Join us for the chapter elections! The positions of Chapter Chair & Vice Chair will be voted on by our members.

This election will be held virtually to accommodate all members. Please RSVP to receive your login information.

Join us for a lively evening to meet other members & have discussions about politics back home & life overseas!

We had a wonderful event in Ludwigsburg on Saturday!

Democrats Abroad Germany

Stuttgart and Southwestern Chapter

November 2022 Newsletter

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
-John F. Kennedy

The US Midterms on November 8th did not bring the “red tsunami” heralded by some on the right, which instead turned out to be a “pink smear”. Some election deniers won seats, which is a painful blow to truth and democracy. But most Trump-backed, election denying candidates and those most vocally opposed to abortion rights underperformed and inflation was not the vote carrier. In many tight races, abortion rights and the former President may have cost the GOP votes. For the left, the January 6 hearings and the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade seem to have scared voters that their democratic rights were at stake.

The presidential election in 2020 showed us how much the overseas votes impact our elections. Ahead of the Midterms this year, DA chapters and volunteers for Vote from Abroad worked diligently all over the world to help voters via zoom chats, virtual help desks, voter information tables, phone banking and postcard writing. Americans living overseas collectively exceed the population of some small states (estimates range from 4.8 to 9 million), though only a small fraction of these eligible voters actually vote, making our job of reaching potential voters so crucial.

If you did vote, and you are contacted by an election official to “cure” your mail-in ballot, please do so in order for your vote to actually be processed and counted. This happens when there is an issue with your ballot, such as a missing witness signature or a signature-matching issue. Some states will allow voters the chance to fix this mistake so that the vote is not disqualified. At least 18 states are required to notify voters if there is an issue like a missing signature, and give the voter the opportunity to correct it. One of the most common reasons an absentee ballot is not accepted is because it has not been signed.

In addition to helping US citizens navigate voting from overseas, DA offers many interesting online discussions, chapter meetings, guest speakers and social events. Here are two highlights our chapter has planned:
• Thanksgiving Ludwigsburg Event on Saturday, November 26th: join us for a festive tour of the beautiful baroque castle in Ludwigsburg (tour price p.p. €15), then a short stint on the Ludwigsburg Christmas market before going for a group dinner at a nearby German restaurant (please RSVP at [email protected] timely, space is limited)
• Christmas Extravaganza in Esslingen starting at 6 pm on Saturday, December 17 at the Christmas market in Esslingen. We will have the opportunity to browse the lovely market before going to a historic restaurant for a group dinner (please RSVP timely due to limited space)

If you haven’t already, I encourage you to follow our chapter’s social media pages on Facebook (@DAGStuttgart) & regularly check our page on the DA website— www.democratsabroad.org/de_stuttgart-- where you’ll find the most up-to-date information about news & events.

If you have questions about the organisation, are interested in any of our events, are looking for ways to volunteer, etc., please don’t hesitate to send me an email. I’m very happy to help in any way that I can.

Wishing you a joyous Thanksgiving,

Sasha Arrington

Democrats Abroad Germany

Chapter Chair Stuttgart and Southwestern Germany    

Stuttgart and Southwestern Germany

October 2022 Newsletter

“Someone struggled for your right to vote. Use it.” —Susan B. Anthony, women’s rights activist

There are many items on the table for the midterms this year. Every seat in the House of Representatives is up for grabs, as well as 35 U.S. Senate seats and 36 governorships. Some states have down-ballot races for attorney general, secretary of state, or control of state legislatures that could have wide-ranging effects for years to come, as well as hot-button issues like health care, abortion rights and climate change.

The margin on these races is very tight, in part due to the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade. The FBI search of the former President’s home in August has motivated Republican base voters to participate in elections. General concerns about the future of American democracy, expressed across the aisle, is sparking greater interest in the elections this November. Polls also show that the economy and inflation are top issues this year, as well as crime and gun policy.

Make your voice heard by sending your ballot back today!! Please go to votefromabroad.org to register, request your ballot or follow up on your ballot. With over 2.9 million US citizens living overseas eligible to vote, our voice can make a huge impact on the midterms this year! Have your friends and family members voted? Make sure everyone you know is registered to vote!

