Philately is both enjoyable and an important way to conserve and learn about history, popular culture, and all kinds of other things.
As the years go by, there are fewer and fewer local stamp shops and less people have a point of entry for this hobby. Many of us were introduced to it by a family member, but there are many other ways we can help spread this hobby to new people.
Nothing is better than actually handling stamps – There are a number of ways to get stamps directly into people’s hands so that they can look at them in a whole new way. Try one of these ideas!
a. Give your extra stamps (or you can get free ones for this very purpose from organizations such as the APS) to school teachers to give out as rewards, to kids, to your friends.
b. Make sure to save all stamps you get on mail as well as all duplicates and unwanted stamps and donate them to the APS to be given away
c. Use interesting stamps on the mail you send
d. Give stamps as gifts. Find out your friend's interests (or professions) and get some stamps or covers that apply. You can even pick up a cheap picture frame and make up a frame that contains these stamps or covers and give it as a gift.
e. Offer people a bowl of stamps that they can choose from when you talk to them about stamp collecting, it’s a great way to offer a friend a start to their very own collection!
a. Give a short talk to your local Rotary Club or other organization about your stamps or stamp collecting, these clubs are almost always looking for speakers
b. Call your local elementary or middle school. Give a talk to the kids about stamp collecting. Again, the APS and your local stamp club can probably help with topics, what to say and help you with stamps to pass out.
If you have interesting local or topical subject matter, write up a couple of exhibit pages for non-collectors and contact your local post offices, libraries or schools and offer to display them. One gentleman I know even prepares topical pages to display at his local movie theatre!
If you have other hobbies or interests, write a letter or article for their journals or newsletters that talk about stamps that have to do with that subject. If there is a new issue from anywhere in the world that involves that subject matter, write a letter letting the members know of its existence. If you start to think creatively, there are many ways to let non-collectors know that there are stamps that apply to their interests.
Post images and other comments about stamps you own, new covers you buy, items you see in the philatelic press, or items in auction catalogs you think are cool on your social media pages. You can also use images of stamps when you talk about current events on social media, for instance, when Michael Jackson died, I posted images of Michael Jackson stamps; for the Royal Wedding, I posted images of previous Royal Weddings; stamps often reflect popular culture – so find some ways to connect the two!
The links on the Contacts and Links page will take you to some of the different groups. (The American Philatelic Society link will allow you to find local groups and specialist societies). Join these organizations, not only are there great member benefits but you are helping the hobby by joining them!
See the donate page for a few of the many great organizations that would truly appreciate a donation, large or small. If you are unable to donate your money, consider donating your time and volunteer for one of these organizations.
There are stamp shows all over the world. Next time there is a local show, offer to take some non-collector friends and walk them around, explain the exhibits, and share your passion for our hobby.
This is our hobby and we love it, there are so many ways to share that love with the world. Get creative with it!