The Ronald Reagan Stamp
recently approved by the CSAC. (2005 © USPS)
Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee
Learn more about it...
Copied from the USPS web site (emphasis
added)
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 postal
stationery.
Almost all subjects chosen to appear on U.S. stamps and postal stationery are
suggested by the public. Each year, Americans submit proposals to the Postal
Service on literally thousands of different topics. Every stamp suggestion is
considered, regardless of who makes it or how it is presented.
On behalf of the Postmaster General, the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC)
is tasked with evaluating 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
Postal Service's extensive line of regular stamps, approximately 25 new subjects
for commemorative stamps are recommended each year. Stamp selections are made
with all postal customers in mind, not just stamp collectors. A good mix of
subjects, both interesting and educational, is essential.
Committee members are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Postmaster
General. 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 Committee records and
responds to as many as 50,000 inquiries received annually recommending stamp
subjects and designs.
The Committee meets four times yearly in Washington, D.C.
At the meetings, the
members review all proposals that have been received since the previous meeting.
No in-person appeals by stamp proponents are permitted. The members also review
and provide guidance on artwork and designs for stamp subjects that are
scheduled to be issued. The criteria established by this independent group
ensure that stamp subjects have stood the test of time, are consistent with
public opinion and have broad national interest.
The Stamp Selection Process
Ideas for stamp subjects that meet the CSAC criteria may be addressed to the
Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee; Stamp Development; US Postal Service; 1735
North Lynn St Rm 5013; Arlington VA 22209-6432. Subjects should be submitted at
least three 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.
Stamp proposals are to be submitted in writing to the Citizens' Stamp Advisory
Committee. This allows everyone the same opportunity to suggest a new stamp
subject. All proposals are reviewed by the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee
regardless of how they are submitted, i.e., stamped cards, letters or petitions.
After a proposal is determined not to violate the criteria set by CSAC, research
is done on the proposed stamp subject. Each new proposed subject is listed on
the CSAC's agenda for its next meeting. The CSAC considers all new proposals and
takes one of two actions: it may reject the new proposal or it may set it aside
for consideration for future issuance. If set aside for consideration, the
subject remains "under consideration" in a file maintained for the Committee.
Proponents are not advised if a subject has been approved for issuance until 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. postal
stamps and postal stationery.
Artwork For Stamp Designs
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 nor accept unsolicited
artwork.
Professional artists who may wish to be considered for a design assignment
should request a copy of the "Creating U.S. Postage Stamps" brochure at the
following address:
Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee
Stamp Development
US Postal Service
1735 North Lynn St Rm 5013
Arlington VA 22209-6432