You can help our cause by reaching out to everyone you know to make sure their vote is cast! We are currently looking for phone bankers to reach US citizens living abroad to remind them to vote. Our chapter is coloring beautiful postcards to mail to US citizens living overseas, please reach out to us if you would like to contribute your time and energy! You can also make a donation to help support the work we do.

Last month our chapter held a Vote from Abroad table in downtown Stuttgart- Vaihingen. The fall weather couldn’t dampen our spirit; we spoke with many Americans and our furry mascot helped raise spirits on that rainy day!
 
At our chapter meeting held September 30th at Forum 3 in Stuttgart, the wish was voiced by our members to do something to celebrate the holidays. Instead of having a chapter meeting in November and December, we are offering the following events:

• Saturday, November 26th at 4:45 pm: Thanksgiving Event in Ludwigsburg. Join us for a festive candlelight tour of the beautiful baroque castle in Ludwigsburg, a short stop at the Christmas market, followed by a group dinner at a central restaurant. Price p.p. is €15 for the tour, dinner not included. Participants are limited to 25, so please RSVP timely at [email protected], on our NB or FB site.

• Saturday, December 17th at 6 pm: Christmas Extravaganza in Esslingen. Celebrate the holiday season with us in the picturesque town of Esslingen. We will meet at the Christmas market, enjoy the many different booths & go for dinner in a charming restaurant dating back to the 15th century. Seating is limited to 20, so please RSVP timely at [email protected], on our NB or FB site.

There are many interesting events lined up this month. Please go to our Nation Builder or Facebook sites for detailed information:
• Friday, October 14 at 1 pm Eastern time: Meet the Democratic Candidates Fighting for Florida
• Saturday, October 15 at 4 am Eastern time: Intercom Training & Office Hours
• Saturday, October 15 at 11 am Eastern time: Service First: Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, together with the Global Women’s Caucus & Military Family Caucus
• Sunday, October 16 at 12 pm Eastern time: Ohio State Team Meeting
• Monday, October 17 at 1 pm Eastern time: Meet the Maine Governor, Janet
Mills
• Tuesday, October 18 at 1 pm Eastern time: Meet the North Carolina
Congressional Candidates
• Wednesday, October 19 at 2 pm Eastern time: Intercom Training & Office
Hours
• Saturday, October 22 at 4 am Eastern time: Intercom Training & Office Hours
• Wednesday, October 26 at 7 pm Berlin time: Braver Angels Abroad Europe
-Depolarizing Within Workshop

Wishing everyone a joyous fall and Happy Halloween!

Sasha Arrington
 

DAG Stuttgart and Southwestern Germany

July 2022 Newsletter

“He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.” —Martin Luther King, Jr.

The January 6th committee shared a treasure trove of information and witness testimony in order to outline a comprehensive narrative of the attempt by Donald Trump and other Republicans to overturn the 2020 election. During the eight hearings the public received detailed accounts of the events leading up to, and on, that fateful day. Now the committee expects the Justice Department to hold those who tried to harm our democracy accountable.
—-
The midterms are just around the corner, and some of the main topics the US citizens we met at our VFA tables said were important to them are reproductive rights, the economy and gun control. Polls also show that about 30% of voters say the most important problems facing our country are related to guns, abortion & democracy (Times/Siena College Poll 2022).
Through reduced sex education in schools, in the absence of education about contraceptives & the availability of legal & safe abortions, girls & women will continue to risk their lives by undergoing unsafe abortions when facing the financial burdens & social stigma of unintended pregnancy (Medical News Today, October 30, 2020).

With the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, support for reproductive rights has gained momentum. Hopefully this important issue will get many Democrats to the polls for the midterms. Surveys show that 60 % of Democrats say they are very concerned about abortion policy in the US, in comparison to only 40% of Republicans. The Pew Research Center data concluded that 61% of Americans currently find abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 37% say it should be illegal in all or most cases. Their study shows that 60% of conservative Republicans & Republican leaning people say abortion should be illegal in all or most cases; of the moderate & liberal Republicans, 60% say abortion should be legal. Most liberal Democrats & Democratic leaning individuals support legal abortion by 90%, while 70% of conservative & 72% of moderate Democrats are in favour of legal abortions (Pew Research Center 2022).

