Jan. e-News / Inauguration Week Events / National Day of Service
Posted on January 3rd, 2009
January e-News 2009
Table of Contents
1) What a year! And now, what a challenge!
2) National Day of Service: Jan. 19
3) Inauguration Day Events: Jan. 20
- Cambridge
- London
- Oxford
- Manchester
- Edinburgh
5) 2009 London Film Series: Who Killed the Electric Car? 6 Feb.
6) General Meeting & Elections: Mar. 1
7) Contact us
Please do not reply directly to this email -- find all DAUK Contacts here: http://www.democratsabroad.org/node/927
1) What a year! And now, what a challenge!
Can you remember an election year with more excitement or greater fascination? In more than fifty years of political activity, I can't.
And now, we enter a new year and a new political era with a Democratic President and enhanced majorities in both the House and the Senate.
To echo the words of another President, the long national nightmare that was the Bush administration is over. But our task has just begun.
The challenges that will face President Obama and Vice-President Biden on January 20th are daunting.
An economic crisis beyond any we have encountered since the Great Depression; the necessity to mount a herculean effort to restore America's standing in the world community; the orderly and responsible withdrawal from Iraq; the continuing challenge in Afghanistan; the instability in the Indian sub-continent; the difficulty of finding a solution to the underlying problems in the Middle East; a newly resurgent Russia; a health care system that still leaves one seventh of the American people uncovered and a great swathe of the middle class uncertain about their jobs and thus their health care; a long-term challenge in Social Security and Medicare that grows more severe every year it remains unaddressed; the pressing need to restore the constitutional balance between the branches of government and to return the country to a path of constitutional propriety; an economic system fuelled by energy sources that are uncertain; a world in environmental peril.
The mere enumeration of the challenges is exhausting.
The new President will need--and deserves--our continued support and enthusiasm as he tries to meet each of these challenges. The answers are not easy. The task of maintaining momentum and building majorities for change--especially in our system of government--is extraordinarily difficult.
Each of us has a part to play.
The election is over. We won. The victory is exhilarating.
But the real work begins now.
Thank You….
I learned this week of someone who was surprised that, given the level of activity DAUK offers, that we do not have a single paid staff member.
No, every event, every activity, every newsletter, every voter registration effort, every film, every speaker, every reception, every function—they are all brought to you through the work of volunteers.
To each of you who has volunteered and helped with an activity, I and all the officers and members of the Executive Committee say 'Thank You.'
It is a privilege to work with and for you.
Democratically yours,
Bill Barnard
Chair, Democrats Abroad UK
2) National Day of Service
Members of Democrats Abroad will take part in various community service activities in conjunction with events planned by the Presidential Inauguration Committee on January 19, 2009. We encourage members to heed this call for service. Here are four ways to participate:
- Send a letter/postcard to a platoon that DA has been corresponding with:
1LT Lange-Geise
F Co (PFDR)/2-10 AVN
COB Speicher
APO AE 09393 USA
or
Brook Army Medical Center
Attn: Gift Coordinator
3851 Roger Brook Drive
Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234 USA
Note - this is where the amputee clinic is and some letters here would be greatly appreciated
or
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington , D.C. 20307-5001 USA
- Send a care package to the platoon:
Here are a few suggestions if you'd like to send a care package - "the things they most want are just some treats (snacks, cigarettes, etc.) and hygiene products that we can't get here in Iraq."
Staff Sergeant Scott Jordan
Wounded Warriors Landstuhl
Wendelinusstr Apt 4
Ramstein, Germany
66877
or
Staff Sergeant Scott Jordan
Wounded Warriors Landstuhl
CMR 402 Box 550
APO AE 09180 USA
or
Brook Army Medical Center
Attn: Gift Coordinator
3851 Roger Brook Drive
Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234 USA
Note - this is where the amputee clinic is and some letters here would be greatly appreciated
or
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington , D.C. 20307-5001 USA
- Yes We Cans
Consider making a ‘virtual’ donation to the ‘Yes We Cans’ program, organized by Democrats Work who coordinate donations to food banks across the country.
This election was about bringing positive change to our country. We don’t have to wait for others to act: we can make a difference in our communities year-round. Thanks to you, we are putting our values into action when they are needed the most. Democrats Work
For more information: http://democratswork.org/index.php?page=display&id=177
- Join DA members at DNC headquarters in Washington.
