is also assisting us through its Disney Radio Station network. This relationship extends publicity assistance through the Disney Radio Station network that operates affiliates in the following 11 major metropolitan areas:

• Atlanta, Georgia

• Boston, Massachusetts

• Chicago, Illinois

• Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas

• Denver/Boulder, Colorado

• Houston, Texas

• Kansas City, Missouri

• Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota

• New York, New York

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Portland, Oregon

Our Public Affairs and Communications (PA&C) team will work with Disney to promote your activities.

Disney Contacts

Following is a list of Disney Store locations. Please contact Clint Johnson at the Disney Store's corporate offices (818-265-4232) rather than call a store directly. Clint will contact your local Disney Store's management to let them know your event's date. As part of their day-to-day customer retail activities, Disney Store staff will raise awareness among Disney customers. Disney Store management will also staff accordingly on the day of your event. Disney Radio Station Network contacts can be made through your PA&C team office. See PA&C contact listing on page 26.

The Walt Disney Company maintains a retail outlet network of more than 300 Disney Stores.

Event Planning Checklist

When planning The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps events, keep the following suggestions in mind:

• Begin planning immediately.

• Obtain permission from mall management to conduct the ceremony in the public access area of the mall.

• Set a date.

• Call Clint Johnson of the Disney Store's corporate offices at 818-265-4232 to let him know of the date and time of your special dedication ceremony (also known as second day ceremonies). Do not contact your local Disney Store.

• Secure participants.

• Order enlargements of the stamp images, flyers, and other supplies for the event.

• Prepare a pictorial cancellation, if applicable. The announcement form is provided on page 13. Due to copyright agreements with the Walt Disney Company, the four images attached on page 12 are the only designs permitted. When using one, please be sure to forward a copy to Stamp Services. Second day events follow the same guidelines for pictorial cancellations. Extensions are permitted for 30, 60, or 90 days after the event. Second day cancellation extensions must be approved by Stamp Services. For more information, please see Handbook PO-230, Pictorial Cancellations Handbook.

• Secure staging and sound equipment (if applicable).

• Plan signs, including a podium sign and banners.

• Draft a sequence of events agenda and speaker remarks.

• Plan retail opportunities (e.g., booth, bag stuffers, etc.).

• Prepare invitations and ceremony programs (if applicable).

Cancellations

How to Order First Day of Issue Postmark

Customers have 30 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, and at the Postal Store Web site at www.usps.com/shop. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

THE ART OF DISNEY FRIENDSHIP STAMPS
POSTMASTER
701 N LOARA ST
ANAHEIM CA 92803-9998

After applying the first day of issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by July 22, 2004.

How to Order First Day Covers

Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to:

INFORMATION FULFILLMENT
DEPT 6270
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 219014
KANSAS CITY MO 64121-9014

Second Day Cancellations

Due to copyright agreements with the Walt Disney Company, only the pictorial cancellations shown on page 12 are permitted. Post Offices planning events are prohibited from designing their own special pictorial cancellation. The word Station or the abbreviation STA is required somewhere in the design, since it will be a temporary station.

Guidelines for Finalizing The Art of Disney: Friendship Stamps Pictorial Cancellation Art

To finalize The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps pictorial cancellation art, insert the date, city, state and ZIP Code of the physical location of your event adjacent to the stamp image. Overall dimensions of the pictorial cancellation must not exceed 4 inches horizontally by 2 inches vertically. Collectors prefer the dimensions 3 1/2 inches by 1 inch.

Stamp Enlargements and Reproductions

To obtain enlargements of stamp images for local dedication ceremonies or for reproductions of stamp images - including digital files, prints, and transparencies - contact:

VICTOR PULUPA
DODGE COLOR
4827 RUGBY AVE
BETHESDA MD 20814-3028

Telephone: 301-656-0025, ext. 212

Please plan ahead and allow at least a two-week lead time for production and shipping.

Products and Licensing

Except for first-day-of-issue items available through the Anaheim, California, Post Office, there are no licensed products available for these stamps at this time. However, in the coming months products will be available through the Official Licensed Retail Products Program (OLRP).