 —-
While the mass shootings that shocked the nation recently have caused a
surge in support for stricter gun laws, past polling indicates this kind of support rises & then falls again after a mass shooting. A poll conducted directly after the Uvalde school shooting found that 65% of registered voters are in favour of stricter gun laws, up 5% less than a week before. Democrats’ support for stricter gun laws remained steady at 86%; Independents’ support rose from 56% to 66%; Republican support of stricter gun laws went from only 37% to 44% (Politico).
Background checks, gun violence restraining orders & intervention could all be ways to reduce mass shootings, according to Garen Wintemute, an emergency medicine physician at the University of California, Davis. He has studied gun violence for more than 30 years & sees the issue of mass shootings as an issue of public health. Because gun violence is one of our leading causes for death & injury, Mr. Wintemute says we should ask the following questions in learning ways to prevent mass shootings: Who is at risk of developing this problem? Where does it come from? How does it get amplified? Can we create a prevention strategy or treatment (Science.org, 9.2018)?
—-
DAG News
• Intercom Training & Office Hours: Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at 4:30 PM
• Intercom Training & Office Hours: Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 4:30 PM
• Pride Parade Stuttgart: Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 2:30 PM,
Böblingerstr. Between the U-Bahn stop Erwin-Schöttle-Platz & Tannenstr.
We are group number 52.
• Ohio State Team Meeting: Sunday, July 31, 2022 at 12 PM Eastern Time
• Floridians Abroad Planning Meeting: Monday, August 1, 2022 at 1 PM
Eastern time
• August Phonebanking Stammtisch: Sunday, August 7, 2022 at 6 PM
• Democrats Abroad Oktoberfest Extravaganza: Sunday, October 2, 2022 at
11:15 AM; Festhalle Schottenhamel in Munich; tickets on sale now!
—-
Stuttgart & Southwestern Germany events
Our chapter held two VFA tables the past weeks, one in Tübingen at the Holzmarkt and one in Reutlingen. Thank you to Wy Ming Lin, our other volunteers and all the people that stopped by!

Join the Stuttgart & Southwestern Germany chapter for the annual Pride Parade! Help us celebrate with the LGBTQ+ community by joining us in the parade at 2:30 pm on Saturday, July 30th in the Böblingerstr. between the U- Bahn stop Erwin-Schöttle-Platz & Tannenstr. Our starting number is 52. There are several stops planned along the way, culminating at the Schlossplatz with guest speakers & a street festival offering musical & culinary delights. Please RSVP at [email protected] if you would like to join us. We look forward to seeing you there!

We are currently collecting donations for our chapter prize draw basket for the Oktoberfest Extravaganza. Whether you are a talented knitter, artist, or have some local delights you could add, let’s once again put together a prize basket that everyone would like to win! Tickets for this in-person event are currently being sold, so make sure to join us in Munich!
 
Wishing everyone a fantastic week,

Sasha Arrington
Democrats Abroad Germany

Stuttgart and Southwestern Germany Chapter Chair

Stuttgart and Southwestern Germany

May/June 2022 Newsletter

“Governments who manipulate population growth have two choices: making maternity pleasant, or making it inescapable.”
—Kate Millett

On May 15th the Stuttgart and Southwestern Germany Chapter participated in the global “Bans Off Our Bodies” protest, which drew a large crowd and many curious onlookers.

Should the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade, the change would pose a profound threat to maternal health in the US, according to experts. A leaked draft opinion suggested that the court is likely to reverse the ruling that gave women the constitutional right to abortion nearly 50 years ago. The final decision is expected at the end of this month or early July.
                 —
The DA Global Meeting took place on the weekend of
May 21st, which gave members a chance to get to know one another and discuss current events.
                 —
On Saturday, May 28th our chapter held a Vote From
Abroad table in Vaihingen. We met a lot of Americans and were thrilled to hear that everyone we spoke to is registered to vote!
                  —
On June 11th Democrats Abroad members all over the world joined our fellow Americans back home to March for Our Lives. The horrific shootings at Robb Elementary in Uvalde and the Tops supermarket in Buffalo have reminded us once again of the terrible toll that gun violence has inflicted on our country.