Members travelling to DC for the Inauguration are invited to the DNC on the 19th with fellow DA members to write letters to our wounded servicemen and women. Space is strictly limited (bring a photo id) and an RSVP is required.
Contact Jodi for more information: secretary@democratsabroad.org.uk
For more information about the National Day of Service, please see the Presidential Inauguration Committee website: http://www.pic2009.org/blog/entry/national_call_to_service/
3. Inauguration Day Events, in honor of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden
Space is limited, reserve as soon as possible.
- Cambridge Hawaiian Luau Party
Shake off those cold winter blues and dig out the Hawaiian prints and sunglasses. Screening of the swearing-in and historic speech, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music, limbo contest (prizes for winners), cash bar.
Location: B Bar, 8 Market Passage, Cambridge
Time: 6:30-11pm
Tickets: £15 in advance, £18 at the door
Note that B Bar requires that you are 21 years or older.
RSVP, email: Cambridge@democratsabroad.org.uk
For more information: http://www.democratsabroad.org/node/7440
- London Inaugural Ball
For those who cannot make it to DC, the London Inaugural Ball brings the festivities to you! Join us for London’s very own Inaugural Ball in honor of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. Highlights include cocktails with full cash bar, dinner, live band, and video highlights from the Inauguration. Black tie optional.
Location: Royal Lancaster Hotel, Lancaster Terrace, Bayswater
Time: from 7pm
Tickets: see website link below
For more information/Ticket Levels: http://www.democratsabroad.org/node/7439
RSVP: InauguralBall@democratsabroad.org.uk
- Manchester Inaugural Dinner
Welcome in the new era with our Manchester/NW Democrats!
Location: Brasserie Blanc, 55 King St. West
Time: from 7pm
Details to follow shortly.
For more information/RSVP, email: Manchester@democratsabroad.org.uk
- Oxford Inauguration Party
Join Democrats in Oxford for bubbly & canapés, live coverage of the swearing-in ceremony. Cocktail attire welcome.
Location: Corner Club, Turl Street
Time: from 4:15pm
Tickets: £10
Separate option for dinner with fellow Democrats – just ask!
RSVP, email: oxford@democratsabroad.org.uk
- Scotland Inauguration Party
Welcome in the new era with Democrats in Edinburgh!
Save the date – Jan. 20th – details to follow soon.
For more information/Volunteer, email: Scotland@democratsabroad.org.uk
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. Drop by and join us - and bring a friend!
- Cambridge (Jan. 7): from 6:30pm, Castle Inn Pub, 38 Castle St.
- London (Jan. 7): from 7:00pm, at the Duke of York Pub (upstairs), 35 New Cavendish St.
- February: Note that the monthly Speakeasy picks up again in February in Cambridge (Feb. 4), London (Feb. 4), Manchester (Feb. 3) and Oxford (Feb. 4).
5) London Film Series: Who Killed the Electric Car?
The film investigates the events leading to the quiet destruction of thousands of new, radically efficient electric vehicles. Through interviews and narrative, the film paints a picture of an industrial culture whose aversion to change and reliance on oil may be deeper than its ability to embrace ready solutions.
Date: Feb. 6 (Fri)
Time: 7:00 pm (Doors Open at 6:30 pm)
Location: London School of Economics, Room S75, Ground Floor, St Clement's
Cost: £5 General, £3 Unwaged
RSVP to: films@democratsabroad.org.uk
6) Membership General Meeting & Elections
Wanted: Leaders. Interested in a position for the 2009-2010 term?
Please mark your calendars to attend the biennial meeting of the general membership, where we will elect the Officers, Executive Committee and the Council for 2009-2010 term. The meeting is open to all members. A Nominating Committee will be appointed in late January, and information circulated about how to nominate a fellow member, or apply for a role within DAUK.
Date: Mar. 1 (Sun)
Time: 4-6pm
Location: to follow closer to the meeting date
RSVP, appreciated by Feb. 13 (so we can find a venue with sufficient space...): secretary@democratsabroad.org.uk
7) Contact us.
Click on the link below to access our main contacts page and find information on the following:
a) Join Democrats Abroad
b) Volunteer with DAUK
c) Chat with our Chapter / Regional Contacts
d) Contact our Press Liaison
e) Contact the Democrats Abroad UK Officers
f) Mailing address, fax, other
g) Register to Vote / Email to Send Questions
Full List of Contacts and Links: http://www.democratsabroad.org/node/927