Dear Democrats Abroad Rome,

It is exciting that there is a lot of interest in the elections for the next leadership of Democrats Abroad Italy. Never before have we had an opportunity to make such an impact, with new political capital, and the renewed goodwill of the world to shape the future in a sustainable, healthy way, starting here in Caput Mundi.

We encourage you to declare yourself as a candidate for Democrats Abroad Italy Board if you are a registered Democrat with the passion and enthusiasm to be a part of the 'change' we are all looking forward to. New members welcome!  For candidate positions and details of the election on March 12, click here (LINK #1).  

I joined Democrats Abroad in 2005 in Rome, and found 200 smart, sensible people who were equally committed to the political change which we knew was so needed. There are now over 1800 resident members of the Rome Chapter of Democrats Abroad Italy, with an exponential increase in energy and awareness, and who made a significant contribution to the victories of President Obama and the Democrat majority in the U.S. Congress. On Super Tuesday in 2008, almost 600 people in Rome voted, from long-time DA Rome members to study-abroad students, many of whom registered and voted for the first time.

It has been a rewarding experience for me as a Democrat, a Democrat Abroad, a voting rights advocate and personally as Chair of Rome DA these past four years. I have made many friends and we share the satisfaction of a job well done.

I want to especially thank our Country Board members for their contributions: Barbara Goldfield, Maria Mobilia, Anthony Sistilli, Karen Widess, Judith Harris, Lora Shapiro and Peter Alegi, who have done a fantastic job, in big and less obvious ways.  Special thanks too to past board members Lucia Lodolini, Yolanda Bernardini, Meg McClure, and Sara Altshul, who have moved away from The Eternal City.  Thanks too to Gretchen Bloom, Karen Georgi, Molly Gage, Liz Holcomb, Alan Epstein, Leona Markiewicz, Tina Rocchio, Vivian Weaver, Sally and Paul Haskell, Jill Wiebe, Marco Rossi and my husband, Tom Finerty, and all the other Rome volunteers who have worked so hard at so many events to make Rome so vital --- and fun.  It has been a particular pleasure to work with DA Italy Chair Anthony Sistilli whose dedication to DA Italy is extraordinary.  For a State of the Rome Chapter summary, please click here (LINK #2).  

It is an exciting time to get involved and I urge you to do so.  For more information on Democrats Abroad and how to declare yourself as a candidate, click here (Link #3).

If you would like to discuss the responsibilities of Board members or requirements for candidacy, Anthony and I are available by phone or email.  I will also be at the Julius Caesar event on Wednesday, and will be happy to discuss anything during the cocktail hour following the guided tour.  

Thanks again for your enthusiasm, can-do attitudes, and for participating.  We got a good President and Congressional majorities to help turn the past eight years around.  As you have heard me say, government goes to those who show up .... and we did! 

Lisa Marini Finerty

Chair

DA Rome