National Stamp Collecting Month

PUBLICITY KIT

September 2005

TO: District Managers, Customer Service and Sales, Postmasters

SUBJECT: National Stamp Collecting Month Publicity Kit

This October marks the 24th annual National Stamp Collecting Month. This year's theme - "Be a Stargazer: Let the Stars Guide You into Stamp Collecting!" - kicks off with the October 3 issuance of the Constellations commemorative postage stamps. This unique pane illustrates the constellations of Leo, Lyra, Pegasus, and Orion. McRay Magleby, graphic designer and educator, created these starry patterns by referring to the star maps of well-known celestial cartographer Wil Tirion.

The first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony will take place at the Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, on October 3. The Cranbrook Institute of Science is a natural history and science museum that has an active astronomy team. Its telescope observers are knowledgeable about all aspects of the field and the hobby of amateur astronomy. The Constellations commemorative postage stamps will be available nationwide on October 4.

It will be easy to generate publicity for National Stamp Collecting Month through partnering with the organizations listed in this kit. In fact, it's likely that these organizations will offer suggestions, provide hosting facilities, offer special planetarium screenings, and allow you to join the excitement of their Star Parties. Our Public Affairs and Communications representatives are available to assist you in coordinating publicity efforts. Please feel free to call on them.

Inside this publicity kit you'll find the tools you need to raise awareness of National Stamp Collecting Month and the Constellations commemorative postage stamps. Thank you for your support and for taking advantage of this exciting initiative. This is a great opportunity to increase stamp collecting and retail revenue as well.

Azeezaly S. Jaffer
Vice President
Public Affairs and Communications

cc: Mr. Day
Vice Presidents, Area Operations

National Stamp Collecting Month

Postal ServiceTM employees can find an electronic version of the National Stamp Collecting Month (NSCM) publicity kit on the intranet at http://blue.usps.gov. Click on Public Affairs and Communications under "Blue Sponsors," then Postmaster's Toolkits under "Public Relations." The electronic version makes it easy to complete the fill-in-the- blank materials included in the kit.

This year's theme - "Be a Stargazer: Let the Stars Guide You into Stamp Collecting!" - correlates to the issuance of the four unique mythological Constellations commemorative postage stamps, based on artistic depictions of star maps.

Overview

Use the Constellations commemorative postage stamps to get children excited about astronomy, science, and mythology through stamp collecting during NSCM, the Postal Service's national campaign to attract people of all ages to the fun and educational world of stamp collecting.

The first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the Constellations commemorative postage stamps will take place October 3 at Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Cranbrook has many things to offer, such as sky and laser programs in its planetarium, educational programs, fun events, and interactive traveling exhibits. The Postal Service encourages participation in this ceremony and the development of other events that support these stamps and National Stamp Collecting Month. The Constellations commemorative postage stamps will go on sale nationwide on October 4, 2005.

The Constellations commemorative postage stamps are expected to be very appealing to both children and adults. The stamps feature four different, well-known constellations that can be seen from the northern hemisphere. Each one correlates with one of the four seasons of the year.

Constellations Background

From humanity's earliest days, people have gazed upward and "connected the dots," drawing imaginary lines from one star to another. In the mind's eye, they saw the outlines of beings and objects from their own traditions, myths, and everyday lives. Some cultures believed that constellations were actual living beings placed in the sky by their gods. Through the years, different cultures looked at the same areas of the sky and drew different mental images, or they saw the same patterns but gave them different names. Today the International Astronomical Union recognizes 88 constellations, many of which bear Greek or Latin names and are associated with fascinating tales from ancient times.

These constellations have inspired imaginations through the millennia. They have helped mark time and served as reminders for certain agricultural tasks and festivals. They have also served as guideposts for travelers at night and helped astronomers, both ancient and modern, find their way around the heavens above.

Individual constellation commemorative postage stamps and brief descriptions:

Top Row

Constellation Name: Leo
Location: Northern Hemisphere
Date and Time: Spring, April at 9 P.M.

Illustrator: McRay Magleby of Provo, UT

Referenced from: Wil Tirion's Star Maps

One of the oldest-known constellations, Leo, has a Latin name meaning "lion." Reigning over the southern sky in spring, this star configuration inspired the imaginations of Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, all of whom saw a lion among the stars. A Greek legend says the constellation of Leo is a fierce lion slain by Hercules.

