Responding to a letter by Society founder Aubrey Dunne published in Linn's Stamp News, seasoned worldwide collectors let it be known that they were tired of the "amateur" image given them as non-specialists. The foundations were laid in 1980 for what is now the International Society of Worldwide Stamp Collectors.

Contrary to popular opinion, our 1000+ members in more than 50 countries believe that worldwide stamp collecting is the most fun and challenging area of philately today. Whether you are a beginner, casual collector, topicalist or specialist, ISWSC membership will benefit you. Corresponding and trading with others of your collecting level and interests is just the start.

The ISWSC offers membership in a number of categories. In addition to our adult and specially discounted youth categories, we also feature family (up to 4 members residing at one address) and dealer memberships. Stamp clubs may also join as a group, or qualify as an ISWSC associate club if at least five members are currently enrolled in the ISWSC.

Our award-winning bimonthly newsletter, "The Circuit", is included with your membership. This attractive and informative journal is filled with stamp information, history, "how to" articles, special youth and beginners sections, hints, ideas and classified ads from members and dealers who cater to worldwide collectors. We invite you to share experiences and expertise with fellow ISWSC members. Your articles, opinions and commentaries are always welcomed!

This is a one-for-one exchange not concerned with catalog value. An assortment of 100 stamps is sent to the first of five people on a circuit list. That person takes out stamps he/she needs and replaces them with their own good quality duplicates. The packet is then mailed to the next person on the list. An application "fee" of 100 stamps (no USA) is required. After one year, and for each year thereafter, the fee is $2 (which may be sent in mint stamps of your country equal to US $2) and 100 stamps.

Members interested in buying or selling stamps for cash may use the ISWSC sales circuit. Buyers have an excellent opportunity to find great stamps at bargain prices! A seller places stamps in sales circuit books and prices them. They are then sent to other ISWSC members interested in buying the material. Sellers receive cash for the sold stamps, minus salesbook costs, a small commission, and return postage. (Available to US, Canadian and Australasian members).

The Omni Exchange allows members to exchange their unneeded duplicates for those from other members on a catalog value basis. A small commission is kept by the society (in unsold stamps) for those taken by others, offering you an affordable way to dispose of duplicates and fill blank spaces in your own album. (Available only in the US/Canada).

The Society sponsors periodic auctions for members wishing to buy and sell stamps. This popular activity is yet another option you have to purchase or sell philatelic items of all kinds. The low commission fee underwrites the auction staging and expenses. Auction lots donated by members help keep dues low and provide the society with extra funds to bring you the best in programs and services.

To view the latest auction lots, click here.

Every new member's name and address is printed in The Circuit (unless you tell us not to) to encourage correspondence and exchanges among all members. A current ISWSC roster listing names, addresses and collecting interests of members is updated bimonthly and is available for a small charge on paper or on computer disk.

Do you have stamps that you can't identify? We can help with an immediate answer or request help from our members through the "Whatzit" feature in our newsletter, "The Circuit."

While we are all worldwide collectors, many of us specialize as well. Several interest groups are being formed within the ISWSC, including Classics (1840-1940), Topicals, New Issues, etc. New groups are always starting up.

At times, you may wish to contact a collector in a country where ISWSC has no members. As a service, ISWSC maintains a list of over 3,500 collectors worldwide. You may request up to 3 names in any one country by sending an SASE or IRC with each request.

Translation of short letters and documents is available through our multilingual translation corp at no charge. Languages not covered by our volunteers are handled through the APS Translation Service.

Any stamp organization with five or more ISWSC members in good standing may apply to become an ISWSC associate club. Such status entitles the club to receive a complimentary issue of "The Circuit" for their library, obtain bulk shipments of ISWSC sales circuits for members to review and also participate in ISWSC auctions. This is offered free to qualified clubs.

The ISWSC is dedicated to encouraging youth stamp collecting around the world and we find donating stamps to youth stamp groups to be a very effective way of promoting our hobby. ISWSC members are required to make an annual contribution of 250 large stamps or its monetary equivalent to support this effort. Donations mailed to our US or seven regional secretaries are used within their own region to assist local programs.

15 C. Mentor Program

Stamp shows with a minimum of 5 youth exhibits and 50 pages on display may award an ISWSC Certificate of Merit to the young person whose exhibit makes outstanding use of worldwide stamps. Here are details.

Make sure you also check out our special offer of inexpensive hinges and free stamps for kids here. Beginners may also submit questions to the ISWSC Stamp Answer Man here.

For any of these youth and beginners services, E-mail Tom Fortunato, at: [email protected].

ISWSC members can earn a free year of membership (at surface rates for overseas members) for each five new members they recruit in a calendar year. Gift memberships also count, and are a great way to give a year-round gift to a collector friend or youth group.

Your additional in-kind support of the ISWSC will further our goals now and into the future. Please consider a donation of stamps, supplies or monetary support and send them to the Secretary-Treasurer with your enrollment dues and fees. The ISWSC is in the process of applying for 501(c)3 non-profit tax exempt status with the IRS. US residents may be able to receive a tax credit for any donated items.

By now, we hope you've decided to join the ISWSC. It's one of the best values around. Read the application carefully, and send the forms and dues to the Secretary/Treasurer or your nearest Regional Secretary, whose address can be found under the Officers section. Should you have any questions, please E-mail, write or phone the President. Consider sharing your talents and expertise with us. Volunteers like you are always needed, even if you can only spare an hour a week! Check out the bottom section of the application form for details.

Click here to go to the Membership Application.