2008 was a great year for Democrats.  We now have a new Democratic administration in office working to change the course of the last eight years, and confronting new challenges unforeseen a short time ago.  2008 was a great year for our Vancouver Chapter as well.  Please have a look at our Year in Review to remember some of the excitement.

Our local chapter is looking to the future.  Our first challenge will be the midterm elections in 2010.  With the recent swearing in of Senator Al Franken, the Democrats now have a solid majority in Congress.  But we can not be complacent.  Some of us will remember the 1994 midterm elections when Newt Gingrich mounted a surprise majority in the House of Representatives that hindered Bill Clinton throughout the remainder of his presidency.  We need to make sure the Democrats maintain their majority in 2010 and allow President Obama the opportunity to create needed change in the economy, health care, the environment, international relations, and many other areas.

Here in Vancouver we have a talented new Executive Committee of the Vancouver Chapter.  Our goals for the chapter are first and foremost to increase voter registrations from abroad.  We have had great success with this in the past.  Our secondary goals are to create a vibrant local community of Democrats abroad.  We envision the Vancouver Chapter as an organization that brings Americans living in Vancouver together to pursue political activities that are important to them and contribute to the broad goals of Democrats Abroad.

In the years to come, we will be developing three areas.  First, we will continue to do service work in the Vancouver area.  You can read more about our work at the First United Church Homeless Shelter here.  Second, we will continue to contribute to policy discussions.  We are joining other Americans in Canada to make a difference in health care reform.  Finally, we are also a social group that brings together people.  You can see some photos from our annual July 4th Picnic and look forward to Thanksgiving in November!

Our Chapter is only as strong as our membership.  Please stay involved with our local activities and bring your own ideas to our group.  

Sean Lauer
Chair, Democrats Abroad Vancouver