Constellation Name: Orion
Location: Northern Hemisphere
Date and Time: Winter, January at 9 P.M.

Illustrator: McRay Magleby of Provo, UT

Referenced from: Wil Tirion's Star Maps

When winter comes, Orion, a mythological Greek hunter- hero, stands high above the southern horizon. This constellation includes several celestial objects well known to stargazers, such as the bright and close-together stars, which make up Orion's belt and sword. The Orion nebula is faintly visible to the naked eye and is found near the tip of the sword. Betelgeuse, a giant red star, marks one of Orion's shoulders.

Bottom Row

Constellation Name: Lyra
Location: Northern Hemisphere
Date and Time: Summer, August at 9 P.M.

Illustrator: McRay Magleby of Provo, UT

Referenced from: Wil Tirion's Star Maps

The little constellation of Lyra has a Latin name and consists of a group of stars that can be seen high in the southeastern sky during summer. An ancient Greek myth states Lyra's stars are the lyre of Orpheus, who tried to free his wife from the realm of Hades by charming the god of the underworld with his music. The constellation includes Vega, the second brightest star in the northern hemisphere.

Constellation Name: Pegasus
Location: Northern Hemisphere
Date and Time: Fall, October at 9 P.M.

Illustrator: McRay Magleby of Provo, UT

Referenced from: Wil Tirion's Star Maps

Pegasus is the magnificent winged horse from Greek mythology that Perseus rode to rescue Princess Andromeda. The body of this fabled horse is outlined by four bright stars in the shape of a great square. Pegasus is one of the most striking formations in the night sky during the fall.

Publicity Ideas to Interest the Media

October is National Stamp Collecting Month.

There are many ways to interest the local media in the celebration of the 2005 Constellations commemorative postage stamps and/or encourage local dedication events. Local newspapers, radio, and television stations are more likely to cover NSCM events and promotions when children play an active role, especially when highly visual and compelling activities take place. Media coverage can help interest more people in stamp collecting and generate more stamp sales. Here are some suggestions to capture media attention:

• Plan Constellations commemorative postage stamps events in conjunction with planetarium shows, IMAX theater shows, star parties, and any other event that celebrates the stories of the sky.

• Encourage organizations to become sponsors. This is a great way for them to put their organization in the eye of the community and also support the Postal Service.

• Have an all-day celebration involving employees and their families, schools, television personalities, environmentalists, astronomers, etc.

• Encourage any employees with astronomy knowledge to share with others.

• Create an interactive exhibit in your local Post OfficeTM and, if possible, provide star maps.

• Partner with another community nighttime event.

• Invite local weather personalities, environmentalists, museum curators, and astronomers to participate in the dedication ceremony and give presentations and/or workshops on astronomy and constellations.

• 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 or telescope displays.

• Coordinate a dedication ceremony at an astronomy- related venue. Thanks to Sky and Telescope Magazine's Web site, you can find a list of planetariums, museums, IMAX theaters, and a list of events, such as star parties, near you. Go to: http://skyandtelescope.com/resources.

• Form an alliance with your local television station.

• Ask the local television meteorologists to conduct a live broadcast from your local Post Office when the Constellations commemorative postage stamps go on sale.

• Ask your local meteorologist to present the Constellations commemorative postage stamps as part of the daily live weather forecast segment. Provide the stamp sheet and ask the meteorologist to highlight one stamp each day during NSCM. The visibility of the stars can be related to the forecast that night.

• Ask a television station to co-sponsor a photo contest or constellation art contest with you. The artwork could appear on the television station's Web site and be displayed in your Post Office.

• Invite the television meteorologist to participate in your Post Office's classroom NSCM outreach efforts.

• Look for opportunities to partner with local environmental associations and organizations to help reinforce the need to decrease light pollution.

• Ask an environmental activist to speak at your Constellations commemorative stamps dedication and encourage awareness.

• Coordinate a day/evening for the community to conserve their power and dim their lights (indoor and outdoor lights).

• Contact commercial sponsors such as telescope companies, grocery stores, real estate, or malls that could provide sponsorship funding or provide a location. Invite them to take part in your event.

Stamp Collecting Ideas

• Have "Connect the Dots Constellation Designs" available for children when they visit the Post Office. Encourage parents to take these fun and informative designs for their children.

• Host a drawing contest for children to design their own constellation. Invite them to display their designs in the Post Office. Customers or employees could select the winners. The winners could be awarded their own commemorative Constellations stamps or a pass to a museum or planetarium show.

