2021 Paris Chapter Election Candidates

The nominations period for the 2021 Paris Chapter Elections has now closed. Please find below statements for the candidates standing for election.

The Election and Annual General Meeting for the Paris Chapter of DA France will take place on March 13th at 1PM. Candidates will give speeches prior to the close of voting and tabulation, and results will be announced. RSVP here. Early voting via electronic ballot is available to all members of the Paris / Île de France Chapter region — members should look for an email containing a link to this ballot.

You must be a member of DAF Paris in order to vote. New members are welcome but must join by Friday March 12th. To join: www.democratsabroad.org/join. You must be a US citizen 18 years of age or older by Nov. 2, 2021. Questions? Email the Paris Election Board [email protected]

If you are a member of DAF-Paris and do not receive a link to the online election but would like one, please contact the DA France Paris Election Board [email protected] 

CHAPTER CHAIR

JUAN CERDA

Bonjour! Je me présente, je suis Juan Cerda, and I would be honored to receive your vote as Chair for the Paris Chapter.

 As a professional Gay Latino man and a life-long Democrat, I have always wanted to address the critical economic, social, and environmental challenges. I am running for Chair because I want to continue our work to build a stronger coalition and widen the Democrats Abroad (DA) party tent. I joined DA in 2016, in which I immediately began making phone calls, helping voters get registered, and co-hosted numerous fundraising events. In 2017, I founded a grassroots Chapter of Solidarity Sundays of Democrats Abroad Austria (DAA) with other grassroots activists. Today the group has expanded throughout our entire Europe, Middle East, & Africa (EMEA) region. I have had the honor to serve in key leadership roles, including as the Vice-Chair (DAA), an EMEA regional Biden Delegate, Global LGBTQ Coordinator, and within our Global Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

I humbly ask for your vote; I will bring my years of experience, unique skills, and passion for registering voters. 

N’hésitez pas à consulter le site www.juancerda.com pour plus de renseignements!

CHAPTER VICE CHAIR

KATE BARRETT
 
My name is Kate Barrett, and I would like to submit my candidacy for the position of Vice-Chair of the DAF Paris Chapter.
 
A Seattle transplant living in France for the past 10 years, I am the current Paris Secretary and acting Vice-Chair. As a project manager in the public transit sector, I am passionate about the importance of public services in providing equal opportunity and access to all members of society, regardless of means or background.
 
I ran for Secretary in 2019 to contribute directly to DA's efforts to fight the erosion of democratic norms in the US and to put an end to the incompetence and bigoted cruelty of the Trump administration. I’m proud of what we've accomplished, but there is still so much more to do.
 
As Vice-Chair, I will be committed to building on the work of the past two years to ensure we have a Chapter with the vision, structure, and efficiency needed to be an asset to DA France's core mission of serving the American community abroad through voter outreach, education and engagement. It would be an honor to continue to use my skills and experience to serve the Paris Chapter in this capacity.

CHAPTER SECRETARY

JOSEPH SMALLHOOVER

My activism with Democrats Abroad France started at the grassroots when I joined in the winter of 1985 after working for the Mondale Ferraro campaign in California the previous year. I’ve held many posts in Democrats Abroad, both in France and globally, and I have one-of-kind in-depth experience with the Party, wide acquaintance with our members and activists, and broad understanding of our policies and platform. In 1985 all of Democrats Abroad was barely larger than today’s membership in the Paris Chapter. That’s how far we’ve come.
 
My term as International Counsel ends in May; I think it is now time for me to return to the grassroots activism of an earlier time, to put those years of local and international experience to work making the Paris Chapter ever stronger. And working again at the grassroots will inform my continuing work as one of the eight representatives of Democrats Abroad on the Democratic National Committee. There are many challenges ahead, and we need to field the strongest team we can. I pledge to work for to elect Democrats across America, as I have in the past.
 
I hope that I can count on your vote for me for Paris Chapter Secretary and your support.

