USPS has released updated guidance for promoting semipostal stamps, along with information for employees who want to purchase special T-shirts.
The organization offers four semipostal stamps, which raise money for specific causes, and sets aside four months each year to promote them:
• September for the Alzheimer’s stamp;
• October for the Breast Cancer Research stamp;
• November for the Save Vanishing Species stamp; and
• December for the Healing PTSD stamp.
Postal Service facility leaders and employees can promote semipostal stamps during those months but must follow these rules:
• Raffles and drawings are allowed if everyone can enter for free without having to buy a postal product, the prizes have been donated voluntarily by employees or paid for with authorized postal funds, and the promotions are held for each semipostal stamp.
• Decorations can’t use stamp images, including images of the semipostal stamps being promoted.
• The phrases “Fund the fight. Find a cure,” “#PostalProud” and “Postal Proud” can be used on decorations for Breast Cancer Research stamp activities, as can the Postal Service pink ribbon image, which is available from the USPS ethics team.
• When communicating with the public and news media, employees may only use articles, press releases and marketing materials that have been approved and provided by Corporate Communications, Stamp Services and Marketing.
• Outside organizations can’t distribute materials related to the semipostal stamp’s cause or hold awareness or charitable activities in Post Office lobbies or on postal property.
• USPS employees may not solicit or accept donations from customers.
To promote the stamps, employees can order special T-shirts, at their own expense, from Tee Luv, a provider of USPS-licensed apparel. Orders can be placed through Friday, Aug. 15, using the password USPS2025.
Uniformed employees can wear the Postal Service’s licensed semipostal stamp T-shirts during promotional activities, with the head of the facility’s approval, on one business day each week.
Other employees may wear the T-shirts during work hours, if permitted by the head of the facility. The T-shirts worn should correspond to the semipostal stamp that is being promoted.
Employees with questions about semipostal stamp promotional activities should email the USPS Ethics Office.