“It takes a monster to kill children. But to watch monsters kill children again and again and do nothing isn’t just insanity—it’s inhumanity.
—Amanda Gorman

As we remember the many who were taken too soon by gun violence, we must honour their memories with action. Now is our chance to make a difference with our vote; now is the time to vote for our lives!

Request your 2022 Ballots now!

Primary elections are quickly approaching in many states. Make your voice heard by voting!

- District of Columbia, Virginia - June 21
- Colorado, Illinois, Oklahoma, Utah - June 28 - Maryland - July 19

 Request your ballots early!

Is your State not listed? Find your deadlines here: www.votefromabroad.org
Need help voting? Write to [email protected]

                   —
June Highlights:
• Tuesday, June 21: a special event with Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin and the LGBTQ+ Caucus at 2 pm EDT
• Saturday, June 25: Vote From Abroad table in Tübingen in front of the Stiftskirche on the Holzmarkt from 2-5 pm. Please contact us if you would like to volunteer!
• Saturday, June 25: Stocherkahn ride on the Neckar in Tübingen from 6:30-9:30. Donation per person of $15 requested. Our very own Vice Chair WyMing Lin will be our captain!
• Saturday & Sunday, June 25-26: Dialing 4 Democracy call-a-thon. This is a 48-hour voter mobilisation call-a-thon, where DA members will make as many calls as we can to battleground state voters living overseas.
•Sunday, June 26: North Carolinians Abroad will welcome Cheri Beasley for U.S. Senate

 July Highlights:
• Monday, July 4: July 4th party at the Forum 3 in Stuttgart from 7-9 pm. Please RSVP by Thursday, June 30th.
• Saturday, July 9: Vote From Abroad table in Reutlingen on the Wilhelmsstrasse, in front of the Spitalhof, from 11-2:30 pm. If you would like to volunteer, please reach out to us!
• Saturday, July 30: Pride Parade Stuttgart. Please RSVP by Friday, July 15th. A donation of $15 for all participants is kindly requested. More details to be announced. Join us in celebrating Pride Month!

In trying times it helps to find solidarity in like-minded people, working together for a good cause.

Wishing everyone a fantastic summer!

Sasha Arrington

Stuttgart and Southwestern Germany

Chapter Chair

Stuttgart and Southwestern Germany Chapter

April 2022 Newsletter

“Bullets cannot be recalled. They cannot be uninvented. But they can be taken out of the gun.” —Martin Amis

Dear Friend,
The unwarranted attack on Ukraine by Russia began over a month ago. The pictures shared around the world by courageous journalists and residents of the war-torn areas speak of the nightmarish atrocities being afflicted upon a democratic, sovereign nation by its brutish neighbor. We cannot unsee what has been done, we cannot unfeel the hurt and helplessness we feel for the people of Ukraine. Millions of women and children are trying to escape to safety, while the rest of the Ukrainian men and women valiantly fight for their freedom from oppression.

Many people have asked how they can help the people of Ukraine, both in Ukraine and here in Germany. Listed below are just a few options:

1. The Ukrainian Red Cross Society: a non-profit humanitarian and charitable association of Ukraine, with its headquarters in Kyiv. (redcross.org.ua)
2. UN World Food Programme: the world’s largest humanitarian agency, it has launched an emergency operation to help people fleeing the conflict both within Ukraine and in neighbouring countries (www.wfp.org)
3. World Central Kitchen: this organisation is preparing and distributing meals to displaced Ukrainians within Ukraine and in neighbouring countries every day (wck.org)
4. UNICEF: this organisation provides food, clothing and medical aid to those displaced within their country and those who have lost their homes (www.unicef.de)
5. CORE (Community Organised Relief Effort): is working in Poland and Romania to offer Ukrainians emergency relief (www.coreresponse.org)
6. Vets Without Borders: this rescue charity partners with local and international animal rescue organisations to help the growing number of displaced pets and shelter animals. Donations, foster families and adopters needed (www.vetswithoutborders.com)
      
As most leaders of free and democratic countries have condemned the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the former president of the US had only praise for Putin at the beginning of his attempted colonisation of Ukraine. Thinking back to the phone call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine in which DT asked for a “favor” in exchange of aid that had already been approved, it makes one wonder how differently the support of Ukraine would look today under a different president.