Philatelic Products

Five philatelic products are available for The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps:

• Stamped Stationery $14.95 (Item 566794)

• Cancellation Keepsake $10.40 (Item 566793)

• Stamped Postal Cards $9.75 (Item 885100)

• Metallic Print (18 x 10) $14.95 (Item 566782)

• Print set of 4 (8 1/2 x 11) $14.95 (Item 566788)

These philatelic products will be available while supplies last at:

• Postal Service retail stores.

• Online at www.usps.com/shop.

• By telephone at 800-STAMP-24.

To see The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps, visit the online Postal Store at www.usps.com/shop; under "Collector's Corner," click on Stamp Issues.

Current U.S. stamps and stationery - as well as a free catalog - are available by toll-free telephone order at 800-STAMP-24. In addition, a selection of stamps and other philatelic items are available at the online Postal Store at www.usps.com/shop. Custom- framed prints of original stamp art are available at www.postalartgallery.com.

The Art of Disney: Friendship Stamps Facts and Suggested Talking Points

The U.S. Postal Service® will issue four new postage stamps on June 23, 2004, at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. The stamps celebrate friendship as portrayed by the Walt Disney studio, honoring some of the most beloved animated characters in the history of American entertainment.

The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps feature several world-famous friends:

• Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck as the perfect fun-loving group.

• Bambi and Thumper as childhood best friends.

• Mufasa and Simba show the powerful bond between parent and child.

• Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket exemplify a mentoring relationship.

The stamps feature illustrations by Disney artist Peter Emmerich. David Pacheco from Walt Disney Art Classics was the concept artist for the stamps.

Thanks to a new set of stamped postal cards and stamped stationery now available, the Postal Service and Disney are using The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps images to make it easy to write .

A booklet of twenty, 23-cent stamped postal cards is available for $9.75, and a colorful 37-cent stamped stationery pad containing 12 sheets of the four designs will make it even easier to keep in touch with friends for just $14.95.

For Disney memorabilia fans, there's a host of other collectibles, including:

• A set of four 8 x 10 inch stamp-affixed Disney Prints depicting each of the stamps for $14.95.

• A composite 18 x 10 inch stamp-affixed Disney Metallic Print for $14.95.

• A Disney Cancellation Keepsake for $10.40, which includes a sheet of 20 stamps and a set of four envelopes bearing first day issue postmarks, including one postmark for each stamp design.

To see The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps, visit the online Postal Store at www.usps.com/shop; under "Collector's Corner," click on Stamp Issues.

Current U.S. stamps and stationery - as well as a free catalog - are available by toll-free telephone order at 800 STAMP-24. In addition, a selection of stamps and other philatelic items are available at the online Postal Store at www.usps.com/shop. Custom-framed art prints of original stamp art are available at www.postalartgallery.com.

By conducting this ceremony near a Disney store, the Postal Service is making it easy for stamp and Disney enthusiasts to enhance their collectibles by having this special pictorial postmark applied to stamps that are affixed to virtually anything, including Disney collectibles. (This point is optional if conducting ceremony at a mall that houses a Disney Store.)

Suggested Public Relations Timeline

Note: If you have questions or need assistance with any of these items, please contact your Area's Public Affairs and Communications representative (see list on page 26).

Participation of Public Officials

The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps 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 from the Postal Service are available to assist you.

Following are simple guidelines, sample letters, a suggested invitation list, and the names and telephone numbers of your Government Relations contacts.

Before the Event

Send a written invitation (see page 17) as soon as possible 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 who are 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 (e.g., names of other participants, where and when to meet, what his or her role will be, etc.). Emphasize that remarks should be brief and limited to the unveiling of The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps and recognition of the role the U.S. Postal Service plays in sponsoring National Stamp Collecting Month.

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.

After the Event

Send a written thank-you letter (see page 18) 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-away gifts and serve as a positive reminder of the event.

Obtain and frame a photo of the elected official posing beside the stamp images 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 STREET ADDRESS]

[INSERT CITY, STATE, ZIP+4]

Dear [MR./MS.] [INSERT NAME]:

Employees of the [INSERT NAME] Post OfficeTM invite you to be an honored guest at a special dedication ceremony celebrating The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps on [DATE] at [TIME]. During that ceremony, the Postal ServiceTM will unveil The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps.