• Contact local school systems and ask them to raise awareness of astronomy and constellations. Inform them of the educational kit provided by the Postal Service.

• Look for opportunities to partner with non-profit organizations, museums, planetariums, schools, and universities. Encourage them to share their knowledge and include the illustrations of the stamps to display at their organization or within their science departments.

• Departments specializing in astronomy are an excellent source for speakers, event locations, activity hosts, or volunteers.

• Encourage Latin, Greek, science, and astronomy clubs in the private and public school systems to include the stamp release in their meetings and bulletin.

• Contact local government, park, nature center, libraries, or military bases for suggestions on locations to host star parties. These organizations may lend their services and help with the event.

• Contact community organizations such as the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts who can mentor or help with activities. In turn, this could be a possibility for them to earn badges for their participation in a community activity.

• Encourage local elementary school groups or youth groups to tour your Post Office for a behind-the- scenes view of how stamps are canceled and mail is sorted and delivered.

• Help coordinators of local after-school programs set up stamp collecting clubs. Ask a local stamp collector to set up a display of stamp collecting tools and philatelic materials, such as tongs, magnifiers, perforation gauges, albums, first-day covers, and so forth. Go online to the American Philatelic Society's Web site at www.stamps.org to find local chapters and affiliates that might be willing to help. This could also be effective if combined with other after school programs, such as astronomy, Greek, and Latin programs.

Implement any of these ideas, combine them, or brainstorm with your employees and come up with ideas of your own.

Stamp Education

An education kit has been developed and contains lesson plans using the Constellations commemorative postage stamps as a teaching aid. This material also promotes the fun and exciting hobby of astronomy.

Graphically, the NSCM education kit is a front-side poster, with lesson plans on the reverse side that visually tie in the constellation theme throughout.

The kit will be distributed to the Postal Service's education database of more than 220,000 classrooms. Post Offices nationwide also will receive a courtesy copy of the educational kit for community outreach efforts. Supplies are limited and additional copies will not be available. However, the kit can be downloaded and printed from www.usps.com.

Event Planning Checklist

When using the publicity materials in this kit, 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. Don't forget to follow up with telephone calls.

Keep the following suggestions in mind when planning a Constellations commemorative postage stamps event:

• Plan early.

• Contact your local PAC representative to obtain information from local meteorologists, TV weather forecasters, or other related offices and/or organizations to see if they can participate in your local Constellations commemorative postage stamps event.

• Set a date.

• Secure participants.

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

• Prepare a special pictorial postmark, if applicable.

• Secure staging and sound equipment, if applicable.

• Plan signage, including a podium sign and banners.

• Launch a local publicity campaign using the materials in this kit.

• Draft a sequence-of-events agenda and speaker remarks.

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

• Prepare ceremony programs and invitations.

Products and Licensing

For information on products and licensing, contact:

PATTY MORRIS
US POSTAL SERVICE
LICENSING
475 L'ENFANT PLZ
WASHINGTON DC 20260-3100

Telephone: 202-268-7242

Philatelic products are available in celebration of NSCM this year. The Constellations commemorative postage stamps will be featured on key chains, mugs, t-shirts, postcards, label pins, magnets, paperweights, t-shirt bears, and pens. This product is available through the USA Philatelic catalog and can be purchased online at the Postal Store, or by calling toll-free 800-STAMP-24. For assistance with licensed products, please contact Patty Morris at 202-268-7242 or e-mail patty.j.morris@usps.gov.

For additional information about licensing and use for the images of the Constellations commemorative postage stamps, please contact Licensing@usps.com.

Pictorial Postmarks

A pictorial postmark has not been produced from a national level. Post Offices planning second-day events may design their own special pictorial postmark. As a reminder, the Postal Service must try to make all unusual postmarking services widely known to collectors through advance publicity to avoid limiting the availability of these postmarks. Therefore, all pictorial postmarks must be reported to Stamp Services 3 weeks prior to local events. Please use the announcement form on the following page to report your use of pictorial postmarks.

Guidelines for Finalizing the Constellation Commemorative Postage Stamps Pictorial Postmark Art

To finalize the Constellations commemorative postage stamps pictorial postmark art, insert the date, city, state, and ZIP CodeTM of the physical location of your event adjacent to the stamp image. Overall dimensions of the pictorial postmark must not exceed 4 inches horizontally by 2 inches vertically. Collectors prefer the dimensions 3 1/2 inches by 1 inch.

