The Democrats Abroad Basel Chapter is an engaged grassroots group and has had a very suc-cessful last 2 years as an official chapter of Democrats Abroad. We are a volunteer organization and creative team that has built a broad member base, registered a record number of voters for mid-term and special elections and hosted numerous events to enhance socio-political knowledge and a sense of community in Democrats Abroad in Basel. We look forward to continue this suc-cessful story with you!
Every 2 years, the DA Basel Chapter and the Democrats Abroad Switzerland Chapter elects a new Committee. The DA Basel Chapter will host their Annual General Meeting and next cycle of committee elections on March 31st at Klara, Clarastrasse 13 in Basel at 15:30. Please find more details of our event on our website: http://www.democratsabroad.
Our 2019 Nominations Committee is now seeking candidates to stand for office and to run the nominations/election process.
Consider running for an office and joining our team!
We are much more than a group of volunteers – through our friendships, mutual support and activism we run impactful outreach and advocacy for Americans living abroad and have a lot of fun while doing it!
In 2018 we experienced first positive signs that we are turning the tide of the national political agenda. Democrats Abroad International continues to grow as a voter base and in its influence in Washington.
In our community in Basel there will be plenty of opportunity to be involved from 2019 - 2021
- Promote the Democratic message and activism to counter the policies being put in place by the Republican administration
- Help Democrats win races in special elections in 2019
- Promote awareness on political topics and grow our member base
- Increase the number and commitment of registered voters for the 2020 Presidential elec-tion
- Help Americans living abroad request their ballots and vote in the 2020 Presidential elec-tion
Join the Basel Chapter Committee and take an active role in our vibrant chapter in Switzerland!
Basel Committee Officers
Four Basel Committee officers will be elected for a two-year term.
Officers are members like you who volunteer their time and skills to represent and organize Democrats in the Basel area.
- Chair
- Vice-Chair
- Secretary
- Treasurer
NOMINATIONS TIMELINE
All members of Democrats Abroad active in the Basel region are eligible and encouraged to run for an office and to vote at the elections on March 31st at 3:30 pm at Klara, Clarastrasse 13 in Basel.
To run for a position, inform any Nominating Committee member (contact information below) be-fore the deadline of February 24th. Include name, address, telephone number, email address and a brief statement of intention to run.
By March 5th we will distribute information about the candidates, their statements, short bios and voting procedures by email.
At the meeting on March 31st, additional nominations for all offices will be allowed from the floor. This is an important meeting, so be sure to attend and vote for the new Basel team.
OFFICER JOB DESCRIPTIONS & DUTIES
☆ Chair ☆
Chief executive officer of the Basel Chapter
- Lead and mobilize members to join the Basel team and welcome new members
- Oversee and coordinate the business functions of the chapter and report to national and international as required
- Ensure that Secretary and Treasurer core work is being done, appoint other positions as necessary for effective functioning of the group
- Represent DACH-Basel as a member of the DACH Executive Committee (ExCom), and report to the DACH ExCom on city chapter activities
- Work with the other city chapters, volunteers and the DACH ExCom
- Hold regular meetings, direct the activities of DACH in this region of Switzerland and keep members informed about activities and events
- Contribute to DACH fundraising and insure all activities are conducted in compliance with FEC and campaign finance laws as established by the ExCom
- Coordinate and share responsibility with the DACH ExCom and Zurich Chapter for voter and member outreach in the Swiss German region where no chapters are yet established
☆ Vice-Chair ☆
- Assist the Chair in all Basel Chapter activities
- Partner with the Chair to take on some of their responsibilities
- Participate in key discussions and decisions as part of the Leadership Team and with the volunteer corps
- Substitute for the Chair when needed
- Organize and conduct the regularly scheduled Chapter meetings in the absence of the Chair
- Attend DACH ExCom meetings in the absence of the Chair
- Represent DA Basel together with other Chapter members in media relations activities
☆ Secretary ☆
- Distribute meeting agendas to the Chapter Committee
- Take and distribute minutes of all meetings and distribute to the Chapter Committee and DACH ExCom
- Participate in key discussions and decisions as part of the Leadership Team and with the volunteer corps
- Maintain files and administrative records of the Chapter (Google Drive)
- Manage and maintain the Basel Chapter membership and volunteer lists in coordination with the DACH Secretary. This may require training on the DA database
- Ensure event advertising, internet and social media presence in collaboration with event organizers and committee members
☆ Treasurer ☆
- Manage the finances of DA Basel in agreement with the Basel Chair and the DACH Ex-Com Treasurer
- Participate in key discussions and decisions as part of the Leadership Team and with the volunteer corps
- Maintain clear and accurate financial records and make financial reports as required
- Ensure all financial matters conform to local rules and regulations as well as to those of the Federal Election Commission and campaign finance laws of the United States
- Educate the Basel Chapter members on latest updates on financial compliance guidance for Democrats Abroad
NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
For further information about elections or the officer roles, contact any committee member (or email [email protected])
- Kelli Brouillet, Outgoing Basel Chapter Chair and Nominations Committee Chair, [email protected]
- Jamie Donohoe, Active Member, [email protected]
- RJ Chaplin, Active Member, [email protected]
Testimonials: WHAT DID YOU MOST ENJOY ABOUT YOUR ENGAGEMENT IN YOUR DA BASEL ROLE?
“It is hard to pick what I most enjoyed about volunteering for DA Basel. We have built such a great team of funny, dedicated and creative members. At our monthly chapter meetings, we have a lot of fun but run a very effective meeting. In our team, everyone contributes to an enlightening discus-sion, with great ideas for events and advocacy back home. Everyone supports our activities in any way they can and respects each other`s ability to contribute. I am handing over my office for the time being due to my new job as a new mother, but look forward to continue to help the team in their activities.” – Rosemary Pontarelli, Outgoing DA Basel Secretary
“It’s great working with such an engaged, active team! I’ve most enjoyed our get-out-the vote ef-forts for the 2018 mid-term elections. There was a great team of volunteers for that team, and we help many events both to raise awareness about voting from abroad and to help Americans request their ballots. We’re proud of how well that effort went and are looking forward to an even more successful effort in 2020!” – Kristen Jafflin, DA Basel Vice Chair
“The cadre of volunteers in Basel is rather remarkable, especially the leadership team. My involve-ment with DACH Basel stands out among my myriad volunteer experiences. Our critical mass takes on and achieves extraordinary tasks and programs. I really value everyone’s readiness, openness, ac-countability, creativity and inspiration. I could wax on, but through it all, we stay focused on our mis-sion. Putting words into action while engaging everyone we can is what keeps us moving. It’s work and fun at the same time. I look forward to our continued collaboration and accomplishments on-ward into 2020.” - Vivian Beetle, DA Basel Treasurer
“It’s difficult to improve on everyone else has said. This is one of the best teams I’ve ever worked with and it’s really been a joy. Sadly our time in Basel is coming to a close so I can’t commit to another two years, but any candidates should know they have an extremely supportive team and I will be there till April 2020 to assist in any way I can.” - Kelli Brouillet, Out-going DA Basel Chair.