# 2039 - 1983 20c Volunteerism

U.S. #2039
1983 20¢ Volunteerism

• Pays tribute to the millions of Americans who “lend a hand”
• Designed by Paul Calle
• Partly inspired by Ronald Reagan’s policies – Reagan participated in the First Day ceremony

Stamp Category:  Commemorative, Definitive, Express Mail, semi-postal, airmail
Value:  20¢, first-class rate
First Day of Issue:  April 20, 1983
First Day City:  Washington, DC
Quantity Issued:  120,430,000
Printed by:  Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method:  Engraved
Format:  Panes of 50 in sheets of 230
Perforations:  11
Color:  Red and black

Why the stamp was issued:  This stamp was issued to pay tribute to the millions of Americans who give of their money, time, and even possessions in order to help their fellow man.  Postmaster General William Bolger said that President Ronald Reagan had unknowingly inspired the stamp with ongoing encouragement of community volunteerism and charity.  As president, Ronald Reagan had instituted the annual President’s Volunteer Action Awards Program, to honor volunteers and bring public attention to their efforts. 

About the stamp design:  Long-time stamp artist Paul Calle created the artwork for this stamp.  His image depicts two hands, one reaching for help and the other reaching to provide it.  The image is meant to represent the “gift of self.”

First Day City:  The First Day ceremony for this stamp was held at the White House in Washington, DC.  This site was selected because the stamp’s theme fit well with President Reagan’s volunteer action policies.  Among the attendees to the small ceremony were stamp artist Paul Callee and organization leaders from Project Hope, National Health Agencies, International Service Agencies, and the United Way.  The brief 10-minute ceremony was capped off by remarks from President Reagan on some of the good deeds being done by everyday Americans.

Unusual fact about this stamp:  Error stamps have been found imperforate or underinked.

History the stamp represents:  Since the first settlers arrived in America, Americans have always been willing to lend a helping hand.  Colonists worked together to establish homes in the New World.  Benjamin Franklin created America’s first volunteer firehouse in 1736 (today over 70% of firefighters are volunteers).  During the Revolutionary War, American patriots volunteered to fight in the militia and raise money for the war effort. 

In the 1800s, charitable organizations gave those that wanted to help others plenty of options to do so.  Some of the most famous include the YMCA, the Red Cross, and the United Way.  In the 1900s, clubs such as the Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions arose, offering services to their communities.  During the Great Depression, nationwide volunteer groups arose on a large scale, such as Volunteers of America.  And during World War II, thousands of Americans again volunteered for military service as well as collecting money and supplies for the war effort. 

The spirit of volunteerism remains strong today, reaching a record high in 2018.  That year, 77.34 million adults (30.3%) volunteered with an organization.  In all, that amounted to 6.9 billion hours, worth $167 billion in economic value.  This doesn’t include the informal volunteering many others do, helping neighbors or doing other good works that may not be accounted for by a national organization.