The U.S. Postal Service® values its role as a community leader, and we believe America's stamp program gives us an opportunity to connect with our customers in a very personal and entertaining way. During our ceremony, children and adults alike will have an opportunity to discover that stamp collecting is fun, exciting, and educational.

[OPTIONAL FOR USE WHEN CONDUCTING EVENTS IN MALLS THAT HOUSE DISNEY STORES:]

To raise awareness among Disney collectors, we will conduct our ceremony in the [NAME OF] mall near the Disney Store where our special pictorial cancellation can be applied to any item bearing the new Disney stamps, including Disney collectibles.

At the stamp dedication ceremony, you will be invited to say a few words about how stamps recognize many important people, places, events, and characters of childhood innocence. We expect significant press coverage of the ceremony and a good-sized crowd, including families, school groups, and civic organizations.

We hope you will join us for our stamp dedication ceremony. 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

[INSERT DATE]

[INSERT NAME]

[INSERT TITLE]

[INSERT ORGANIZATION]

[INSERT STREET ADDRESS]

[INSERT CITY, STATE, ZIP+4]

Dear [MR./MS.] [INSERT NAME]:

On behalf of the United States Postal Service®, I want to thank you for joining us during our special dedication ceremony celebrating The Art of Disney: Friendship commemorative postage stamps. It was a wonderful event for [NAME OF COMMUNITY], and your participation helped make it a success.

All of us in the Postal ServiceTM 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 the hobby of stamp collecting with our friends, neighbors, children, and customers here in [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].

I look forward to working with you on future community events. If I can be of assistance with any Postal ServiceTM matter, please contact me at [TELEPHONE NUMBER].

Sincerely,

[SIGN]

[INSERT POSTMASTER'S NAME]
Postmaster
U.S. Postal Service
[INSERT CITY, STATE, ZIP+4]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

SAMPLE MEDIA ADVISORY

[NAME] POST OFFICE TO DEDICATE DISNEY STAMPS [INSERT DATE]
AT [INSERT NAME OF MALL]

Special Postmark Will Be Applied to Collectible Items Bearing
New Disney Stamps

EVENT: Dedication of The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps [CHANGE OR ADD TO THIS INFORMATION IF YOUR EVENT IS DIFFERENT, BUT KEEP IT SHORT]

WHO: [LIST ONLY KEY POSTAL SERVICE OFFICIALS, AND ANY WELL-KNOWN SPECIAL GUESTS PARTICIPATING IN AND/OR ATTENDING EVENT]

WHAT: [DESCRIBE WHAT MAKES EVENT NEWSWORTHY - LIST ANY ENTERTAINMENT, REFRESHMENTS, SALES, ETC.]

WHEN: [INSERT HOUR, DAY, AND DATE]

WHERE: [INSERT EXACT LOCATION OF EVENT. THIS COULD BE AT A POST OFFICE OR A DISNEY STORE.]

BACKGROUND: The U.S. Postal Service® issued four postage stamps honoring friendship as it appears in the art of Walt Disney at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, on June 23. The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps feature Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, and a host of Disney friends. The [NAME] Post OfficeTM will conduct a special dedication ceremony on [DATE] to highlight the stamps' availability in [NAME OF TOWN]. As an added benefit to stamp and Disney memorabilia collectors, all items bearing the new stamps - including Disney collectibles - can be postmarked with a special cancellation to make them an extra special keepsake.

CONTACT: [LIST LOCAL POSTAL SERVICE SPOKESPERSON'S NAME AND TELEPHONE NUMBER.]

# # #

Sample Stamp Dedication Speech

The following suggested speech may be used at local ceremonies and events to support and promote The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps. Feel free to customize it to fit your local event and community.

Good [INSERT MORNING/AFTERNOON].

I'm [INSERT NAME OF POSTMASTER/DISTRICT MANAGER/MC] and it's a tremendous honor for me to represent the United States Postal Service® today as we dedicate The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps.

The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps are a welcome addition to our gallery of stamps that join the Postal Service's 2004 stamp program, celebrating the people, events, and history of our nation. Many Americans become inspired to learn more about the stamp subjects they see on their letters and packages, and thousands more become collectors every year.