This blatant disregard for democracy by some Republican voices makes our work at Democrats Abroad all the more crucial, because we don’t want to be dragged down into the depths of authoritarianism and alternative facts.

To celebrate democracy and ensure that every vote counts, the Stuttgart and Southwestern Germany Chapter is hosting a voter information table at the Schlossplatz in downtown Stuttgart this Sunday, April 10th from 1:30-3:30 pm. We look forward to answering questions you may have about voting from overseas, or perhaps you would just like to come by to show your support for our cause!

We are having a chapter meeting at 8 pm on Friday, April 29th at Forum 3 e.V. in Stuttgart, to discuss current events, upcoming elections, opportunities to volunteer and to meet like-minded people. The cafe offers lovely meals and a wide range of drinks to enjoy during our meeting. Finally in person again!

Please save the date: our chapter will be participating in this year’s Stuttgart Pride Parade, taking place on Saturday, July 30th. Any ideas for showing our pride that day and people wishing to participate, please let us know!

Events being held by DA-Germany:
• Saturday, April 9 at 11 am: Battleground Action Hour! phone banking and voter assistance (online via Zoom)
• Wednesday, April 13 at 11 am: Meet the Georgia Primary Candidates (online via Zoom)
• Wednesday, April 20 at 6 pm: April Climate Cafe (online via Zoom)
• Wednesday, April 20 at 7:30 pm: Info Session about US taxes abroad
• Sunday, April 24 at 2 pm: Books Abroad: The will to Change (online)
• Monday, April 25 at 12 pm: Global Climate Rally with guest speakers
(online, via Zoom)
• Tuesday, April 26 at 7 pm: PRODA Germany Progressive Caucus meeting
(online, via Zoom) •Tuesday, April 26 at 7 pm: DA Germany AAPI Caucus Retreat Planning Meeting (online, via Zoom)
• May 21-22: Democrats Abroad Global Meeting (please RSVP online)

With so much turmoil going on in the world it is easy to lose hope. But there is still beauty to be found in unexpected places and the chance for random, small acts of kindness.

Wishing all a vibrant spring,

Sasha Arrington
Democrats Abroad Germany
Stuttgart and Southwestern Germany Chapter Chair

Thank you to all our volunteers for making our GOTV event so successful & fun!

 Stuttgart and Southwestern Germany Chapter

March 2022 Newsletter

“There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.” -Howard Zinn

When Russia invaded and took over the Krim eight years ago, there were sanctions and protests, but Putin’s behaviour went largely unchecked. Instead of focusing on his own country and trying to improve the lives of his people by raising the median income, improving the dilapidated infrastructure and health system and removing heavy restrictions on ordinary citizens, journalists, political opponents and anyone daring to contradict or run against him, Putin chose to do what he assessed as an easy attack that would pivot the focus of his misdeeds and failures onto an imaginary enemy: Ukraine, a neighboring country with a young, aspiring democracy.

On Thursday, February 24, 2022, we awoke to the nightmarish pictures on TV of houses in flames, people seeking safety in subway stations and endless lines of cars heading west. In the past days this onslaught of Russian invasion, by land and massive airstrikes, has continued. Something Putin had not added into his calculation, however, was the heroism of the Ukrainian people and the massive support from around the world. While Russia stands ostracised for its barbaric behavior, the attack on Ukraine has bonded all peace-wanting nations into one voice.
If you would like to support Ukranians, here are some ways to do so:

1. Moabit hilft e.V in Berlin, for donating items or vouchers (for drugstores or grocery stores, for example) needed by Ukrainians that have arrived in Germany.  [email protected]
2. UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe (www.uno-fluechtlingshilfe.de/ukraine)
3. Sister Margret and Father Wruszczak of the Catholic Church are collecting items needed in Ukraine at the St. Ulrich Kindergarten, Dolpweg 12, in Stuttgart-Fasanenhof. If you would like to support their cause, please bring the items you would like to donate on Tuesdays or Fridays between 6.30-8:30 pm or on Sundays between 10:30-12.30 in the morning. Here are some items that are direly needed:
• Dressing bandages, tape, large bandaids, etc. for wounds                                  • Pain medicine
• Disinfectant sprays for wounds
• Hand disinfectant fluid
• Bottled drinking water
• Baby formula, baby food
• Candles, matches
• Flashlights with extra batteries (taped on so they don’t get lost)                       • Sleeping bags
• Non-perishable foods

