Call for Nominations: DA Türkiye Executive Committee Elections

Posted by Stephanie Reaume
February 21, 2025

Democrats Abroad Türkiye (DA Türkiye) is excited to announce the finalization of our Bylaws and the opening of nominations for our upcoming Executive Committee Elections! This is an opportunity for engaged members to take on leadership roles and help shape the future of our organization. If you are passionate about keeping American democracy strong from abroad and want to be part of a dynamic leadership team, we encourage you to consider running.

Election Details:

Nomination Period: February 20 – March 5, 2025
Election Date: March 22, 2025
Voting: Online early voting & real-time voting during the election meeting
Live Nominations: Any vacant positions may also be nominated during the election meeting

Positions Available:

The DA Türkiye Executive Committee (ExCom) will be composed of elected officers and two Members-at-Large who will work together to ensure the smooth operation and continued growth of the organization. The following positions are open for nominations:

1. Chair

The Chair serves as the chief executive officer of DA Türkiye, presiding over all meetings, setting the agenda, and ensuring that the organization follows approved programs, policies, and compliance with host-country laws. The Chair sits on all committees with full voting privileges and is responsible for overall strategic leadership.

2. Vice-Chair

The Vice-Chair supports the Chair and presides over meetings in their absence. The Vice-Chair’s duties may also include responsibilities defined by the Chair. In accordance with Democratic Party policy, the Chair and Vice-Chair must be of opposite genders.

3. Secretary

The Secretary is responsible for maintaining accurate membership records, keeping minutes of all meetings, and ensuring administrative records are properly managed. The Secretary will also ensure that minutes are accessible to DA Türkiye members in a timely manner.

4. Treasurer

The Treasurer shall manage the finances of the organization, maintain its financial reports to members, and make and maintain such financial reports as may be required by law. All such records shall be available for review and comment by DA-Türkiye members. The Treasurer shall consult with the International Treasurer of Democrats Abroad from time to time on matters.

5-6. Members-at-Large (2 Positions)

Members-at-Large play a flexible, supportive role in the organization, participating in projects and committees as needed to strengthen DA Türkiye’s outreach, engagement, and operations.

How to Submit a Nomination

To run for office, candidates must:

Be a registered member of Democrats Abroad Türkiye before the nomination deadline.
Provide a 250-word candidate statement introducing themselves and explaining their vision for DA Türkiye.
Indicate their gender (for Chair and Vice-Chair gender balance compliance).
All candidates can only choose to run for one position.

Voting Process

Early Voting: Ballots will be sent out 14 days before the election and must be submitted by March 21, 2025.
Real-Time Voting: Members attending the election meeting on March 22, 2025 will be able to vote live.
Live Nominations: If there are vacant positions, live nominations will be accepted during the meeting.

Why Run for the Executive Committee?

Serving on the DA Türkiye Executive Committee is a meaningful way to contribute to the American expat community in Türkiye. As a leader, you will:

Play a key role in voter engagement and advocacy.
Help expand outreach and community-building initiatives.
Represent DA Türkiye at the global level within Democrats Abroad.
Ensure the organization runs smoothly and effectively for members.

Next Steps

If you are interested in running, please submit your Candidate Nomination Form by March 5, 2025. The nomination form and further details can be found on our website Democrats Abroad Türkiye.

If you have questions about the election process, roles, or how to get involved, please contact the Nominations & Elections Committee (NEC) at [email protected].

We look forward to welcoming a dedicated and passionate Executive Committee to lead DA Türkiye into the future. Let’s keep building our community and making a difference together!

Democrats Abroad Türkiye – Your Voice, Your Vote, Your Leadership

Nominations and Elections Committee Members

Stephanie Reaume, Mario Vargas, Monika Jędrzejczyk