Stamps are unique reminders of the amazing, triumphant, and spectacular accomplishments that shape the world we live in, and clearly show that the Postal ServiceTM does more than provide mail service. The real power of the Postal Service is our ability to connect people.

The U.S. Postal Service® dedicated four new postage stamps on June 23 at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, that celebrate friendship as portrayed by the Walt Disney studio, honoring some of the most beloved animated characters in the history of American entertainment.

The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps feature several world-famous friends:

• Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck as the perfect fun-loving group.

• Bambi and Thumper as childhood best friends.

• Mufasa and Simba show the powerful bond between parent and child.

• Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket exemplify a mentoring relationship.

This is the first of three stamp panes honoring the art of Disney that we will issue this year. Celebration and Romance are the themes for 2005 and 2006 stamps in this series. Each year features four themed stamps, showcasing a breadth of quintessential Disney moments.

Thanks to a new set of stamped postal cards and stamped stationery now available, the Postal Service and Disney are using The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps images to make it easy to write .

I would like to thank all of you and all of our guests for joining us here today.

Now, would [INSERT NAMES OF DEDICATION PARTICIPANTS IF APPLICABLE] join me as we dedicate The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

SAMPLE NEWS RELEASE

[Use this as a guide for creating your "day-of" event news release. Use past tense and include information such as crowd turnout, activities associated with the event, etc.]

MICKEY MOUSE AND FRIENDS DELIVER FOR [INSERT TOWN'S NAME] POST OFFICE

[INSERT NAME OF YOUR CITY] - The [NAME] Post OfficeTM is putting Disney friends to work. Beginning today, The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps will go on sale as a set of four commemorative postage stamps honoring friendship as it appears in the art of Walt Disney. The stamps feature Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and a host of Disney friends. And thanks to a new set of stamped postal cards and stamped stationery available that day, the Postal ServiceTM and Disney are making it easy to write about it.

"With this stamp pane, the U.S. Postal Service® honors the "art" of friendship as portrayed by Walt Disney and his studio animators," said [TOWN NAME] Postmaster [NAME], who officiated the event. "Now, with the help of some famous friends - who are also some of Disney's most beloved animated characters - it's easy to add a cheerful touch to your envelopes."

The Art of Disney: Friendship self-adhesive 37-cent stamps, available in panes of twenty, feature world-famous Disney friends on four stamp designs.

• Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck as the perfect fun-loving group. Mickey Mouse made his debut on November 18, 1928, in the first synchronized sound cartoon, Steamboat Willie. With help from his pals, Goofy and the "fowl-tempered" Donald Duck, clever little Mickey quickly became an American icon.

• Bambi and Thumper as childhood best friends. A friend can make good times even more fun and make bad times more bearable. In Walt Disney's Bambi (1942), an energetic rabbit named Thumper becomes a lifelong friend to a young deer. Thumper accompanies Bambi in both pleasurable pursuits - such as their winter adventures on ice - and in adversity.

• Mufasa and Simba show the powerful bond between parent and child. Our parents can be our best friends, as the cub Simba learns in The Lion King (1994) when his father, Mufasa, comes to his rescue after Simba is chased by hyenas. Simba idolizes Mufasa and hopes to grow up to be just like him.

• Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket exemplify a mentoring relationship. Sometimes, as in Walt Disney's animated film classic Pinocchio (1940), a friend acts as our conscience and keeps us out of trouble - or, at least, tries to. After he is magically brought to life, the wooden marionette Pinocchio is assisted by diminutive Jiminy Cricket in his effort to become a real boy.

A booklet of twenty, 23-cent stamped postal cards will be available for $9.75, and a colorful 37-cent stamped stationery pad containing 12-sheets of the four designs will make it even easier to keep in touch with friends for just $14.95.

For Disney memorabilia fans, there's a host of other collectibles, including:

• A set of four 8 x 10-inch stamp-affixed Disney prints depicting each of the stamps for $14.95.

• A composite 18 x 10 inch stamp-affixed Disney Metallic Print for $14.95.

• A Disney Cancellation Keepsake for $10.40.

To see The Art of Disney: Friendship stamps, visit the online Postal Store at www.usps.com/shop; under "Collector's Corner," click on Stamp Issues.