CHAPTER TREASURER

NATALIA NOLAN

I was incredibly inspired by the work of Democrats Abroad — and especially our Paris Chapter — during this recent election. As we saw when the votes were finally tallied, mobilizing every single vote was absolutely crucial in ultimately securing the Biden-Harris win. But the slim margin of victory was too close for comfort, and it motivated me to become more involved in our local Chapter. My name is Natalia Nolan and I’m running as Paris Chapter Treasurer to help ensure our Chapter has the resources in place to continue — and even boost — our efforts to mobilize Americans abroad to defend principles of democracy and good governance. My background is in international relations and political science, with experience in public financial management. I also have some knowledge of good practices in internal control and audit which I could bring to the role. I would appreciate your vote for this important position, which I will not take lightly, and work with you to support our strategies and activities here in Paris.

CHAPTER COMMUNICATIONS 

EMILIE ROSE AIDAN

I, Emilie-Rose Aidan, present myself as a candidate for the DAF, Paris Chapter, Communications Coordinator position. 
 
Born and raised in Paris to an American mother and French father, I attended a bilingual school, matriculated to UK/American universities, then pursued a marketing and communications career in NYC. After a decade, I returned to Paris in 2019; I am a publicist in a luxury PR agency. 
 
We Democrats witnessed the consequences of 2016’s communications/coordination failures: four years of democratic institutions being dismantled brick-by-brick. Albeit relieved, I fervently believe that the real work begins NOW. I would be honored to assist the Paris chapter to achieve stronger results through education, engagement, and community-building. 
 
My Democratic Party passion runs strong, undergirded by my mother’s tutelage and my French belief in égalité. While a NYC participant, I proudly witnessed my late mother’s Democratic Party work via DAF/Indivisible-France, including her coordinating the Paris Women’s Marches. I would be honored to continue her legacy by serving DAF. As a bilingual, multicultural communications professional who is skilled in brand strategy, digital content, public relations, and storytelling, I bring robust skills—further bolstered by my passion for democracy and social justice—to serve in this role. 
 
Merci à tous.

CHAPTER OUTREACH (GOTV/Database)

SIMONE SLIFMAN

I am pleased to submit my candidacy for Chapter Outreach Coordinator. Our founding board has set a high bar for success; I would be honored to continue and expand upon their work, ensuring every eligible American in our region knows their voting rights and can cast their vote from abroad. 

A DA France member since 2018, I volunteered hundreds of hours with the national and global GOTV teams during the 2020 election cycle, solving complex individual voter problems, supporting special projects, and serving as a resource to other GOTV volunteers when needed. My GOTV participation began in 1992, and my 20 years of management experience in local government agencies, combined with my high energy, positive and collaborative spirit, creativity, flexibility, and love of technology have readied me to succeed in serving our membership. 

While we bask in the afterglow of our momentous electoral victories - some clearly won with the help of overseas voters - remaining engaged in the GOTV effort is vital to success in upcoming special elections and the 2022 midterms, when complacency and other factors may reduce voter participation. I’m excited to help lead this effort. 

Thank you for your consideration.

CHAPTER EVENTS

DANETTE LANDRY

I have been an active member of DA France since 1999. From 2001-2005 I was Chair of Young Democrats Abroad, France, I served as DAF Vice-Chair 2003-2007, and as Co-Chair for the Women's Caucus from 2007-2009. I have been instrumental in organizing activities for sharing interests and rallying points for coalition building, as well as volunteering for voting registration, etc.. A lifelong Democrat and supporter of liberal social values, I have been an active proponent of social liberties for women and minorities around the world, including those in Europe, Africa and Asia. Raised in the Michigan, educated in Social Anthropology at UCLA and completed my graduate studies in France at La Sorbonne and L'Ecole des Hauts Etudes en Sciences Sociales.Today, I am an international artist, which requires me to be to be socially interactive not only in Paris, but also in Europe and the United States. My long association with DAF, and my experience living and working in diverse parts of the world, all complement and strengthen my interests in Democratic social values and will enable me to further contribute to the DAF as the Coordinator of Paris Events. Thank you for considering my candidacy.

The nominations period for the 2021 Strasbourg Chapter Elections has now closed. Please find below statements for some of the candidates standing for the Leadership Board, including some for specified offices.

The Annual General Meeting for the Strasbourg Chapter of DA France will take place on March 7th at 6PM — RSVP here. Elections are underway via electronic ballot available to all members of the Strasbourg Chapter from February 27 to noon, March 7. Please join us on March 7 to hear the election results and meet the new leadership team.