March has been designated to honour women’s contributions in history. One of the biggest feminist organisations in Europe, the Ukrainian Women’s Union, was founded in western Ukraine in the 1920’s. During the Soviet-era feminism was classified as anti-Soviet, making civil society and feminism nearly nonexistent during the Soviet times. After Ukrainian independence in 1991, a feminist movement began emerging again.

Several American women who attended the World Anti-Slavery Convention in London in 1840 were not given seats due to their gender. This gave two attendees of that convention the idea to hold their own convention to address the treatment of women. An estimated 300 people attended the Seneca Falls Convention, held in 1848, where the Declaration of Sentiments was signed by 68 women and 32 men. In this written statement grievances were listed, such as the laws denying married women to have their own money and own property. Other topics addressed were a lack of access to education and a low status in most churches. Another important point made in this declaration was that women should have the right to vote.

In 1866, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Lady Stanton formed the American Equal Rights association, with black and white men and women dedicated to a common goal of suffrage for all.

In 1869 Wyoming became the first territory or state in the US to grant women suffrage. In 1870 the first woman voted in the general election in Laramie, Wyoming. In other states women were unsuccessful, many being turned away from voting polls or even arrested for attempting to vote.

Victoria Woodhull was the first woman to run for president in 1872, although she herself could not even vote. She was nominated to run by the Equal Rights Party and had a vision of a future where people had 8 hr. work days, benefitted from social welfare programs, profit sharing and gradual income tax.

Women were not always united in their goals, with the fight for women’s suffrage having different components and different voices for these different views. But in 1920 the 19th Amendment became part of the Constitution and women finally achieved the right to vote. Many outstanding women, such as Susan B. Anthony, Ida B. Wells and Alice Paul, helped pave the path to women being able to vote in the US.

Nowadays we are faced with new ‘old’ discussions concerning reproductive rights, education in our schools and voting rights. There is no time to sit on the laurels of the great visionaries of our past. The path forward remains stony, but we shall persevere to assure that we give our children a broad assortment of literature in school libraries, which do not only represent a tunnel view of conservatism; that history is taught as it really was, and not white-washed to appease certain people that would like to glorify the past; and that we as a country call out voices and behavior that is anti-democratic and reproachable, like the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

DAG Events:
Tomorrow, March 5, is DA Germany’s 2022 Annual General Meeting! You’re invited to join us online, from 10am-6pm. Please RSVP to receive the log-in.
 
 The DA Germany AGM Prize Draw will be held tomorrow, directly after our AGM. Several DAG chapters have put together prize baskets that lucky participants can win. Tickets cost $5. 

Phonebanking Training: Sunday, March 6 at 10 am
The 2022 Midterms are quickly approaching and calling our members is one of the best ways to reach out to make sure they vote!

Training Tuesdays: Tools for GOTV with DA Germany: Tuesday, March 8 at 7:30 pm

The Stuttgart and Southwestern Germany Chapter:
We have a few voter information tables lined up this spring! The first one was on Saturday, February 12, 2022 where we had the opportunity to reach out to fellow Americans and help with any voter-related questions.
  
 Our next VFA voter information table will be on Saturday, March 12, from 1:30-3:30 at the Schlossplatz in Stuttgart. Would you like to volunteer and help us reach US citizens in our area? Contact us at [email protected]

“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” —Maya Angelou

Wishing all the determination to make a difference.

Democratically yours,
Sasha Arrington
Stuttgart and Southwestern Germany Chair     Democrats Abroad Germany
 

DAG-Stuttgart February 2022 Newsletter

“We have to talk about liberating minds as well as liberating society.”

