Welcome to the DAUK Newsletter for December 2011 and Happy Holidays!

This Newsletter is sent to all Democrats Abroad members living in the UK. Please forward this information to other Americans living here and encourage them to join Democrats Abroad UK. Do not reply directly to this email. Find DAUK contacts here:
http://www.democratsabroad.org...

Table of Contents

1) Message from the Chair
2) Voter Registration – December 11
3) UK Council Meeting – December 11
4) Young Professionals Network
5) Policy Action Network
6) Speakeasies

1) Message from the Chair

Dear Members,
Every year my mother in Ohio tells me the same thing: "Once you get August out of the way, you've got the holidays breathing down your neck." Sure enough, although it feels like we've barely finished the summer we now have the Holiday Season upon us.

In addition to the usual roster of monthly events, we are convening a meeting of the DAUK Council this month on the afternoon of Sunday, December 11 in Central London. (Item 3 below.) On the same day and in the same place, just before the Council Meeting begins, there will be an opportunity to learn more about registering overseas Americans to vote. (Item 2 below.)

Event planning has already begun for 2012. You'll see, for example, that the Young Professionals Network are planning a DPCA fundraiser for January (item 4 below) and the Policy Action Network will be doing some exciting work in 2012 (item 5 below). Additional events for the first and second quarters of 2012 are already in the works.

We will also, of course, conduct our Presidential Primary election in May 2012. I hope as many of you as possible will encourage your Democratic friends in the UK to vote in the Democrats Abroad Presidential Primary Election. This will be your opportunity to participate directly in the Democratic Party. We look forward to announcing more about this at the Council meeting on Sunday, and we will keep you informed in this e-newsletter as events unfold.

Democrats Abroad UK is an all-volunteer organization. We exist and thrive ONLY because of the dedication and generosity of many of our members. So at this Holiday Season, I want to thank all of you who have volunteered for DAUK in any capacity this year. You have helped us to sustain a sense of community, and enhanced the lives of your fellow Americans here in the UK. We're grateful to you all.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Rob Carolina
Chair, Democrats Abroad UK
chair@democratsabroad.org.uk

2) Voter Registration

Learn to Register Voters!
Directly before the DAUK Council Meeting on Sunday, December 11, we will share the basics of how to register an overseas voter and how to request an absentee ballot. With less than one year to go until the 2012 elections we are taking this opportunity to give refresher training on Voter Registration to those attending the DAUK Council meeting.

What:                 Voter Registration Training
Date:                   Sunday, December 11
Time:                  12 noon - 1pm
Location:          Room B404-LT2
Cruciform Building
University College London
Gower Street WC1E 6BT
(same venue as the Council meeting)
Nearest Tube: Warren Street / Euston Square
Map:                    http://g.co/maps/tcc28

If you can join us or would like to get involved in the future please RSVP to: daukvote@democratsabroad.org.uk

3) DAUK Council Meeting

The DAUK Council is the large governance body that meets twice per year. The Council is convening on Sunday, December 11, to review the activities of Democrats Abroad in 2011 and to discuss upcoming priorities for the exciting Presidential Election Year of 2012.

What:                 DAUK Council Meeting
Date:                   Sunday, December 11
Time:                  1pm - 4pm
Location:          Room B404-LT2
Cruciform Building
University College London
Gower Street WC1E 6BT
Nearest Tube: Warren Street / Euston Square
Map:                    http://g.co/maps/tcc28
RSVP:                 secretary@democratsabroad.org.uk

So if you want to learn more about our activities for the coming year, and have a voice in our future, please join us on Sunday. Your RSVP will be appreciated to help us plan attendance numbers. (Members of DAUK who are not members of the Council are welcome to attend. Only Council members are able to vote.)

We also hope to be able to offer a conference call dial-in number for those who wish to listen to the meeting remotely. If you are able to attend only by conference call and want the dial-in details, please request these from: secretary@democratsabroad.org.uk

4) DAUK Young Professionals

The end of 2011 is fast approaching but there is still time to get in the festive spirit this December with the Young Professionals Network. Join us on the 15th of December for the liveliest holiday party in town where you can meet and mingle with fellow Americans, enjoy a drink or two, and find out how you can get involved with Democrats Abroad. This is one holiday party you won't want to miss!

