Let's Put Postcrossing on a United Nations Postal Administration Stamp

Let's Put Postcrossing on a United Nations Postal Administration Stamp!

Imagine seeing a Postcrossing stamp in your mailbox celebrating people who connect across borders through postcards. We can ask the United Nations Postal Administration to make it happen.

The United Nations Postal Administration welcomes stamp suggestions. Join other Postcrossers by sending your own letter of support.

The Stamp Advisory Committee will meet in the Spring of 2027 to review stamp themes for 2028, so now is the time to make our voices heard.

 

What Is the United Nations Postal Administration?

The United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) issues postage stamps for the United Nations offices in New York, Geneva, and Vienna. It issues United Nations postage stamps that celebrate the UN’s work.

UN stamps are issued in three currencies for use at UN offices in New York, Geneva, and Vienna.

UNPA accepts ideas for future stamp subjects.

Learn more at:

https://unstamps.org/

 

What Is Postcrossing and Why Does It Matter?

Postcrossing is a worldwide postcard exchange project that connects people through mail. Postcrossing connects people across the world through postcards, regardless of country, age, gender, race, or beliefs. A simple postcard can build understanding.

Learn more at:

www.postcrossing.com

 

Why a Postcrossing Stamp?

• Builds friendships across countries.
• Encourages cultural understanding.
• Promotes peaceful connections between people.
• Celebrates handwritten communication.
• Inspires curiosity about other countries and cultures.
• Keeps international mail thriving.
• Demonstrates how a simple idea can build a worldwide community.

How to Write a Persuasive Letter

• Keep it to one page.
• Introduce yourself briefly.
• Explain what Postcrossing means to you.
• Focus on its global impact and worldwide interest.
• Mention how it aligns with the UN's mission, such as international friendships or peacebuilding.
• Thank the committee for considering your suggestion.

Ideas to Include in Your Letter

• More than 88 million postcards were exchanged.
• Participants of every age and culture.
• Every postcard is a small act of goodwill.
• Handwritten mail still matters.
• Postcrossing creates friendships around the world.

Mail Your Letter

United Nations Postal Administration

Stamp Advisory Committee

P.O. Box 5900

Grand Central Station

New York, NY 10163-5900

United States of America

 

 

One letter probably won't create a Postcrossing stamp. Hundreds of letters might get someone's attention. Let's show the United Nations Postal Administration that the Postcrossing community is ready to put friendship, cultural exchange, and postcards on a stamp.

If you want to share this information at Postcrossing meetups or other events, I have created a zine that you can print and fold as a handout.

Long Live Pluto!

One thing I love about Postcrossing is never knowing how someone will answer a question.

On my Postcrossing profile, I include a few questions for people who want a prompt for what to write on their postcards. One of my questions is: Should Pluto be a planet?

The responses have been all over the universe.

Many Postcrossers who grew up learning that Pluto was a planet think it should keep its planetary status. I understand the feeling. I spent my childhood memorizing the planets, Pluto was always there at the end of the list. It is hard to accept that the rules have changed.

Occasionally, though, someone comes up with a creative response. I've had people send me postcards featuring Pluto the Disney dog. And then there are responses like this one.

This postcard was mailed from Germany, and the sender painted it. It features Jupiter and Pluto orbiting together against a beautiful purple-and-blue space background.

I love the way Jupiter is smiling at Pluto, almost as if he's welcoming a younger member of the planetary family. And look at Pluto, he's wearing a crown!

I think that little crown says quite a lot about how the artist feels about Pluto's planetary status.

So, how do you think the sender answered my question?

Should Pluto be a planet?

I'll let the artwork speak for itself.

This is one of my favorite things about Postcrossing: you can ask a simple question and end up receiving someone's original artwork from Germany. You never know what surprise you will find when you open your mailbox.

Wish You Were Here! A Beachy Postcard from Historic New Castle

I have yet to make it to the beach this summer, so this postcard from my recent Postcrossing meetup in Historic New Castle, Delaware, was a reminder of summer.

I usually visit Ocean City, Maryland, but I also enjoy exploring the adjacent Delaware beaches. I love walking along the beach at sunrise, watching wildlife wake up as the sun rises. I have never found a message in a bottle, but that is always the dream!

I went back to Historic New Castle, Delaware, for another Postcrossing meetup at the library. I really wish more libraries hosted postcard clubs. It is wonderful to gather around a table with others who enjoy postcards, sharing cards, talking, and writing a few to send out into the world.

I loved this colorful beach scene postcard. At first glance, it looks like a classic day at the beach, but the longer you look, the more fun details you discover.

There is a sandcastle with a mailbox, an appropriate feature for a Postcrossing meetup postcard! A happy little crab is delivering the mail, while a purple octopus sails by in what looks like a tiny boat. There is even a little fin sticking out of the water.

The message on the postcard says, “Wish you were here!” This reminds me that I need to take a long weekend at the beach.

Of course, if you're visiting the Maryland or Delaware beaches, you'll see plenty of seagulls. They may look cute, but don't let them fool you. They are expert snack hunters! Protect your food if you don't want to become part of their lunch plans.

This was another fun meetup in Historic New Castle, and I'm always happy when a postcard gathering gives me an excuse to explore a new place. New Castle has a wonderful historic district, small museums, and other attractions to explore, so it's easy to combine a Postcrossing meetup with a little sightseeing.

And, of course, I left with postcards!

The artwork on this beach postcard is by Rosa C. Lopez, who creates colorful, whimsical designs perfect for Postcrossers. You can find more of her work in her Etsy shop.

Artist: Rosa C. Lopez

Etsy: rosaclopez.etsy.com