Current U.S. stamps and stationery, as well as a free comprehensive catalog, are available by toll- free telephone order at 800 STAMP-24. A wide selection of stamps and other philatelic items is also available at the Postal Store at www.usps.com/shop. Custom-framed art prints of original stamp art are available at www.postalartgallery.com.

Since 1775, the U.S. Postal Service has connected friends, families, neighbors and businesses by mail. It is an independent federal agency that visits more than 141 million s and businesses every day and is the only service provider to deliver to every address in the nation. The Postal Service receives no taxpayer dollars for routine operations, but derives its operating revenues solely from the sale of postage, products and services. With annual revenues of more than $68 billion, it is the world's leading provider of mailing and delivery services, offering some of the most affordable postage rates in the world. The U.S. Postal Service delivers more than 46 percent of the world's mail volume - some 202 billion letters, advertisements, periodicals and packages a year - and serves 7 million customers each day at its 38,000 retail locations nationwide.

# # #

Include the following Stamp Subject Selection Criteria and Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee fact sheets with your "day-of" news release press kit. If available, also include biographies of event principals.

Stamp Subject Selection Criteria

The U.S. Postal Service® and the members of the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee ("CSAC" or "committee") have set certain basic criteria used in determining the eligibility of subjects for commemoration on U.S. stamps and stationery. These criteria first were formulated about the time of Postal ServiceTM reorganization in the early 1970s and have been refined and expanded gradually since then.

Following are the 12 major areas now guiding subject selection:

1. It is a general policy that U.S. postage stamps and stationery primarily will feature American or American-related subjects.

2. No living person shall be honored by portrayal on U.S. postage.

3. Commemorative stamps or Postal ServiceTM stationery items honoring individuals usually will be issued on or in conjunction with significant anniversaries of their birth, but no Postal Service item will be issued sooner than 10 years after the individual's death. The only exception to the 10-year rule is the issuance of stamps honoring deceased U.S. presidents. They may be honored with a memorial stamp on the first birth anniversary following death.

4. Events of historical significance will be considered for commemoration only on anniversaries in multiples of 50 years.

5. Only events, persons, and themes of widespread national appeal and significance will be considered for commemoration. Events, persons, or themes of local or regional significance may be recognized by a philatelic or special Postal Service cancellation, which may be arranged through the local postmaster.

6. Stamps or stationery items will not be issued to honor fraternal, political, sectarian, or service/charitable organizations. Stamps or stationery will not be issued to promote or advertise commercial enterprises or products. Commercial products or enterprises might be used to illustrate more general concepts related to American culture.

7. Stamps or stationery items will not be issued to honor cities, towns, municipalities, counties, primary or secondary schools, hospitals, libraries, or similar institutions. Due to the limitations placed on annual Postal Service programs and the vast number of such locales, organizations and institutions in existence, it would be difficult to single out any one for commemoration.

8. Requests for observance of statehood anniversaries will be considered for commemorative postage stamps only at intervals of 50 years from the date of the state's first entry into the Union. Requests for observance of other state-related or regional anniversaries will be considered only as subjects for Postal Service stationery, and again only at intervals of 50 years from the date of the event.

9. Stamps or stationery items will not be issued to honor religious institutions or individuals whose principal achievements are associated with religious undertakings or beliefs.

10. Stamps or Postal Service stationery items with added values, referred to as "semi-postals," will be issued every 2 years in accordance with Public Law 106253. Semi-postals will not be considered as part of the commemorative program and separate criteria will apply.

11. Requests for commemoration of universities and other institutions of higher education will be considered only for stamped cards and only in connection with the 200th anniversaries of their founding.

12. No stamp will be considered for issuance if one treating the same subject has been issued in the past 50 years. The only exceptions to this rule are traditional themes such as national symbols and holidays.

Ideas for stamp subjects that meet the criteria may be addressed to:

CITIZENS STAMP ADVISORY COMMITTEE
C/O STAMP DEVELOPMENT
US POSTAL SERVICE
475 L'ENFANT PLZ SW RM 5670
WASHINGTON DC 20260-2437

Subjects should be submitted at least 3 years in advance of the proposed date of issue to allow sufficient time for consideration and for design and production, if the subject is approved.

