As your packages—from medications to impulse buys of sweatpants—pile up, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is in danger as it fights the wave of misinformation that our president is spreading in a thinly-veiled effort to suppress mail-in-voting.
Founded in 1775, the USPS has played a key role in defining American society through ensuring that we have access to information as well as a right to privacy. Beyond strengthening democracy, the USPS is the country’s most affordable mailing service, which, unlike privatized shipping, delivers to rural areas and is more financially accessible for small business owners. Lastly, the USPS ultimately empowers marginalized communities by delivering census forms to ensure representation and by offering union-supported jobs to people of color who make up 40% of their employees.
Despite dire circumstances during the pandemic, including intense work hours and increased healthcare costs, the USPS and its courageous essential workers continue to fulfill the social mission to connect our nation. Thankfully, there’s been overwhelming support; but if you haven’t gotten involved yet, there are still ways to come together to save an institution that represents America at its best. ¡Pilas!
Here’s how you can support the 245-year-old institution:
Buy wonderfully quirky USPS products
The odds that we’ll be able to go out and celebrate Halloween are so dismally low that you might as well buy your dog this absurd costume to celebrate at home. If you don’t have a pup or your dog hates wearing costumes, you can find t-shirts, puzzles, posters, and more that are as cute as the mini USPS trucks that deliver your mail.
Sign petitions & call your reps
This is the best option for standing in solidarity with the USPS if you’re low on funds. Check out this petition that’s only ~300,000 signatures away from its goal and/or text USPS to 50409 to sign and figure out which of your representatives you should contact.
Buy stamps and send packages through the USPS
You can use these stamps to write letters to representatives and call for justice for Elijah McClain and Breonna Taylor. If you’re shipping a package, whether you’re a small business owner or sending a gift due to your amor de lejos, all the proceeds will go to the beloved USPS.
Become a pen pal!
This idea comes from artist Megan Badilla’s adorable and informative series on why we should all love the USPS. Plus, if you gain a new pen pal or two, you may get fewer “Feliz Viernes” WhatsApps.
Vote by mail (if you can)
All postage proceeds from voting by mail will go to the USPS. To confirm your voter registration status and learn more about voting by mail, take a look at our article.
Stay informed
If you didn’t know how the USPS was funded until now, you are not alone; but, by staying informed, we can protect other core public institutions. As Bernie Sanders aptly pointed out, this push to privatize the USPS is nothing new.