What:              DAUK YPN
Date:               Thursday, December 15
Time:               7:00 p.m. (until closing)
Location:         The Marylebone
93 Marylebone High Street
London  W1U 4RE

YPN was set up to provide a space for ex-pats to meet, network, create community, and discuss politics on both sides of the Atlantic. We host events such as the State of the Union viewing party, organize immigration workshops and fundraise for US elections. As we enter into an election year we are excited to provide opportunities to get involved.
We are a fully inclusive group and welcome those interested in politics as well as those who just want to make some new friends. We would love to meet your non-American and non-Democrat friends as well. We hope to see you at our next event!

If you have any questions or comments or just want to drop us a note you can reach us at:
youngdems@democratsabroad.org.uk
Have Twitter? Follow us @DALondonYPN (http://twitter.com/dalondonypn) or join us on our Facebook group DAUK

Young Professionals Network:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=1156704151154780

Save the Date: Friday, January 20, 2012: Re-Inaugurate Obama Fundraiser!

366 days from January 20th, 2012, we are deeply hoping to re-inaugurate President Obama and ensure the Democratic vision for the upcoming 4 years. Come raise a glass, a bit of money, and a lot of hope for the kick off of the UK's efforts to re-elect the President. The Young Professionals Network is hosting a sparkling, elegant, and enlightening evening of entertainment in support of the Democratic Party Committee Abroad in its efforts to get out the vote in 2012 - it will be a great opportunity to get a bit dressed up and come mingle your fellow Ex-Pat Democrats and support the campaign! Mark your calendars with the details below and if you have any questions or would like to help us in our endeavors - get in touch at YoungDems@democratsabroad.org.uk

Come party with the Party and help take back the House, keep the Senate, and celebrate Barack Obama's upcoming inauguration in January 2013!

What:                  YPN Re-Inaugurate Obama Fundraiser
Date:                   Friday, January 20 2012
Time:                  7:00 - 10:00pm
Location:          Proud Chelsea
161 King's Road
London, SW3 5XP
Nearest Tube: Sloane Square/South Kensington

5)  Policy Action Network

The Policy Action Network aims to stimulate debate around economic policy.
As Christmas, Hanukkah and the festive seasons approach, we would like you to send us your book recommendations on the financial and economic crises.  Maybe not joyful holiday reading, but probably enlightening and necessary!
Check what we have already listed at:
http://daukpan.org.uk/Economic...

Provide a comment, short review or links to useful reviews on these selections and /or send us your additional choices to economicsteam@daukpan.org.uk.   If people are interested in meeting up to discuss a particular book, let us know and we will facilitate it.

If you would like to help with the website, or have suggestions for speakers, topics or other activities, please contact us or the pancoordinator@daukpan.org.uk

6) Speakeasies

Our regularly scheduled speakeasies are a chance to meet like-minded Americans, have a drink, talk politics, or just make new friends. Speakeasies are informal and held throughout the country, usually once a month.

Cambridge
When:                First Wednesday of the month
Time:                  6:30 - 8 p.m.
Location:           The Castle Inn Pub, 38 Castle Street,
Cambridge CB3 0AJ
Email:                 camchair@democratsabroad.org.uk

London
When:                First Wednesday of the month
Time:                  7:00 p.m.
Location:          The Harrow
22 Whitefriars Street
London, EC4Y 8JJ
Nearest Tubes Temple, Chancery Lane, St Paul's
Email:                 vice-chair@democratsabroad.org.uk

Oxford
When:                First Wednesday of the month
Time:                  8:00 p.m.
Location:          Royal Oak
42-44 Woodstock Road
Oxford

WANTED: A Speakeasy Near You!

Did you ever say to yourself, "Oh I wish that there were a Democrats Abroad Speakeasy close to where I live"? Well, are you willing to organise one? We can help! If you can find the right pub, club, or wine bar near you, then talk to us about how we can invite DAUK Members near you to your very own local Democratic Party political speakeasy. You are not alone!
To discuss how to convene your very own "political party" with support from DAUK, write to:
Rob Carolina: chair@democratsabroad.org.uk
Karin Robinson: vice-chair@democratsabroad.org.uk