Second-day Cancellations

Second-day cancellations are pictorial postmarks and follow the same guidelines as above. The word "station" or the abbreviation STA is required somewhere in the design, since it will be a temporary station.

Pictorial Postmark Announcement/Report

Suggested Informational Web sites

Astronomical League National, Kansas City, MO, www.astroleague.org/al/general/society.html

Antelope Valley, Astronomy Club Inc., Lancaster, CA, www.astro-tom.com

Clark Planetarium, Utah, www.clarkplanetarium.org *

International Planetarium Society, Greenville, NC, www.ips-planetarium.org

Southern Oregon Skywatchers, Medford, OR, www.orskywatchers.org

Richmond Astronomical Society, Richmond, VA, www.richastro.org *

Sky and Telescope Magazine, Cambridge, MA, www.skyandtelescope.com

*Possible Venues for Events

Suggested Participating Organizations and Contact Information

The information below is a listing of supporters of the Constellations commemorative postage stamps that are available to offer further information on constellations and astronomy.

Stamp Selection Process

Submit subject or design suggestions at least 3 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 Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) (i.e., stamped cards, 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 the 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 the subject is 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 CSAC, the Postal Service has the exclusive and final authority to determine both subject matter and designs for U.S. postage stamps and stationery.

Stamp Subject Selection Criteria

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

The Postal Service and the members of the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) have set criteria to determine the eligibility of subjects for commemoration on U.S. stamps and stationery. 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.

Following are the 12 major areas now guiding subject selection:

1. U.S. postage stamps and stationery primarily will feature American or American-related subjects.

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

3. Commemorative stamps or postal stationery items honoring individuals usually will be issued on, or in conjunction with, significant anniversaries of their birth, but no postal 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 postmark, 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 programs and the vast number of such locales, organizations, and institutions, 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 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. Semipostal stamps are designed to raise funds for causes determined to be appropriate and in the national public interest. Semipostal stamps are sold for a price above their postage value. The differential between the sales price and the postage value of semipostal stamps consists of an amount (less a deduction for the Postal Service's reasonable costs) to be given to other executive agencies to support specified causes.

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 200^th 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
1735 N LYNN ST STE 5013
ARLINGTON VA 22209-6432

The Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee

The 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 Service 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 CSAC 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 Postal Service.

The postmaster general 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 per year. 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.

Suggested Public Relations Timeline

If you have questions or need assistance with any of these items, please contact the Public Affairs and Communications representative serving your area.

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 Join in Celebration of the Constellations Commemorative Postage Stamps

[INSERT CITY] postmaster [NAME] invites everyone to [INSERT LOCATION] to participate in activities surrounding the Postal Service'sTM celebration of the 2005 Constellations commemorative postage stamps, on [INSERT DAY AND DATE] from [INSERT TIME] to [INSERT TIME].

On this day children and adults will learn more about constellations and astronomy. Activities include [DESCRIBE ACTIVITIES].

Come take a moment to celebrate the four Constellations commemorative postage stamps. It is an educational way to learn about astronomy and appreciate the world around us and what the sky has to offer.

# # #

Constellations Commemorative Stamps Dedication Speech

The following suggested speech may be used at local ceremonies and events to support and promote the Constellations commemorative stamps. Feel free to customize it to fit your local event and community.

Thank you and welcome.

[THIS MONTH/TODAY] we celebrate the hobby of astronomy and the celebration of the constellations that have inspired imaginations through the millennia.

But that's not the only hobby that inspires the imagination. Here in this country, millions of Americans of all ages are also passionate about collecting stamps. It continues to be a thriving hobby, with more and more people taking it up every year. Clearly, the sky's the limit for this exciting pastime.

That's why this year, the Postal Service'sTM theme for National Stamp Collecting Month is "Be a Stargazer: Let the Stars Guide you into Stamp Collecting!" This theme honors the four spectacular Constellations commemorative stamps we're presenting today.

And, during this special month, the U.S. Postal Service® likes to focus on all of our stamp collectors - those who have been collecting for years and those who are new to the hobby. Children in particular find stamp collecting a great way to learn about the world and its many wonders. That's because stamps open the door to an exciting world of history, science, geography, the arts, technology and sports. Stamps can introduce us to heads of state, peace-makers and soldiers who changed the course of history. And they can spotlight special plants and animals from the far side of the world or our own back yards.

