Hello Democrats of Edmonton,

    Here are two facts of interest: there are approximately 75,000 Americans living in Alberta. Canada now has the largest membership of all of the countries of Democrats Abroad world-wide.

    Throughout this message, I say, "contact me for more information, etc."   "ME" is  Marilyn Gaa, ad hoc leader of this chapter of Democrats Abroad (by default?) and I can be reached at marilyngaa@telusplanet.net , or 780-432-7660. I welcome your comments, questions, ideas, and especially your commitments to share the work.

I am dividing this message into two parts: WORK and FUN. Please read all the way to the bottom!

    Our members' list is growing so, I am sending the promotional materials for the election campaign again, to those that joined recently and those who have misplaced the files. Note: the attachment titled OBAMA Leaflet is the step by step instructions for online absentee registration. If you have any problems downloading them, please contact Louise Rolingher at lrolin@telusplanet.net to received via email.

    If you wish to support the Obama/ Biden campaign you can donate on line BarackObama.com (scroll down to the very bottom on the donations information and you will find an option for donating from outside the U.S.) or by mail Omama for America, P.O. Box 802797, Chicago, Ill, 60680 USA

WORK:

    Last night the working committee met at 1912 Cafe (thanks to John for his careful notes!) and made some strategy decisions for the last two weeks of our campaign. Two weeks? YES! The absentee voting process involves moving mailed correspondence through the borders three times, the request, recieving the ballot, mailing the vote. Our voter outreach efforts will intensify before it is too late. As you read on, think about how you could participate . It is easier than you think! print up some voter instructions from the attachements, also Democrat and Obama signeage,wear some red, white and blue and grab an American Flag to attract attention. You are good to go! I have decided to wear "sandwich boards" instead of setting up a table at some public events. Contact me for more information.

    1. We have three target dates for information tables on the U of A campus:

Sept 25th (Tuesday) a table has been rented inside the Student Union Building (Rob and Karen will take shifts, others needed too.)

Oct. 2 & 3.(Thurs and Fri) application to put up our own table outdoors near the library entrance is being processed.

    2.    Edmonton Eskimos Football team and games: Karen will speak to the management about voter registrations for the players and staff who are Americans. The media may be interested. John and Dave plan to go to the Oct. 4 home game and offer voter materials to the mobs of spectators arriving. I will put you in contact with Karen, John and Dave if you are able to assist them.

    3.    Charity Fun Runs:

HIV Aids Run Sept. 21, City Hall. Marilyn will offer voter materials to the runners.

Cancer, Run for the Cure Sept. 28. Any volunteers to attend and offer voter materials?

    4.    Public outreach at Farmers' Markets: Moving on from 3 Saturdays at the Strathcona Market...

        a. Salisbury Greenhouse Farmers' Market every Thursday, 4:30 - 8PM (must be non-partisan voter info.)

        b. Festival Place (Sherwood Park) Farmers' Market every Wed. 4:30 - 8 PM

        c. Downtown Edmonton Farmers Market 104 X 102  Saturdays.

    5.    Media Relations:

        Rob will put information into the Salisbury Greenhouse Email newsletter, circulation 10,000.

        John has contacted PBS/KSPS to request public service announcements to the broadcast area which includes Alberta, with information to assist absentee voters.

        Lisa Matthews from Access TV has requested a panelist from Democrats Abroad for an upcoming show, "Obama vs. McCain, who would be better for Alberta?" This request highlights the need for more members to come forward as spokespersons for Democrats Abroad. So many interview opportunities fall to me, and others would give great variety and insights. Contact me if you can speak to media.

FUN! FUN! FUN! Yes, we can get together to share the excitement and fun of this campaign.

Candidates debates; absentee voter materials will be offered whenever we meet and the public is invited, of course!

    1.    Sept. 26,(Friday) McCain vs. Obama on Foreign Policy and National Security. I am working on finding  a venue for group viewing. Pencil it in, I will confirm plans ASAP. The committee feels that this may be the most important debate.

    2.    Oct.  2, (Thursday) Biden vs. Palen debate. NO EVENT PLANNED as it is the same time as the Canadian Federal Leaders' Debate, posing a conflict of interest. Watch one, tape the other at home.

    3.    Oct. 7,( Tuesday) Obama vs. McCain Town Hall Meeting. The U of A Faculty Club welcomes us to the lounge/bar that evening, 7:00 - 10:00. Details to follow.

    4.    Oct. 15, (Wednesday)  McCain vs Obama Domestic & Economic Policy - NO EVENT PLANNED

Election night, Nov. 4, (Tuesday) Plans are in progress, we have two possible venues, suggestions are welcome.

Requirements for venue: TV coverage access, ample parking, late closing time, drinks and refreshments available, enough room for 50 + of us and regular patrons and intersted public and media representatives = 100.

Is the membership interested in a Thanksgiving dinner in November? Some of the larger Canadian Democrats Abroad Chapters make this an annual event. I am hoping that after Nov. 4, we will have much to be thankful for! Meanwhile, I want to express appreciation for the volunteers that are working for success, Louise, our website mistress, and the committee members with great ideas and energy. So many people have told me that this is the most important election of their lifetime! I believe it, too. We are working for change we can believe in! We can rest later,  Sincerely,  Marilyn Gaa