CCCC Main Screen
The CCCC is the world's largest philatelic exchange organization with more
than 25,000 active members in over 100 countries. Founded in 1947, shortly
after World War II, its purpose was to assist
stamp and cover
collectors find contacts
and promote international friendships. These goals continue into today.
Contacts are made through use of an official circuit form. CCCC members from the USA and
Canada are known in the club as OMs (originating members). Overseas members are CMs
(circuit members). The OM's role is to create the path a circuit is to take, mailing a
minimum of 10 circuits per month to CMs whose names and addresses appear in regularly
updated membership lists. These are supplied every few weeks from the Managing Director.
The OM mails the form to the first CM's address on each circuit.
Each circuit passes from member to member. A CM's responsibility is to forward the circuit
form to the next member's address, until it finally returns back to the OM. Everyone along
the way is encouraged to create an interesting cover (i.e. the envelope in which a circuit
is mailed) by using colorful stamps, obtaining special postmarks, etc. Members also take the
opportunity to make exchange offers to one another, as most are anxious to exchange various
philatelic items. Updated newsletters with "CCCC adlets" are often attached to
circuits as well, allowing members the opportunity to place their wants before the membership
around the world.
OMs must be at least 21 years old and agree to originate at least 100 circuits per year using
official circuit forms. Lifetime membership is US $10, which includes a starter pack of
blank circuits, the latest 2 membership lists, application blanks, change of address forms and
full instructions. Additional circuit forms and supplies may be purchased as needed. OMs are
also requested to send self-addressed stamped envelopes to the Managing Director for use in
mailing out new membership lists. Only US or Canadian residents may be OMs when they join the club, however
after one year of membership, any CM may convert to OM status with the approval of the Managing Director.
CMs must be at least 18 years old and agree to remail all circuits they receive to the next
member listed in a timely manner. Lifetime dues for a CM is US $5.00. CMs may request
to receive circuits from specific countries by filling out a "Form 10" supplied by
OMs and the Managing Director. CMs have the opportunity to convert to OM status after one year
as serving as a CM, if interested. Canadians may also opt to become a CM rather than an OM,
paying at the CM rate. Canadians may sign up as either an OM or CM upon joining.
Managing Director 8 & Membership Director
Renate Thompson, 241 Beachers Brook Lane, Cary, NC 27511 USA
Director of Quality Control
Dmytro Bykovetz, P.O. Box 29767, Elkins Park, PA 19027 USA
Publicity Director
Tom Fortunato, 42 Maynard Street, Rochester, NY 14615-2022 USA
Former Managing Directors
Managing Director 6
Allan Bagnall, RD 1 - Box 1025, New Freedom, PA 17349 USA
Managing Director 7
Thom Eggleston-Youssoupoff, 10102 Oakleaf Avenue, Tampa, FL 33612 USA