Welcome to the October Newsletter and apologies that this is a week late getting to you.  Straight into it -

POTUS visit to Australia

You'll know by now that the President will be in Australia in the middle of next month.  He'll be in Canberra speaking to a joint sitting of the Australian Parliament and in Darwin visiting military facilities.  Sadly there are no scheduled public events.  If that should change you'll be the first to know.

 http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/obama-to-address-federal-parliament-20111013-1lmgv.html

DA Global Conference this month in DC

This week the global leaders of Democrats Abroad will be meeting in Washington DC.  There will not be a representative from DA Australia physically present but I will be representing our Country Committee by video link during the "business meeting" part of the 5 day conference and look forward to reporting back. The conference includes the following (detailed Agenda attached below):  

DC Door Knock:  On Wednesday and Thursday DA global leaders will be visiting our elected officials on Capitol Hill - an event known as the "DC Door Knock".  We customarily select 3-4 issues to speak to, with all in attendance provided with talking points for clarity and consistency of messaging.  I went on the 2009 DC Door Knock and found it one of the most enjoyable and interesting events I've ever taken part in for DA.  Participation is open to all members so do let me know if you are interested in taking part.

Fundraiser with DNC Chairwoman Debra Wasserman Schultz:  Ths Friday the chair of the DNC is appearing at a lunch event to raise money for Democrats Abroad.  In addition to the event generating contributions from those who attend, DA leaders who are NOT attending the fundraiser are also giving, in celebration of DWS's chairmanship.  

Members throughout the world are also strongly encouraged to donate to DA at this time and help us build our war chest for 2012.  We are undertaking even more improvements to our website and www.VoteFromAbroad.org, our voter registration tool.  Funds raised during this event will be helping to meet the cost of these urgent works.   

To give please click on this link and in the Contribution Purpose section please select "Reception with the DNC Chair" https://secure.democratsabroad.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=4

Business Meeting:  The regular business meetings will occur this Saturday and half of the day Sunday.  Resolutions being debated during the meeting are attached to this posting below (in 2 documents).

As noted, I will be attending by video link up, however all meetings of the DPCA are open to all members of DA.  Attached below is information on how to join the teleconference via Webex video link.  If you are interested in attending the meeting on Saturday or Sunday please let me know.  Fair warning:  the meeting gavels to order at 1am Sunday Australian Eastern Summer Time.

US Ambassador to Australia to speak at the Human Rights Law Resource Centre in Melbourne:

Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich will be presenting to the HRLRC in Melbourne on October 14.  Bookings are essential.  For information click on this link:   http://www.democratsabroad.org/node/13871

Sydney World Series Pub Night:  Wed 20 October

The American Expats in Sydney Meet Up Group has organised a pub night to watch the first game of the World Series on Wed 20 October at Cheers Bar on George Street.  Major League Baseball is a sponsor and is bringing lots of great give-aways!  Click here for information:   http://www.democratsabroad.org/node/13878

Halloween in Sydney

Once again Network Canada is putting on a huge Halloween fesitval with a party for the kids and a party for the adults.  Click here for information about the adult party:    http://www.democratsabroad.org/node/13879  This is the link to information about the children's party:  http://www.democratsabroad.org/node/13880

Obama Re-election Countdown Kickoff Party!!

DA Sydney is hosting a party to kickoff the countdown to election 2012 on Wed 9 November at The American Club.  Click here for information:  http://www.democratsabroad.org/node/13881

THANKSGIVING DINNER?

Stay posted for information about where you can join in Thanksgiving celebrations at a location near you! 

Please send through comments, questions and feedback.

Democratically yours,

Carmelan

Acting Chair

DA Australia

0403 897 489

cpolce@tpg.com.au