#savetheusps campaign | AUgust 2020
the background
The USPS is not only necessary for the survival of small businesses (especially stores relying on online sales during the pandemic), but is also extremely vital for people who depend on USPS for medication, social security checks, and other essentials. Having a small business of my own, I cannot imagine a reality where my shop could run smoothly without it. Recent events had shed more light and brought even more urgency to the dire situation at hand, which I hoped to educate, spread awareness, and take direct action on this issue by creating this #SaveTheUSPS campaign.
the campaign
Prior to diving into the logistics of this specific campaign, I highlighted some bigger picture “call-to-action” items to call attention to and spread awareness about.
“bigger picture” Call to action
So what are some things we can do to help?
Make sure you’re registered to vote! If you plan on mail-in voting, request a ballot ASAP & mail it in early (if your state allows) to not overwhelm the postal system when deadlines come around. Regardless of what your opinions are, make sure your voice is accounted for in this election. I’ve added a link in my bio that’s helpful for when/how to vote for each of the 50 states! Check it out to see important information and deadlines for voting in your state.
Support USPS by purchasing stamps and merchandise on store.usps.com
Write to your local representatives about your opinions & concerns about this matter! Physical letters/postcards & phone calls are generally more effective than emails that might get filed in spam.
the campaign purpose
For the #SaveTheUSPS Campaign, I pledged to send everyone who participated one of the stickers I designed for the campaign
The purpose of this campaign was to:
Collectively contribute a bit to USPS via stamps (albeit minuscule, I’d like to think any bit helps!)
Increase awareness on registering to vote & requesting absentee ballots ASAP (if applicable)
Spread positivity and brighten our local postal carriers’ days by writing encouraging messages on the envelope!
the logistics
How to participate in the campaign
Purchase a book of stamps! They’re only $11 and can be ordered online if you can’t make a trip to the post office.
Send me a letter! (see pics for PO Box #) You can write whatever you want - what’s new in life, random ramblings, or nothing at all! All I need is your return address so I can send one back.
Write “Thank you, USPS workers! We need you! #SaveTheUSPS” (or your own encouraging message!) somewhere on the front of the envelope so our local postal carriers can see it!
the progress
This campaign is still ongoing, but since its launch in late August, all the participants and I have collectively sent out and received dozens of letters - meaning we’ve used dozens of stamps as well! I’ve had people from all over the country (and even some from outside the U.S.) reach out to show their support, participate, and share this campaign with their family and friends.
This campaign was not only a way to spread awareness about and take direction action on the issue, but also became a way for us to stay connected with one another during these times of social distancing. Many people wrote about how this campaign was one of the first opportunities they’ve had in a long time to send snail mail and that it reignited some feelings of nostalgia from their childhood days of writing to pen pals. I shared the exact same sentiment.