The selection of subjects for U.S. postage stamps and stationery is a difficult task since only a limited number of new commemorative items can be issued annually. To help in this selection process, the postmaster general established the CSAC over 40 years ago. Members are appointed to the committee by the postmaster general. They reflect a wide range of educational, artistic, historical, and professional expertise.

Once a subject is approved, the Postal Service relies heavily on design coordinators for the selection of artists who will execute the designs. Stamp designing is an unusual art form requiring exacting skill in portraying a subject within very small dimensions. Due to the demands of stamp design and reproduction requirements, it is our policy not to review or accept unsolicited artwork.

###

The Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee

The U.S. Postal Service® is proud of its role in portraying the American experience to a world audience through the issuance of postage stamps and stationery.

The public suggests almost all subjects chosen to appear on U.S. postage stamps and stationery. Each year, Americans submit proposals to the Postal ServiceTM on literally thousands of different topics, and every stamp suggestion receives equal consideration, regardless of who makes it or how it is presented. (Note: suggestions must be submitted in writing).

On behalf of the postmaster general, the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) evaluates the merits of all stamp proposals. Established in 1957, the committee provides the Postal Service with a "breadth of judgment and depth of experience in various areas that influence subject matter, character, and beauty of postage stamps."

The committee's primary goal is to select subjects for recommendation to the postmaster general that are both interesting and educational. In addition to the Postal Service's extensive line of regular stamps, the committee recommends approximately 25 new subjects for commemorative stamps each year. The wishes and desires of all Postal Service customers influence stamp selections. A good mix of subjects, both interesting and educational, is essential to the stamps program of the U.S. Postal Service.

The postmaster general of the U.S. Postal Service appoints committee members, who serve at his discretion. The committee is composed of 15 members whose backgrounds reflect a wide range of educational, artistic, historical, and professional expertise. All share an interest in philately and the needs of the mailing public.

The committee itself employs no staff. The Postal Service's Stamp Development group handles committee administrative matters, maintains records, and responds to as many as 50,000 stamp subject and design recommendations annually.

The committee meets four times yearly in rotating locations. At the meetings, the members review all proposals received since the previous meeting. Proponents are not permitted to attend committee meetings. The members also review and provide guidance on artwork and designs for stamp subjects scheduled for issuance. The criteria established by this independent group ensure that stamp subjects stand the test of time, are consistent with public opinion, and have broad national interest.

Stamp Selection Process

Stamp subject and design suggestions must meet selection criteria and submitted in writing to:

CITIZENS STAMP ADVISORY COMMITTEE
C/O STAMP DEVELOPMENT
US POSTAL SERVICE
475 L'ENFANT PLZ SW RM 5670
WASHINGTON DC 20260-2437

Submit subject or design suggestions at least three years in advance of the proposed date of issue to allow sufficient time for consideration, design, and production, if the subject is approved.

Stamp proposals must be submitted in writing to the CSAC (i.e., stamped card, letters, or petitions) to allow everyone the same opportunity to suggest a new stamp subject or design.

After a proposal's evaluation is complete and deemed to meet selection criteria, research is done on the proposed stamp subject. The committee's agenda for its next meeting will list all new proposals received since their last meeting. The committee considers all new proposals and will either reject the new proposal or set it aside for future consideration. If set aside for future consideration, the subject is filed and presented for periodic review by the committee.

If approved for issuance, proponents of the subject or design are advised when a general announcement is made to the public. While the Postal Service relies heavily upon the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee, it has the exclusive and final authority to determine both subject matter and designs for U.S. postage stamps and stationery.

Artwork for Stamp Designs

Once a stamp suggestion or design receives approval, the Postal Service relies heavily on design coordinators for the selection of artists who will execute the designs. Stamp designing is an unusual art form that requires exacting skill to portray a subject within very small dimensions.

Unsolicited artwork is not accepted due to the demands of stamp design and reproduction requirements.

Professional artists who wish consideration for a design assignment must request a copy of the "Stamp Design Requirements" package:

STAMP DESIGN
C/O STAMP DEVELOPMENT
US POSTAL SERVICE
475 L'ENFANT PLZ SW RM 5670
WASHINGTON DC 20260-2437

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Postal Service Facts

The Postal Service Provides Universal Access, Universal Service

The Postal ServiceTM is committed to providing the same high level of service for every American regardless of geographic location. The Postal Service delivers everywhere, every day to everyone and:

• Has annual operating revenue of $68.5 billion.

