The Candidates (1)
- Vivian L. Beetle
I initially joined Democrats Abroad a few years ago when I accessed their Voter Registration guidance. Shortly after, I started volunteering at Expat Expos in Basel. Then in the spring of 2016, I became an active Voter Registration worker as Basel achieved record levels of registrants. Since the election, I have continued to work within the core coordinating group for DACH in Basel where I have assumed treasurer responsibilities to date.
Given the evolving political climate, I am motivated to help lead the regional work of DACH as it informs, enrolls, engages, and mobilizes Democrats in the Basel area to do their part in restoring democratic values, principles and leadership in the USA. This offers one answer to the question of what can I do in these turbulent and troubling times despite being out of the country. Through the chapter’s work, I would aim to help others to find their answers as well.
I am eager to work within a collaborative leadership group where we each have areas of primary responsibility but also work together to address opportunities and issues to improve society today and the world we pass on to future generations.
Professional and Personal Background
Eleven years ago I relocated from New Jersey to Switzerland for my work with Hoffmann-La Roche from which I retired in 2013. During a thirty-plus year career at Roche, I developed a broad expertise in corporate engagement with particular skills in community collaboration, business strategic alignment, employee volunteerism, program development and budget oversight. Before joining Roche, I worked with the YWCA in Paterson, New Jersey, where I was involved in every aspect of their urban-based program and administration with a focus on women’s leadership development.
Throughout my adult life I have been involved in civic and non-profit organizations in advisory, governance and operational roles. My non-profit board experience has been varied, including such groups as Funders Concerned About AIDS, The Partnership for New Jersey, Diamond Terrace Condominium Association, and the Roche Employee and Action Trust. More recently I have continued volunteering as an English Conversation Group Leader for adult non-mother language speakers (Centrepoint, Basel), Project Leader of Swiss Exposure for Global Interns (World YWCA, Geneva) and project consultant to UNICEF Switzerland.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Douglass College of Rutgers University and a Masters in Business Administration from Rutgers Graduate School of Management.
Candidacy for Treasurer
My personal and professional background will inform my service as Treasurer for the Basel Chapter. Recognizing the responsibility that comes with stewardship of collective funds, I respect the importance of fiscal management for an organization, regardless of scale and scope. I would readily coordinate with the Treasurer of the National Executive Committee to align relevant procedures, processes and practices. Further I will gladly serve as part of the chapter leadership team to help govern while working to engage and support volunteers and to maximize the Democratic vote.