New members are welcome to join and vote prior to the close of voting. To join: www.democratsabroad.org/join. You must be a US citizen 18 years of age or older by November 2, 2021. 

If you are a member of DAF Strasbourg Chapter and do not receive a link to the online election but would like one, please contact the DA France Strasbourg Election Board - Barbara, Vivianne, and Ada at [email protected]

CANDIDATE STATEMENT FOR CHAPTER CHAIR 

PATRICK GANNE

Bonjour, my name is Patrick GANNE. I am declaring my candidacy to serve on the Democrats Abroad Strasbourg Board and to run for Chapter Chair.

I have been a member of the Strasbourg Chapter of Democrats Abroad France for longer than I can remember. I have served on the Democrats Abroad Strasbourg Board for the past four years. I wish to continue my service to our community, our nation and my fellow Democrats. 

I have assisted in the planning and execution of numerous events in pre-Corona 19 times and it is my intent to continue doing so once we are free to publicly and safely meet in person.

As a Candidate for Chair of Democrats Abroad Strasbourg I will bring whatever meager talents and experience I possess to the position and dedicate myself to making the Strasbourg Chapter of Democrats Abroad France the absolute best that it can be.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT FOR CHAPTER SECRETARY

STEVE MESZAROS

I’m originally from Maryland, have lived in the Alsace for 20 years and joined DA in 2004. I consider it vital to get as many Americans as possible out to vote and donate in the coming election cycles – even more so than in the past due to the fractured state of our nation and the unending saga of Trumpism. 

To this effect there are several things I consider important for the Strasbourg chapter in the coming months:

• Increasing activities again as soon as the pandemic allows. This includes both social events and events providing political information, lectures, and discourse.
• Increasing contact with local media to make Americans in the area aware of the Strasbourg DA chapter and attracting new members.
• Cooperating with DA Switzerland and DA Germany to build a critical mass for larger, more attractive events.

CANDIDATES FOR CHAPTER COMMS OFFICER 

KEVIN MORGAN-ROTHSCHILD

I write to you today for your consideration as Communications and Social Media Officer of the Democrats Abroad Strasbourg Chapter. 

In 2019, I started to feel more and more disturbed by the situation in our home country. Briefly, I considered moving back to get involved in the upcoming election, ultimately, I decided to stay in Strasbourg and continue my life here. During the summer of 2020, I discovered this chapter via Facebook. Becoming a part of the movement to elect a Democratic candidate for president of the United States fulfilled my untapped desire from years prior.

Throughout the months of August to October I worked to encourage followers of our page to vote in the November election. Additionally, I co-organized two debate bingo games. This is why this February; I ask to join the board of Democrats Abroad Strasbourg chapter so that we can keep working to preserve democracy together.

CANDIDATES FOR CHAPTER LEADERSHIP BOARD

CRAIG GOODMAN

This last election has clearly shown us, if there was any doubt, that small numbers of votes can prove to be decisive.  Our votes from abroad may well have been the few thousand here and there that helped the Biden-Harris team win.  With this in mind, I want to continue to serve.  A US citizen, American born and educated, I have lived in France since 1987; first in Paris, and since 1998 in Strasbourg.  My two children attended school in the French public schools' Anglophone international section.  I am a career musician, professor at the Haute Ecole des Arts du Rhin (HEAR); Conservatoire, and artistic director of an international festival in Denmark. I believe in France's societal model as well as the importance for the US to revive, enhance and expand its promising identity.  

The Avignon Election Board is pleased to announce the candidates for Avignon Chapter Chair and Vice Chair. All members of DA France living in the the Avignon Chapter area will receive a ballot by email -- voting will end on March 6 at 2PM. For questions please contact the Avignon Election Board Catherine Tate (Chair), Elaine Garcin, Ellen Pumo, and Charles Jarworski at [email protected]

Candidate for Avignon Chapter Chair

JACK MC DERMOTT

I have been Chair of the DA-Avignon chapter for two momentous years, and would like to go on for another  term. Why? I want to continue the push for a ‘Blue Wave’...to ´discover’ and enroll Americans abroad,  ensure they are informed, and to encourage them to vote.  