—Angela Davis, American political activist, author and academic

In February we celebrate Black History Month. Carter G. Woodson, a founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History organisation, first came up with the idea, wishing to honor the contributions Blacks had made. Woodson, who was born to recently freed slaves in 1875, worried that Black children were not being taught about their ancestors’ achievements in American schools. This month was chosen to celebrate Blacks because both President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, a Black social reformer, abolitionist, writer and statesman, were born in February.

As Carter G. Woodson and Angela Davis, amongst others, pointed out, learning about history is not only an important part of education, but is key in learning from past mistakes as well. If we close our eyes to the reality of our history, then not only will the pain and inequality be forgotten, but we will most likely not make the necessary changes going forward. This is why we invite you to check out the following thought provoking and deeply touching books that have been banned from libraries across the country:

1. Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe
2. Beloved, by Toni Morrison
3. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou
4. The New Jim Crow. Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colour-blindness, by Michelle Alexander
5. Invisible Man, by Ralph Ellison
6. If Beale Street Could talk, by James Baldwin
7. Black Boy, by Richard Wright
8. A Lesson Before Dying, by Ernest J. Gaines 
9. Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nehisi Coates
10. The Color Purple, by Alice Walker
11. Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston
12. The Autobiography of Malcolm X, by Malcolm X and Alex Haley

According to the Public Religion Research Institute’s latest research, about two-thirds of Americans believe “a diverse population, with people of many different races, ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds” is what makes the country stronger. Yet some some Republicans are afraid of the changing demographics in our country and try white-washing history by banning literature and dictating school curriculum, altering election outcomes through gerrymandering, installing obstacles which make it harder to vote and blatant voter misinformation (ie. the “Big Lie”). We want fair elections, where the majority of votes determines the winner, one of the main principles of a democracy. Republicans who are willing to act against majority rule in order to seize power have to be held accountable by the January 6 Committee, in upcoming political debates, to their constituents and at the polls. 

There is a lot at stake this year, with the midterms being held in November where all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 34 of the 100 seats in the Senate will be up for election. 39 state and territorial gubernatorial, other state and local elections will also be held this year. We as overseas voters can have a big influence in fighting for our democracy by volunteering to help our local DA chapters, phone banking, tabling to reach potential voters, buying merchandise, donating to the organisation and casting our ballot (to do so please go to www.votefromabroad.org).

Our work is done by many dedicated volunteers. Please consider becoming a sustaining donor to support our cause. Whether monthly, quarterly or annually, even a small donation can have a large impact! Donations can be made by US citizens over the age of 18 to: 

Democrats Abroad Germany 

IBAN: DE04 5405 0220 0140 2702 99

BIC: MALADE51KLK

Upcoming Events and Online Meetings:

• Sunday, January 6 at 3 pm: Black History Month Film Screening: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner 
• Monday, February 7 at 7 pm: Floridians Abroad Planning Meeting
• Tuesday, February 8 at 1:30 pm: Training Tuesdays with DAG. Join DAG on the second Tuesday of every month to polish your phone banking, voter assistance and general GOTV skills
• Wednesday, February 9 at 6 pm: Call Storm in support of H.R. 40, hosted by the DA Reparations Task Force
• Wednesday, February 9 at 7:30 pm: Quarterly Book Club, hosted by the Münster Chapter
• Thursday, February 10 at 6 pm: Call Storm in support of H.R. 40, hosted by the DA Reparations Task Force
• Saturday, February 12 from 1:30-3:30: Vote from Abroad voter information table at the Schlossplatz in Stuttgart
• Saturday, February 12 at 5 pm: Fandango at the Wall-Music Without Borders, hosted by the Hispanic Caucus, Global Black Caucus and the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance International during Black History Month
• Saturday, February 12 at 8 pm: Texans Abroad Planning meeting
• Friday, February 18 at 7:30 pm: Pub Quiz, hosted by the Münster-Osnabrück-Bielefeld Chapter
• Friday, February 18 at 8 pm: Postcard Coloring Party, hosted by the Stuttgart Chapter
• Saturday, February 19 at 7 pm: Local Craft Beer Tasting, hosted by the Munich & Southern Bavaria and North and Central Bavaria Chapters
• Sunday, February 20 at 2 pm: Defending Democracy Postcard Party, hosted by the Wiesbaden & Mainz Chapter
• Thursday, February 24 at 1 pm: U.S. Consulate Frankfurt Veterans Information Session
• Saturday, February 26 at 1 pm: Book Club, hosted by the Düsseldorf-Ruhr Chapter
• Saturday, February 26 at 8 pm: Author Talk with Willy Wilkinson. Born on the Edge of Race and Gender: A Voice for Cultural Competency
• Monday, February 28 at 12 pm: Four-Front Fight: Freedom to Vote & Democracy, hosted by the Progressive Caucus
• Friday, March 4 at 7:30 pm: DA Germany’s AGM Cocktail Hour and Trivia Night, hosted by the Münster-Osnabrück Chapter
• Saturday, March 5 from 10 am-6 pm: Democrats Abroad Germany Annual General Meeting
• Saturday, March 12 from 1:30-3:30 pm: Vote From Abroad voter information table at the Schlossplatz in Stuttgart

