Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee

The United States Postal Service's Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) evaluates potential subjects for U.S. postage stamps and reports its recommendations to the Postmaster General, who makes the final decision.

Each year, the Postal Service receives thousands of letters and petitions from the American public proposing stamp subjects. Established in 1957, the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) reviews all of the proposals and selects stamp subjects that will be of enduring interest to large segments of the American population. The Postal Service relies on CSAC to produce a balanced stamp program of approximately 25 – 30 stamp subjects each year. The annual stamp program is designed to reflect many different aspects of American culture and includes stamps honoring individuals, history, culture, sports, and science and technology. The vast majority of proposals submitted, suggesting many meritorious and meaningful subjects, do not result in U.S. postage stamps.

One of CSAC’s most important functions is to ensure that every subject proposal is given the same level of consideration. CSAC treats every proposal the same way, regardless of any professional lobbying efforts, letter-writing campaigns, petitions, and/or appeals to influential politicians.

CSAC is composed of ten to fifteen members who are appointed by the Postmaster General. Members are chosen because of their expertise in education, art, design, history, and literature.

The committee meets quarterly to consider subject proposals. Every submission received since the previous meeting is reviewed and considered based on the guidelines and criteria established for stamp subjects (see below). The selected subjects are researched and presented at the next meeting. CSAC’s non-binding recommendations are forwarded to the Postmaster General for approval.

Once subjects are finalized, CSAC reviews proposed artwork and designs. Given the lengthy review and design process, the public is advised to submit ideas at least three years before the anticipated date of issue.

Henry Lewis Gates, Jr.

Benjamin F. Bailar, who had served as the United States Postmaster General from February 16, 1975 to March 15, 1978, was appointed to the committee in December 2006. In July 2014, Bailar resigned from the committee in protest over the increasingly commercial choices for stamp designs and suggested that the committee might no longer be necessary.

The U.S. Postal Service and the members of the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) use the following criteria to determine the eligibility of subjects for commemoration on all U.S. stamps and stationery.

1. As a general policy, U.S. postage stamps and stationery primarily will feature American or American-related subjects. Other subjects can be considered if they have had a significant impact on American history or culture.

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