In so many contests absentee ballots, many from DA members, make the difference.  During these last two years Democrats secured the WH and slim majorities in Congress. And while results  are mixed at State & Local levels, we made progress. But we need to do more. As a former HR Executive  with international experience, I believe I have the insight and experience to get things done. I’ve lived  nearly 40 years in Europe: Holland, Switzerland, and now retired in France. I’ve learned much and I want  to contribute.  

So, while safety concerns have constrained our ability to gather (nearly all activities are online) it has not  eliminated the need to connect. We will meet again. I ask for your support to continue as DA Chair of the  Avignon Chapter.  

Candidate for Avignon Chapter Secretary  

DENNIS SHIBUT  

I have eight years of chapter leadership experience: two consecutive terms (2012-16) as chair and two  terms (2016-20) as vice-chair. I first became a member of the Avignon chapter when it first started in 2004.  I’ve resided in Avignon for more than 30 years, enjoying the cuisine, sun, and cycling.  

Professionally I’m a physicist for the environment and worked for NASA (Skylab Mission) and taught  physics at the university level. Here in France, I continue to give presentations at universities and schools 

on green living and renewable energy. I am also an Ambassador for Enercoop, France’s best-rated  renewable energy utility.  

During my tenures, our membership tripled through monthly events, and during the presidential and  congressional campaigns our ballot arrivals scored an 80 percent success rate, a high point for DAF. Our  4-step process for this success is now standard practice for DA chapters worldwide. Another first was  getting a local cinema to advertise our chapter on-screen at low cost. Two years ago, I helped start a new  DA chapter in Montpellier, where there are now 154 members and growing. I ask for your vote. 

BRITTANY CHAPTER CALL FOR CANDIDATES - NOMINATIONS PERIOD ENDS FEB 20TH

DAF's Brittany Chapter will conduct its Leadership Election on March 20, 2021 at 3PM via Zoom. RSVP HERE.

The nominations period for candidates is now open, and the deadline is February 20, 2021. Candidates are sought for the following positions: 

Following are the National, Caucus and Chapter elections taking place this Spring 2021 across Democrats Abroad France. Public election notices with details will go out to every Chapter and Caucus member as well as Nationally. (Updated March 6)

National Caucus Annual General Meeting & Elections

• Diversity Caucus - Sat. March 6, 2021 • RSVP
• LGBTQ+ Caucus - Sat. March 27, 2021 • RSVP
• Veterans & Military Families Caucus - Mon. March 15, 2021 • RSVP
• Women's Caucus - Thu. March 11, 2021 • RSVP
• Youth Caucus - Sat. March 13, 2021 • RSVP

Chapter Elections

• Avignon Chapter - Sat. March 6, 2021 • Election Board Contact
• Bordeaux Chapter - Sun. March 14, 2021 • Election Board Contact
• Brittany Chapter - Sat. March 20, 2021 • RSVP
• Grenoble Chapter - Sun. March 21, 2021 • RSVP
• Lyon Chapter - Thu. March 4, 2021 • RSVP
• Marseille Chapter - Sat. March 13, 2021 • RSVP
• Montpellier Chapter - Sun. March 14, 2021 • RSVP
• Normandy Chapter - Sat. March 20, 2021 • RSVP
• Paris Chapter - Sat. March 13, 2021 • RSVP
• Riviera Chapter - Wed. March 3, 2021 • RSVP
• Strasbourg Chapter - Sun. March 7, 2021 • RSVP
• Toulouse Chapter - Sun. March 7, 2021 • RSVP

Democrats Abroad France National Annual General Meeting & Elections

• DA France National Officer & Voting Representative Elections - Sat. April 17, 2021 - RSVP
• Interested in running for office? Find out more here, or join a public information session. Nominations close March 18, 2021.
  • Public Information Session #1 - Sun. March 14, 2021 - RSVP
  • Public Information Session #2 - Mon. March 15, 2021 - RSVP
    

Democrats Abroad Global Annual General Meeting & Elections

• Democrats Abroad Global Meeting & Elections - Sat. - Sun. May 15-16, 2021 - Save the Date! Details TBA
  Voting Members of the Democratic Party Committee Abroad, or DPCA, vote on matters such as Resolutions, Charter Amendments, and other business at the DA Global Meeting, as well as the Global Executive Committee Elections. The DPCA Voting members of France will be the newly elected Chair, Vice Chair, Second Vice Chair, and nine Voting Representatives.