If you have questions regarding voting from overseas or would just like to stop by and say hello, we will be at the Schlossplatz in Stuttgart on February 12th from 1:30-3:30 pm. 

We look forward to hearing from you. Your ideas and input are always welcome at [email protected]. 

Democratically yours,

Sasha Arrington

Stuttgart Chapter Chair

Democrats Abroad 

Dear Friend,

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” –Abraham Lincoln

Hopefully your year is off to a good start! For overseas citizens, a new calendar year means it’s time to (re-)register and request your ballot. One excellent tool to make this process easier is www.votefromabroad.org

This year is very important, because in November 34 US Senate seats, all 435 US Representative seats, 46 state legislatures and 36 state governorships will be up for election!

If you vote in Texas, NOW is the time to register and/or request your Ballots, especially for the March 1 Primary!

This month the different caucuses have many different events lined up. The new caucus Environment and Climate Crisis Council (ECCC) invites you to its first meeting on Sunday, January 23, 2022 at 3 pm.

The Global Women’s Caucus will be discussing political framing on January 22 at 5 pm.

Our next Stuttgart Chapter virtual get-together will be this Friday, January 21, 2022 at 8 pm. Please RSVP by Thursday to receive the link.

As always, we are looking for volunteers for phonebanking, postcard coloring, assisting with voter information booths, etc. If you would like to share your time, please reach out to us!

If you would like to support our cause, we ask that you become a sustaining donor. Our work is only made possible through your generous support!

Account name: Democrats Abroad Germany

IBAN: DE04 5405 0220 0140 2702 99

BIC: MALADE51KLK

We look forward to seeing you at one of our next events, either online or in person! In the words of John Lewis: “Let’s make some good trouble!”

Democratically yours,

Sasha Arrington

 DAG-Stuttgart December 2021 Newsletter

“May this season find you among those you love, sharing in the twin glories of generosity and gratitude.” — Oprah Winfrey

This year we raise our hats to the scientists, doctors, nurses, caregivers and frontline workers who expediently and tirelessly worked to keep us safe and healthy. The COVID vaccine made it possible to see loved ones again, borders reopened and the feeling of normality was a treasured pleasure.

Due to the recent rise in COVID cases in our region, we will be hosting a virtual Christmas get-together on Wednesday, December 22 at 7 pm. Please RSVP to receive the log-in information.

If you have the good fortune of sitting at an abundantly filled table over the holidays, enjoying the company of dear people in the warmth of your home, keep those in mind who are less fortunate.

One way to support people less fortunate is to vote! As Americans living overseas, we are a strong voice that can help shape the outcome of all elections. We have many pressing issues ahead that will matter not just for us, but for many generations to come. Whether you feel strongly about reproductive rights, voting rights, the environment, the bail system, or so much more, your voice gets heard by filling out your ballot.

Remember to register to vote in January!

The first primaries will be in TX, OH, PA, GA and possibly NC. We are looking for volunteers for phone banking, tabling, distributing flyers, colouring postcards and spreading the word.

If you are looking for a Christmas gift, check out our wide range of DAG swag! You can also support us by becoming a sustaining donor.

Wishing you happy holidays and a good start in 2022!

Sasha Arrington
Stuttgart Chapter Chair Democrats Abroad Germany