How To Recruit Young People?

I concur with centerstage, there are certain segments of the hobby which are considered 'higher' level then simple stamp collecting (i.e. exhibiting, postal history, etc.). No one should care how or what another person collects.

I would also say that the high cost of entry is also an issue. Telling a person, "you need to buy $800 worth of catalogs, $200 worth of mounts, and another $500 for some albums" is certainly going to give many folks pause. And telling a young person to 'go to the library' does not fly in this day and age. Philatelic publishers need to offer reference works in digital format, not just because it is easier, cheaper, and much more efficient medium but because it makes the hobby look like it is not stuck in 1960. I also think the hobby needs to figure out how to detach itself from its heavy dependency on catalogs. There is more to the hobby than value, there is more to the hobby than organizing your collection by the way a publisher presents the material. Of course, there will always be a need for catalogs (just like there will always be some demand for printed references) but it should not be a shock that the hobby can be enjoyed without one.
Don

centerstage98: Well said. I have felt that too and at times I have had to remind myself as well. I recall starting out at age 11 and I was afraid to ask questions of this grumpy old dealer that seemed at that time to be about a 1000 years old. It was the only shop around. But after several purchases, and regular visits to his shop, I got to know him he was actually a great resource and good guy. Now I'm grumpy and about 1000 years old.

I was recently reminded that same things of humor and the need to clarify when a joke is being made. Not everyone will "get it" as such and take things seriously.

As for "serious" although some may and do, I don't attribute that to a big budget but to a unending thirst for knowledge and willingness to research and find the answers or form an educated opinion. Often this doesn't cost anything but time. As I see it, that's also the difference between a philatelist and a collector. Not superior/inferior, just different desires and goals.

The younger and inexperienced need to understand that opinions are just that and it's our job to make sure they do.

Take a look over at Postcrossing if you want to see younger people world wide engaging with stamps. There's an active swap forum over there where I've had some success passing along my U.S. duplicates.

From my limited observation, younger folk aren't always collecting in the same way you or I might collect, but they are interested.

postcrossing.com

I know some people have this thing about public libraries but starting out, if you want free access to and be able to check out that $800+ worth of catalogs, and philatelic books currently or still in print you're not going to find them on the web without paying.

It is true that there is plenty of free information out there in cyberspace but don't forget about the physical ones available. If it's up to date Scott values that they want to see, or a particular book, and happen to be on a limited or non-existent budget than a quick trip across town and a simple flip through or checking out a catalog/book is perfectly viable and with respect, does "fly".

Also, it may seem like a foreign concept to many of us but keep in mind that there are still people out there with limited or metered internet access.

I had to smile at the comment about organizing stamps the way they are presented in a given catalog. I started out that way too, most probably do but disagreement/disappointments with "canned organization" is what pushed me into making my own albums. Since then I have removed one of the my most irritating obstacles.

I also agree that there is more to the hobby than $$$ but throughout your hobbies life it's important to know the value of things and understand when it's a good deal or not. You can't always get that simply watching worth-point or sold listings on ebay. Until someone starts a free online catalog with current values and trending overpriced digital and printed catalogs are going to remain. Unfortunately when someone does, Scott's will cause grief over their numbering system. (which in my opinion isn't the best but it is arguably the de facto industry standard.) Values and their numbering system are still guarded by companies like Scott/Amos.

Over-all... I do agree on the cost being a barrier. It can be off-putting and quickly kill interest. I started out with hand me down albums, stamps and supplies from my Father and a brother-in-law and the help of H.E. Harris Approvals. From my experience, the average 11 year old has a very limited budget and for that matter usually a limited attention span. I think this is also one of the many reasons why many start out young, go dormant and then come back in their mid-years.

I've been generous with the kids I've introduced to stamp collecting and if you can, help like my father and brother-in-law gave me can go a long way. Just don't be disappointed when/if they go dormant, if the seed planted deep enough and continue to talk about your collection, maybe they'll be back. It's not really up to "a club should do this" or "the industry should just resign itself to socialism, give up and make everything free" (that was sarcastic humor by the way) or that "someone" should do ___ 'fill in the blank'. Well I hate to break it to you but we're the "someone" it's up to us to do that "something".

I know many of you do get it. This website and others are a good example of that too. We need to try, if we fail, than we fail, if we succeed great. I've manage to pass this stamp collecting affliction on to at least three kids over the past several decades, by making the information, some stamps, some supplies and my time available to them. Not everyone of the kids took an interest but three have. Most were "connected" to stamps through an interesting subject, place or something else they could relate to. Difficult as it may be we need to find that "relate to" and feed the interest they may find without pushing.

Incidentally, one of my early initiates fell dormant for a time and I continued to give them stamps in their area of interest every few years. When they reminded me that they had not been collecting, I'd say, "well, put them with the others and maybe someday you're kids will be interested". In passing I'd also mention a new purchase I made or something like that in conversation. This one came back to the hobby. Not all will.

Well, that's my long winded two-cents for what it's worth.

Take a look over at Postcrossing if you want to see younger people world wide engaging with stamps. There's an active swap forum over there where I've had some success passing along my U.S. duplicates.

From my limited observation, younger folk aren't always collecting in the same way you or I might collect, but they are interested.

postcrossing.com

I think you are right jconey.
If everyone makes 1 or more kids interested in collecting stamps, the playful way, its a good chance they find back in theire 40s or 50s, and we will preserve this fine hobby. And we have to understand and let people have it as just a hobby, without beeing to fine for them..

