APS CAC Newsletter Competition

The American Philatelic Society Chapter Activities Committee recognizes and applauds the efforts of those involved in chapter newsletter and show program production through two competitions. We hope to not only award current work, but also encourage and inspire improvements in future editions.

Both competitions are open to all current APS Chapters, whether an individual club or federation. There is no entry fee. Either the editor(s) of the respective work or the officers of the sponsoring APS Chapter involved may submit an entry form along with the required number of copies of the publication.

A panel of three knowledgeable judges independently score each entry. Their scores are then averaged to determine Bronze, Silver-Bronze, Silver, Vermeil and Gold awards for all entries. Decisions of the judges shall be final. Entrants will be sent a written critique with comments and advice for future works.

The deadline for entries for both competitions is January 31 and covers works issued in the prior year. All newsletters will be donated to the society at the conclusion of the competitions. Entries will be on display at the folowing APS Stampshow, scheduled in August. Award certificates will be mailed to entrants on or about that date.

CHAPTER NEWSLETTER CLASSES

Three (3) copies of the last three (3) issues of the entry year must accompany each entry form. There are several entry classes, based on newsletter type and chapter membership size:

CLASS I: Novice. Publications started on or after January 1 of the year entered.

CLASS II: Publications that are single-page (single or double-sided).
Division A: Club membership of 100 or less.
Division B: Club membership of over 100.

CLASS III: Publications that have multiple pages.
Division A: Club membership of 100 or less.
Division B: Club membership of over 100.

CLASS IV: Multiple-page publications from federations.

The Judge's Worksheet/Scoresheet is divided into two parts: Content Coverage and Production Quality. Content Coverage makes up 60% of the total score, relying on the materials selected and the skill and knowledge of the editor. Production Quality, reflecting 40% of the total score, deals with the overall layout and presentation of the content. Up to 10 extra bonus points may be awarded for exceptional range of topics covered.

CHAPTER SHOW PROGRAM CLASSES

Three (3) copies of the work must accompany each entry form. There are several entry classes:

CLASS I: Programs that are single-page (i.e., bi-fold, tri-fold, etc.) from shows solely sponsored by an APS Chapter.

CLASS II: Programs that have multiple pages from shows solely sponsored by an APS Chapter.

CLASS III: Multiple-page programs from shows cosponsored either by an APS Chapter, a state federation, a national or international show/bourse including those that combine stamps with other collectibles. NOTE: The program must be submitted for entry by an APS Chapter that was part-sponsor of the event.