Learning about our history and our forefathers through stamps can help us learn more about our nation and its ties to the rest of the world. Stamps can also take us back in time and help us relive important moments in the past - moments that we cherish. And, as exemplified by the Constellations commemorative stamps we are dedicating here today, stamps can enrich our knowledge of the sciences.

But perhaps one of the best things about stamp collecting is that it's an affordable hobby that lasts a lifetime. There is a story behind every single stamp - stories that can take us to exotic places or allow us to meet famous people.

But in many ways, it's the U.S. commemorative stamp program - your commemorative stamp program - that best connects the Postal Service with the American people.

For more than 200 years the Postal Service has been a shining example of a public service institution that the American people have come to rely on and trust.

Since the first commemorative stamp was issued more than 100 years ago, stamps have marked the historic milestones, the fundamental principles and the extraordinary achievements that have made our nation great.

This month, children of all ages will participate in National Stamp Collecting Month activities around the country. This year's National Stamp Collecting Month will be the 24th annual event since its inception in 1981.

I want to thank the out-of-town collectors for being here with us today. Many travel thousands of miles to participate in these celebrations. We thank you for your enthusiastic support of the stamp program. I'd also like to recognize our local friends and neighbors who may be considering starting this wonderful hobby. Stamp collecting can begin at any age. For the young or the young at heart, it's a hobby that delivers satisfaction for years to come.

Thanks to all of you for joining us here today.

# # #

[Sample news release to be issued a few weeks prior to event. 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.]

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

SAMPLE NEWS RELEASE
"Be A Stargazer: Let the Stars Guide You into Stamp Collecting!"
[Name] Post Office Star Crazy Over Constellation Stamps

[CITY, STATE] - During a special ceremony today, [NAME OF LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIAL] joined [POSTAL SERVICE OFFICIAL NAME AND TITLE] to dedicate the Constellations commemorative postage stamps to launch National Stamp Collecting Month activities for October.

The event introducing the four Constellations commemorative postage stamps took place today at the [NAME OF TOWN POST OFFICE OR OTHER LOCATION] as part of a nationwide first-day-of-issue ceremony.

[INSERT USPS QUOTE]

Starry patterns in the night sky adorn this block of four stamps. Each stamp features one of the following constellations as seen from the northern hemisphere: Leo, Lyra, Pegasus and Orion.

Leo is one of the oldest-known constellations, meaning "lion." Leo reigns over the southern sky in spring.

During the winter season, Orion, a mythological Greek hunter-hero, stands high. Orion includes several celestial objects well known to stargazers; the most recognizable are the close-together stars making up his belt and sword.

The small constellation of Lyra has a Latin name meaning a harp-like instrument. The group of stars that make Lyra can be seen high in the southeastern sky in summer. An ancient Greek myth says Lyra's stars are the lyre of Orpheus, who tried to free his wife from the realm of Hades by charming the god of the underworld with his music.

In the fall months, Pegasus, the magnificent winged horse from Greek mythology, flies upside-down in the heavens to the south. The body of this fabled horse is outlined by four stars in the shape of a great square, one of the most striking formations in the night sky.

Children between the ages of 8 and 12 have become the largest participating group in National Stamp Collecting Month.

Become a Stamp Collector, Simple as 1, 2, 3

1. Get some stamps! Every Post OfficeTM has new stamps. Most Post Offices will have some of the latest stamps issued. It's easy to order stamps from the Postal ServiceTM Web site at www.usps.com/shop, or call toll-free 800-STAMP-24 (800-782-6724). Other ways to get stamps include trading with friends, asking family members or neighbors for stamps from old letters or postcards, visiting a stamp dealer and checking stamp collecting sites on the Internet. Stamp shows also are a great way to obtain stamps. People from all over the country come to stamp shows to add to their collections.

2. Organize your collection. Stamp collections often communicate the unique personality of the collector. Some collectors choose stamps from all over the world or from just one country. Others pick specific topics like animals, sports, or history.

3. Protect and display your collection. Every collector has a special way of protecting stamps. For individual stamps or stamp panes, consider a stamp album or three-ring binder. Don't tape or glue stamps. Instead, slip them into specially designed plastic pages with pockets. If the album has paper pages, use stamp hinges or mounts.