Candidate Statements for the 2023 DA France Montpellier Leadership Election
Posted by Max Dunitz · February 20, 2023 1:34 PM · 1 reaction

Democrats Abroad Montpellier Chapter Leadership Elections
Posted by Alejandra Roman · February 04, 2023 2:44 AM · 1 reaction

Post SOTU Apero! Let's discuss Joe Biden's State of the Union Address
Posted by Paula Vigneault · February 14, 2022 10:47 AM · 1 reaction

Click below to receive periodic updates from the GOTV and Voting Rights teams regarding our voting rights work.  We will message you when there are important updates and developments to report.

VERSIONS
As of April 6, 2017: http://bit.ly/dacnbylawsdraftapril6
As of April 28, 2017: http://bit.ly/dacnbylawsdraftapril28

Comments period is now open and closes May 4th, 2017.
Please email Bylaws comments or questions to [email protected].

DEMOCRATS ABROAD CHINA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Last updated Wed May 3, 2017.

UPDATE:
• Day and Date Registration will be accepted for the AGM. Please join DA China before coming to register and bring your DA member/account number with you.
• Optional Early Voting E-Ballot link can be used by new members who missed the email that went out earlier this week. Their new DA China Member/Account ID is required. Vote before the end of day, May 4th. (details below). DA CHINA EARLY VOTE E-BALLOT: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/dachinaearlyvote

UPDATE: With Location and RSVP Details 
UPDATE: Nominations closed on April 19, 2017. We have 18 Candidates for Leadership Board! Check them out here!

===
RSVP TO ATTEND THE AGM IN PERSON, click here to email us: [email protected]
===
RSVP TO ATTEND THE AGM BY WEBEX or phone, click here to email us: [email protected]
===

DA CHINA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
All US citizens who are registered members of Democrats Abroad, residing in China, and of voting age by the next general federal election (Nov 6, 2018) are eligible to participate in the DA China Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday May 6th, in person in Beijing and Shanghai, or via remote videoconference (WebEx).

As announced April 6th, we will pass Bylaws and Elect Leadership at the AGM, necessary steps towards making China an official country committee of Democrats Abroad. Our country committee application will then be ratified at the Democrats Abroad Global Meeting in Washington DC, May 12-15.

DA CHINA BYLAWS: To view the current Bylaws Draft, click here: Bylaws.
The comment period is now open and will close May 4th.
To send questions or comments on the Bylaws draft, please click here: [email protected]. 

ELECTIONS: LEADERSHIP BOARD & EXCOM OFFICERS
We will elect the DA China Leadership Board and then ExCom Officers in two rounds.

Round One: Leadership Board Elections. 18 Candidates are running for 11 positions on the Leadership Board. To read Candidate statements, please click here.  For this part of the elections only, there will be an early e-voting option for those who cannot attend the meeting. See details below.

Round Two: Executive Committee Officer Elections. Once we have elected a Leadership Board, out of their number we will then elect six Officers who comprise the Executive Committee (ExCom); they shall be the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Legal Officer and Director of Communications and IT. The Chair and Vice Chair must be of opposite genders. To read about ExCom Positions, scroll down. 

Note that only those who have been successfully elected to the Board in Round One can be then nominated and run for Officer positions in Round Two. When voting, please also take into consideration regional balance and other factors to ensure we have a diverse and dynamic leadership team representative of DA China as a whole.

EARLY VOTING (OPTIONAL) BY E-BALLOT APRIL 29 TO MAY 4 - LEADERSHIP BOARD ELECTIONS ONLY
If you are not able to attend the AGM, as a DA Member in China you will have the option to Early Vote by e-ballot for Round One: Leadership Board Elections. DA Members in China received an email from the Nominations and Elections Committee of DA China on April 30, 2017 containing the link and instructions for Early Voting. (Subject line: IMPORTANT - DA China Early Vote E-Ballot - Vote Now) NOTE that if you elect to Early Vote, you may not vote again or change your vote at the Leadership Board elections at the AGM -- attempting to vote more than once will disqualify you. (There is no early vote option for ExCom Officer elections, you must participate in the AGM on May 6th either in person or via WebEx to vote that round.) If you need assistance, please email [email protected].

