Helping Younger Philatelists

One of the biggest tasks facing stamp collectors is perpetuating the hobby and keeping it fresh for future generations. Philately faces stiff competition with the Internet, video games, movies, and television, and the hobby has to find new ways to reach out to young people. The American Philatelic Society has recently initiated a new program to do just that. The Young Philatelic Leaders Fellowship seeks to give young collectors the opportunity to learn from experienced collectors, undertake philatelic research and gain exposure to the wider philatelic community via stamp exhibitions.

Those selected for the program will be divided into two groups. Junior Fellows (aged 13-17) will participate for a year, while Senior Fellows (aged 18-25) participate for two years. Fellows will pursue one of three tracks: dealer, presenter or author. They will be assigned an adult mentor as well as get the chance to visit the National Postal Museum in Washington, DC and the APS Headquarters in Bellafonte, PA. They will also attend the APS AmeriStamp Expo and two APS StampShows. Those doing research will be given the opportunity present their work to philatelic clubs and groups in their home area. All trips will have travel, accommodations and meals paid for the Fellow and a parent or guardian.

For those interested in applying or helping the YPLF with donations of time or money, further information can be found at the APS site.