Current U.S. stamps, as well as a free comprehensive catalog, are available by toll-free phone 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. Beautifully framed prints of original stamp art for delivery straight to the or office are available at www.postalartgallery.com.

Since 1775, the Postal Service has connected friends, families, neighbors and businesses by mail. An independent federal agency, the Postal Service makes deliveries to more than 142 million addresses 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 $69 billion, it is the world's leading provider of mail and delivery services, offering some of the most affordable postage rates in the world. Moreover, today's postage rates will remain stable until at least 2006. The Postal Service delivers more than 46 percent of the world's mail volume - some 206 billion letters, advertisements, periodicals and packages per year - and serves 7 million customers each day at its 37,000 retail locations nationwide.

# # #

SAMPLE MEDIA ALERT
[Insert Name of Post Office] to Launch National Stamp Collecting Month With Issue of Constellations Commemorative Postage Stamps

EVENT: The U.S. Postal Service® teams up with the [NAME OF GROUP OR ORGANIZATION] for National Stamp Collecting Month and the unveiling of the Constellations commemorative postage stamps. [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: Starry patterns in the night sky adorn this block of four stamps. Each stamp features one of the following constellations as seen from the northern hemisphere: Leo, Lyra, Pegasus and Orion.

CONTACT: [LIST AREA PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS REPRESENTATIVE OR POST- MASTER'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 [INSTERT TITLE AND NAME]:

I want to thank the citizens of [INSERT CITY NAME] for their enthusiasm and support in making yesterday's Constellations commemorative postage stamps celebration such a successful event for our community and for the U.S. Postal Service®.

Astronomy has played a vital role in the history of science around the world. The U.S. Postal Service continues its commitment to honoring the educational and cultural contributions of art and astronomy and strives to teach and bring people together through stamps. The Constellations commemorative postage stamps are a wonderful way to bring the thrill of astronomy and mythology to our children.

Our nation's stamp program has been developed through the participation of the American people. Their stamp ideas and suggestions are instrumental in helping the Postal ServiceTM honor some of the most significant people, places, and events that have influenced our nation.

Again, thanks to everyone in our community who participated in our Constellations commemorative postage stamps celebration. We hope everyone enjoyed the celebration and these stamps.

Sincerely,

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

Participation of Public Representatives

Constellations commemorative postage stamps-related activities during National Stamp Collecting Month are a perfect opportunity to involve local officials in an important and positive local event. These officials are likely to have a keen interest in the event, as it provides a chance to interact with people in a friendly, civic setting that attracts media coverage.

You are encouraged to reach out directly to your federal, state, and local representatives. Public Affairs representatives are available to assist you in coordinating involvement and would be pleased to help in any way. Please contact them for guidance.

This publicity kit contains simple guidelines, sample letters, a suggested invitation list, and the names and phone numbers of your Public Affairs and Community Relations contacts.

Before the Event

• Send a written invitation a few weeks before the event. The local postmaster should sign the invitations.

• Follow up the written invitation with a telephone call within a week if you have not received a reply. You may need to call more than once.

• Keep in touch. If asked, provide updated information as it becomes available (e.g., 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 Constellations commemorative stamps and the role that he/she plays in the celebration.

• Include names of all participants on the "official program" as honored guests, and also in all media advisories, if applicable.

• Provide a courtesy copy of the program to the officials in advance.

After the Event

• Send a written thank you letter to all who participated in the ceremony expressing your appreciation.

• Provide copies of any newspaper articles about the event. Even though participants 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 cacheted envelopes with the special cancellation, if applicable, to all representatives, even to those who could not attend. These make great giveaways and serve as a positive reminder of the event.

• Obtain and frame a photo of the representative 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 officials. Good relationships are built over time.

Sample Invitation

[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 OfficeTM invite you to be an honored guest at a special ceremony celebrating National Stamp Collecting Month [DATE] at [TIME]. During our ceremony, the United States Postal Service® will dedicate the Constellations commemorative postage stamps.

The Postal ServiceTM values its role as a community leader, and we believe that our stamp program gives you an opportunity to connect with customers in a very personal and informative way. During our ceremony, children and adults alike will have an opportunity to learn about the mythology and astronomy that is celebrated on these stamps.

At the stamp ceremony, you will be invited to say a few words about the Constellations commemorative postage stamps and any comments you may have about mythology/astronomy. We expect significant press coverage of the ceremony and a good-sized crowd, including families, schools, and civic organizations.