• Has nearly 700,000 employees serving 141 million addresses.

• Delivers 202 billion pieces of mail a year (that's five pieces per address per day) to over 141 million s, businesses, and Post Office boxes. Each of our 300,000 carriers delivers about 2,300 pieces of mail a day to about 500 addresses.

• Adds 1.9 million new addresses each year.

• Redirects 3 billion First-Class Mail® pieces to new addresses for the 17% of the nation's population that moves every year, generating over 44 million address changes.

• Delivers more than 46% of the world's mail volume to more people over a larger geographic area than any other country.

• Serves 7 million customers daily at 37,579 Postal Service retail outlets.

• Makes stamps available on the Internet, by mail, by telephone, through 32,000 vending machines and 40,000 commercial retail outlets and automatic teller machines (ATMs).

The Postal Service is at the center of the $900 billion mailing industry - which employs 9 million people. Last year, business-to-consumer sales from direct mail generated more than $423 billion.

We Deliver to Every Residence and Business Address in the Nation

Our national delivery network serves every American household and business.

• Performance for on-time local delivery of First- Class Mail® service for 2003 was 95%. Also, 94% of households surveyed in 2003 had a positive perception of the Postal ServiceTM, with more than two out of three rating their satisfaction as "very good" or "excellent."

• Operates a transport and delivery fleet of 213,585 vehicles driving approximately 1.15 billion miles a year.

• Leases 25,987 facilities at a rental cost of $869.7 million.

• Operates 30,000 alternative-fuel vehicles (AFVs), the nation's largest fleet of AFVs, using ethanol, compressed natural gas and electricity.

• Purchases $200 million worth of products with recycled content, including pallets and trays, stamp products and envelopes.

• Uses latest technology to improve service, increase productivity, and reduce costs.

• Is a leader in developing and using optical character recognition - sorting equipment reads more than 80% of the hand-written addresses on envelopes.

• Uses upgraded flat-sorting equipment that rapidly deciphers hard-to-read addresses saved $292.5 million.

Government Relations Contacts

We can help! Your Government Relations representatives are here to serve you. We can assist you in contacting and inviting elected officials to participate in your Disney stamp event - please let them know how they can help.

Alphabetical State/Representative Listing: Area code and prefix for all extensions is 202-268-XXXX.

Area Public Affairs and Communications Managers/Contacts

For publicity assistance, contact the Public Affairs and Communications manager serving your area.

EARL C ARTIS JR
SOUTHEAST AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
225 NORTH HUMPHREYS BLVD
MEMPHIS TN 38166-0832
404-915-5877

SCOTT BUDNY
WESTERN AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
1745 STOUT ST STE 1075
DENVER CO 80299-7500
303-313-5125

DEBRA HAWKINS
NORTHEAST AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
6 GRIFFIN RD N
WINDSOR CT 06006-9876
860-285-7265

PAT MCGOVERN
NEW YORK METRO US POSTAL SERVICE
421 EIGHTH AVENUE RM 5114
NEW YORK NY 10199-9681
212-330-3167

JIM MRUK
GREAT LAKES AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
244 KNOLLWOOD DR 4^TH FL
BLOOMINGDALE IL 60117-2208
630-539-6565

STEPHEN A SEEWOESTER (ACTING)
SOUTHWEST AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
7800 N STEMMONS FRWY STE 450
DALLAS TX 75247-4220
214-819-8707

DON SMERALDI
PACIFIC AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
7001 S. CENTRAL AVENUE RM 364A
LOS ANGELES CA 90052-9641
323-586-1210

PAUL F. SMITH
EASTERN AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
P.O. BOX 40593
PHILADELPHIA PA 19197-0593
215-931-5054

DEBORAH YACKLEY
CAPITOL METRO US POSTAL SERVICE
16501 SHADY GROVE
GAITHERSBURG MD 20898-9998
301-548-1465

- Community Relations,
Public Affairs and Communications, 7-8-04