This week: Find your people. Build your circle. Strengthen our democracy.
Hello friends,
This week, we are talking about something simple but powerful: finding each other.
Across Italy, Americans are living in the same towns, on the same streets, sometimes even shopping in the same supermercato… and yet many do not know that a few fellow citizens are right around the corner.
That changes today.
As we head toward the 2026 midterm elections, one of the most effective things we can do right now is form small, friendly Democracy Circles: tiny local action groups that meet for coffee, aperitivo, a book discussion, or a quick online chat. These circles become the backbone of voter outreach, voter education, and volunteer power when elections approach.
And they start with you.
This Week’s Action: Help Us Map Local Democracy Circles Across Italy
We are launching the DA Italy Local Democracy Circle Survey to find out where engaged Americans are and where small groups are ready to begin.
This is not a heavy lift. You are not committing to anything big.
But by answering a few quick questions, you help us build the grassroots network that will power our midterms work next year.
Click here to answer the short survey.
Friends, this is one of the most important things we will do all year.
Every big grassroots movement starts with little clusters of people, three here, five there, sharing information, building connection, and turning their collective energy into action.
Let us plant those seeds now.
Why Small Groups Matter for 2026
The research is clear.
People who are part of a small, steady community are far more likely to:
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Vote
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Help others vote
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Stay informed
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Contact their lawmakers
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Take action during critical moments
And when overseas Americans mobilize, they win elections.
We have done it before. We will do it again.
By forming Democracy Circles now, we ensure that by the time the 2026 midterms arrive, we are not scrambling. We are ready, organized, connected, and activated.
Need Ideas for Your Democracy Circle?
Here are a few that DA Italy can support:
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Monthly coffee or aperitivo
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A small reading group
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A news lunch or Sunday brunch conversation
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Online chats for rural members
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Letter-writing sessions to U.S. lawmakers (virtual or in person!)
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Voter outreach training
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Social gatherings that build trust and community
Your group can be as simple or spirited as you want.
Our only goal: connection, engagement, action.
Spread the Word
If you know Americans who are not yet DA Italy members, invite them to join.
If you already meet casually with Americans, ask them to fill out the survey.
If you are unsure how many Americans live near you, that is exactly why this survey exists.
We cannot build this map without you.
Final Thought
In a time when many people feel lonely, overwhelmed, or uncertain, gathering even a few neighbors can change everything. Democracy is not built in grand gestures. It is built in repeated, small acts of connection.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
– Margaret Mead
Thank you for being part of this movement.
With gratitude and determination,
Leyani Redditi
Chair,
Democrats Abroad Italy