Postcrossing looks cool, I will try to promote that one.

I have invested at least 500 man hours in recent years towards trying to attract kids to the hobby and I failed.

Has anyone here successfully found a way to attract kids to the hobby? If so, please explain the time/money you invested, how you measured the success of your efforts, and how we can check out your work.
Don

Edit: FYI, this topic has been cover many times in this community. Try typing 'getting kids into the hobby' in the search feature to read more.

The good news is that I do think that most collectors and clubs would happily help and guide youngsters who express an interest. And many shows still include a youth area where they can get goodies and information, or at least youth officer that will help.

I hope it's still a viable hobby option for those parents and guardians who are looking to mix and "educational" pastime along with a musical, service and athletic.

Don, Can't tell you why or what... there are many times I have felt like I'm swimming up stream in whitewater. I explained my limited success above but for me it's been a one-on-one thing with kids I have been around for extended periods even then they don't think of it like I do. All three I managed to make a connection with them and stamps. I have had zero luck otherwise.

All I can suggest is start with kids you're close to and find that connection. My daughter with her interest sparked by countries of our distant ancestry, my co-worker's son who started collecting stamps from countries his father was stationed in or my son who for unknown reason likes stamps with industrial subjects. At this point, I don't think there is a universal approach with younger generations.

I also have to acknowledge that my percentage of "success" is pretty low. But that doesn't stop me from trying.

How do I measure it? Well, two are my kids, now grown and the one that isn't still keeps in touch via occasional email from about 800 miles away. I wouldn't say any are philatelist that make study of the subject areas. All three I'd consider collectors. One is a fairly regular collector and the other two more occasional collectors. None are frequent stamp show attendees, unless I drag them along nor do they belong to any societies. They seem content with just simple collecting. I don't push and hope their interests continue and grow. All are late-20's early-mid 30s now.

For cost, I have no idea. Over the past 30-40 years I have given stamps, odd album pages, binders and other supplies to many kids. I haven't kept track of it or all of the kids so I have no metrics to offer for a measure of influence, I might hope I've had some. I never thought of it as an investment I have to get 'X' ROI on.

I saw some time ago a documentary of a teacher who uses stamps to support her lessons. She teaches in China k- 6 and if there is a group to use stamps to support the teaching of a wide variety of subjects it is young kids. A great current stamp to support lessons in astronomy - the Sun Science stamps. They are pretty and engaging. Easily can be used to illustrate certain astronomical aspects of the Sun. Another great one is the Transcontinental railroad issue of 2019. Gorgeous stamps and tons of history behind it.

I think stamp clubs would provide a wonderful service and spread the seeds of future collectors by coming into classrooms and sharing those stamps that support a teacher's subject. Even revenue stamps would be fascinating - to think that you paid a bill or specific tax with stamps! Or for mathematics the transportation coil series would be a great way to help kids with mastering addition and subtraction of decimals. And they will think it rather cool to see a stamp valued at 20.5 cents!

There are opportunities and I recommend one you tube stamp channel in particular to turn on teenagers and young adults _ Exploring Stamps. Very good stuff - here is one example - outube]


For those already starting into stamp collection Ted talks Stamps is excellent and quite sanguine. One of my favorite episodes is this honest one from Ted - s

And for a bare bones but informative channel on mostly modern issues from a rather new collection - check Looking At Stamps.

Fun stuff out there. I think the only fault with the stamp and coin communities is the over-emphasis on what is valuable and inflating expectations unrealistically. You have to be honest and let even those starting that the majority of stamps (and coins) you will enjoy and collect will be fairly common and at most garner a very modest premium in the future.

I've given out packets of stamps to the kids for Halloween instead of candy (well, they also get a piece or two of candy) have had a number come back the next year(s) for more stamps. Trick or treat has died out in the neighborhood, now it is more trunk or treat at the mall or churches will have a group party.

The whole issue of $$$ is a double-edged sword IMHO. Everybody including children likes $$$. I think the reason sports card and coins are more popular--even among children--is because they are perceived to be better investments. With sports cards (not sure about coins), there is actually a real chance you can purchase a card on a child's budget--either getting lucky with a pack, or buying a rookie who becomes a superstar--which appreciates over time to real money. The proverbial, you can pay for college with your baseball cards. In stamps, there is zero chance of this happening. All of the valuable stamps are already discovered. However, I think the general public doesn't really understand this, and they think there might be valuable stamps in their grandma's old stamp album. Headlines about stamps selling for millions of dollars get people excited about stamps, and surely has served as a spark for lots of people to keep and investigate inherited collections which would have otherwise been trashed. There is romance of a treasure hunt associated with going through old albums looking for something valuable, and learning about philately--perforations, watermarks, grills. A small percentage of those will, while researching them, realize they love stamps.

I'm 55 and have been collecting for nearly a half-century, and I still do that. I do own catalogs for certain specialized areas, but my worldwide Scott is an antiquated library discard, so if I need info about more recent issues or current values, it's a trip to the public library for me. I have a number of things to look up when free access to the reference section returns.

One inhibitor to stamps may be that that they are far more fragile than many other collectibles. Storing coins or cards are much simpler and often cheaper.

Given the massive quantity of common material, a stamp club could likely give away thousands of stamps to each new member.