DA CHINA EARLY VOTE E-BALLOT - PLEASE CLICK HERE:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/dachinaearlyvote

* * For those eligible and interested who have not yet joined DA in China, they can join now at http://www.democratsabroad.org.
Day and date new member registrations will be accepted to participate and vote at the AGM. Bring your new DA China member/account number after joining. See below to RSVP.

* * *  MAY 6th AGM MEETING LOCATIONS: Beijing and Shanghai

DATE: Sat. May 6th, 2017
REGISTRATION: 12PM. Free Pizza for early registrants. Come meet our Leadership Candidates.
MEETING: BEGINS PROMPTLY FROM 1P
Snacks and light refreshment will be available.

RSVP TO ATTEND THE AGM IN PERSON, click here to contact us: [email protected]

In Beijing: Beijing United Family Hospital
Building 2, Fifth Floor, 2 Jiangtai Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
北京和睦家医院2号楼5层会议室 北京朝阳区将台路2号
Map: http://beijing.ufh.com.cn/locations/main-campus
Many thanks to Roberta L., Carolyn W., Josh K., and Alan K. and the BJUFH IT team for their support.

In Shanghai: The Market
280 Ao'men Road, Near Changhua Road. Upstairs, first office right hand side.
THE MARKET上海普陀区澳门路280号, 近昌化路
Map: http://www.smartshanghai.com/venue/13458/the_market
Many thanks to Brent B., Chris C. and The Market IT team for their support. 

* * * MAY 6th AGM PARTICIPATION VIA ONLINE VIDEO CONFERENCE OR BY PHONE
DATE: Sat. May 6th, 2017
REGISTRATION: Please RSVP to register, and we suggest setting up 10 minutes beforehand.
MEETING: BEGINS PROMPTLY FROM 1P

RSVP TO ATTEND THE AGM BY WEBEX or phone, click here to contact us: [email protected]

Open to all DA China members who are not able to attend in Beijing and Shanghai in person. We will be using WebEx, an online video conference service that you use with your computer and a web interface. (http://www.WebEx.com)

A local call-in number will also be provided if you wish to participate instead by phone (voice only). 

DA CHINA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICER POSITIONS

CHAIR
The Chair shall be the chief executive officer of the organization, shall call and preside at all meetings of members and of the Executive Committee, and shall have responsibility for all activities approved by the organization. The Chair shall sit ex-officio on all committees of the organization including Standing Committees, with full voting privileges.

VICE CHAIR
In the absence of the Chair, the Vice Chair shall call and preside at meetings of members and of the Executive Committee. The Vice Chair shall have such other duties as the Chair shall define. The Vice Chair shall be the opposite gender of the Chair.

SECRETARY
The Secretary shall maintain a current list of verified members of the organization; individual members may review and revise their own member record, otherwise the secretary shall be responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of membership list names and contact details. The secretary shall also maintain minutes of all meetings, and all files and administrative records of the organization and make them reasonably available for membership review.

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 US law, particularly but not limited to those related to election campaign finance. All such records shall be open for inspection by members.

LEGAL COUNSEL OR COUNSEL
The Legal Officer shall advise the Committee or its officers on legal and procedural questions relating to DACN.

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)
The Director of Communications and IT (“Communications Director”) shall direct and coordinate the efforts of the Committee to communicate with the membership, coordinate relations with the Press, and advise the Committee on appropriate and effective channels of communication, in particular use of social media and digital meeting platforms.

FIVE AT-LARGE LEADERSHIP BOARD POSITIONS: The roles and responsibilities of non-ExCom At-Large Board Members shall be defined by the Board as a whole.