We hope you will join us for this special stamp dedication. Please confirm your participation by calling [NAME OF CONTACT] at [TELEPHONE NUMBER] as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

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

Sample Thank You Letter to Particpants/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 the dedication of the Constellations 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 ServiceTM are extremely proud of the role your organization has played as a community leader in helping us raise awareness of astronomy through the Constellations commemorative stamps.

Sincerely,

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

National Postal Service Facts

Learn more about it . . .

Universal Access. Universal Service.

We deliver to every household and business in the United States. Every American has access to our services and pays the same postage rate regardless of geographic location. We...

• Deliver mail to over 142 million s, businesses, and Post Office boxes in every state, city, and town in the country including Puerto Rico, Guam, the American Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.

• Add 1.8 million new addresses each year to our delivery network.

• Serve over 7 million customers daily at nearly 38,000 Post Offices.

• Deliver more than 206 billion pieces of mail a year.

• Collect mail from every delivery point we serve.

• Employ more than 700,000 career employees.

• Have the world's largest intranet to communicate with our employees.

• Do not receive tax dollars from the federal government for operating expenses. We use the revenue from sales of postage-related products to pay these expenses.

Quick, Easy, and Convenient

• Click-N-Ship® service lets customers print shipping labels - with or without postage - right from their or office computers for Priority Mail®, Express Mail®, Global Express Guaranteed®, and Global Express Mail® items.

• NetPost® Mailing Online lets mailers create newsletters and other correspondence and submit them, along with mailing lists, to usps.com. Electronic files are then printed, inserted into envelopes with postage, addressed, and taken to the nearest Post Office for mailing.

• With Carrier PickupTM Online Notification, customers can go to usps.com to request package pickup at no extra charge. The letter carriers make the requested pickups on their routes the next delivery day. We provide alternative access for our customers to purchase stamps at more than 27,500 vending machines; nearly 25,000 commercial retail outlets such as supermarkets and convenience, drug, and gift stores; nearly 19,000 banking and credit union automated teller machines; and 2,500 automated postal centers located across the country.

• The Postal Store at www.usps.com sells stamps, shipping supplies, etc.

Delivering Our Best

• On-time delivery of overnight-committed First-Class Mail® items is at a record 96 percent.

Satisfying Customers

• We delivered for our customers, and they noticed. Independently measured customer satisfaction scores show that 93 percent of residential customers rate their experience with the Postal Service as excellent, very good, or good.

For additional postal facts, visit the U.S. Postal Service Web site at www.usps.com/communications/organization/postalfacts.htm.

U.S. Postal Service Area Public Affairs and Communications Managers

EARL C ARTIS JR
MANAGER PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS
SOUTHEAST AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
225 N HUMPHREY BLVD
MEMPHIS TN 38166-0832
901-747-7544

DEBRA HAWKINS
MANAGER PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS
NORTHEAST AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
6 GRIFFIN RD N
WINDSOR CT 06006-9876
860-285-7265

DARLA STAFFORD
MANAGER PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS
SOUTHWEST AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
7800 N STEMMONS FREEWAY STE 450
DALLAS TX 75247-4220
214-819-8748

DEBORAH YACKLEY
MANAGER PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS
CAPITAL METRO US POSTAL SERVICE
16501 SHADY GROVE
GAITHERSBURG MD 20898-9998
301-548-1465

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

MONICA HAND
MANAGER PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS
NY METRO AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
EIGHTH AVE RM 5114
NEW YORK NY 10199-9681
212-330-3167

JIM MRUK
MANAGER PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS
GREAT LAKES AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
244 KNOLLWOOD DR 4TH FL
BLOOMINGDALE IL 60117-2208
630-539-6565

PAUL SMITH
MANAGER PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS
EASTERN AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 40593
PHILADELPHIA PA 19197-0593
215-931-5054

DON SMERALDI
MANAGER PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS
PACIFIC AREA US POSTAL SERVICE
7001 S CENTRAL AVE RM 364A
LOS ANGELES CA 90052-9641
323-586-1212

Government Relations Contacts

We can help! Your Government Relations representatives are here to serve you. We can assist you in contacting and inviting officials to participate in your event - please let us know.

Alphabetical State/Representative Listing

Area code and prefix for all extensions is 202-268-XXXX

— Community Relations, Public Affairs and Communications, 9-1-05