DA Switzerland hosting three 45th Anniversary parties in October
By Maya Samara on September 23rd, 2009
Democrats Abroad is celebrating its 45th Anniversary this October! Chapters from around the world will be hosting festivities to commemorate the organization and its beginnings dating back to 1964 in London and Paris. Democrats Abroad was founded in order to keep those Americans living abroad properly informed of the Democratic message, as well as facilitate the voting process abroad. Historically, Democrats Abroad has been integral in the fight for full citizenship rights of American citizens abroad and overseas voting rights. The organization secured voting rights for US citizens abroad, through the Overseas Citizens Voting Rights Act of 1975, and obtained passage of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act in 1986.
Recently, we launched the online voter registration site, www.VoteFromAbroad.org and has been recognized as playing a vital role to the 2008 election allowing millions of U.S. citizens living abroad to vote in the first-ever global online primary. DA's country committees can be found throughout the globe, in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas and Asia.
Democrats Abroad Switzerland was formed in 1976 and has a rich history of dedicated and active members. With 8 of our 9 past Chairs still living in the country, we have some great stories to tell: such as the visits of President Carter in 1976 and former Vice-President Al Gore in 2002.
To show our support, Democrats Abroad Switzerland will be hosting three separate parties to celebrate and commemorate the DAs continued influence and longevity. And to assure that the party's organization can thrive for the next years to come, the Geneva and Vaud celebrations will be held as fundraisers, with a video presentation and gift basket give aways of great American treats and fun Democratic memorabilia. The wonderful video will celebrate our founding members and past leadership and highlight the many memorable events over the years. There will be a surprise special message to Democrats Abroad from Washington!
We'll kick off the celebrations of Democrats Abroad's 45th Anniversary festivities, on Sunday October 4th, in the charming village of Bursins, in a private home overlooking Lac Leman nestled within the Vaudois vineyards. American families will come together for a Sunday afternoon of games for the kids and political fun for adults. A small contribution to DA is requested of only $20 per family. Go to http://www.democratsabroad.org... for more details.
On Wednesday 14 October, Democrats in Geneva will celebrate the 45th anniversary of Democrats Abroad with a cocktail reception cum fund-raiser near Geneva's Old Town. Details coming soon.
On Thursday 15 October, Democrats in Zurich will host a cocktail party at the Chapter Chair's home in the heart of the city. Details coming soon.
At all these events there will be prize drawings to win one of several fabulous gift baskets. Participate in the prize drawingfor your chance to win by making a $40 contribution to DA online. (If you cannot attend one of the parties, you can still make a contribution to enter your chance to win a basket!) All goods have been donated by our membersto help DA fill its coffers for the 2010 elections. Join in the fun and support our efforts to make this a fund-raising success! You will not be disappointed!
See you in October!
Maya Samara
Chair, DACH
For more information, contact events@democrats.ch. Do you have anything that you would like to donate to the gift baskets? We'd love to hear from you!