Questions? Please email us [email protected]

Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC)

Ada Shen
Rich Welch
Radha Chaddah

Interested in
ExCom Positions: Chair; Vice Chair
At-Large Board Member: At-Large Member
Based in: Beijing

My name is Joshua Lally, I'm a lifelong Democrat (dyed in the wool) who votes in Nevada's 1st Congressional District. I've been in Beijing, China now for over 12 years and I'm the Director of Food and Beverage for multiple popular restaurant brands in Beijing that have not only thrived, but have expanded to multiple locations around the city. I can also read and write Chinese, which can be a big asset here in China.

I mention my time in Beijing and experience in F&B because it relates to an understanding of how to create systems and structures that last the test of time, as well as how to navigate the unique challenges in this country that we call our adopted (or even temporary) home. I've studied and worked with really fantastic management and strategy methods and would love to apply that background to growing DA China. My passion in running for Chair or Vice Chair lies in helping the country committee to create a lasting structure that will focus on three essential goals: to build the membership for Democrats Abroad China, to sustain the enthusiasm of our members through various events and engagement, and through that engaged membership, activate them in times of need to assist the greater goals of the Democratic Party. To that end, I have also participated on the DA China Steering Committee in considering the organizational growth and direction of our new country committee.

It's as simple as that for me. I'm passionate about getting people involved to support the Democratic Party and push to take back all three branches of government. I want to get as many Democrat voters registered and involved with DA China as possible and see an engaged electorate working for change back home. We've seen such an amazing turnout and revitalized interest in American politics from this election and I want to help to build the organization that will serve these newly engaged minds in meaningful activities and involvement, hopefully putting them and the greater Democratic Party on a brighter and more successful path for the future. EMAIL

Interested in
ExCom Position: Vice Chair, Secretary, Legal, Director of Communications and Information Technology
At-Large Board Member: Women's Caucus Lead; Progressive Caucus Lead; Issues Advocacy; Rapid Response Team
Based in: Beijing

My name is Kira Leinonen, registered Maine voter. I would like you to support me for a role as an At-Large Board Member, working on Issues Advocacy.

I am an independent film and documentary producer living and working in China since 2008. I believe that Americans living outside of the US need more effective engagement in US politics to be better represented, and to be better heard. I believe that as Americans overseas we offer an invaluable perspective on some the most pressing issues facing our nation and our planet, and the future for all. As a Board Member, I feel that my experience in communications and media would help DA China mobilize around issues that matter to large cross-sections of Americans abroad, such as climate change and specific US foreign policies, and communicate them effectively to our representatives in Washington. I hope to offer my experience as a communications and creative professional managing complex teams in in identifying, articulating and moving toward specific goals can be of service to the incoming Leadership Board, in better engaging voters and connecting with the issues relevant to our political system back home on both local and national levels.

Whether working on regional and global campaigns, or feature films and commercials, my production work has reinforced the importance of clear communication within and between teams, and the importance of understanding audience and the appropriate tones and channels through which to reach them. As the video producer at Greenpeace East Asia for several years, I collaborated with mixed teams of local and international activists, journalists, and media professionals. As an editor of a documentary series about China's environment, in collaboration with state media, I had the responsibility of distinguishing key elements of sensitive grassroots activism in order to shape their stories for broad domestic and international audiences. I believe the ability to gather, understand, and distill diverse issues and the opinions surrounding them into coherent narratives would be an asset to DA China in the effort of relaying our concerns and priorities to our representatives and allies in the US. As a delegate of Global Power Shift, the international movement that laid the groundwork for events such as the 2014 and upcoming 2016 People's Climate March, and through volunteer work for US unions and civil rights organizations, I have been able to apply my communications and advocacy skills to translating international concerns into US-based movements. I would like to continue building this momentum with DA China to impact US politics from abroad.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to this country committee leadership effort, and I thank you for your consideration. If you have any questions please contact me. EMAIL

Interested in
ExCom Positions: Director of Communications and Information Technology
At-Large Board Member: At-Large Member
Based in: Shanghai

My name is Chris Zombik. I live in Shanghai and vote in Massachusetts. I am running for DA China leadership because I want this committee to be the best it can possibly be when it comes to connecting American expats in China and getting them involved in our democracy. I was also one of the main organizers for the DA China Global Presidential Primary in Shanghai.

I am running for Director of Communications and IT, with the general goal of fostering and strengthening the DA identity in China and around the world. I hope to achieve this through two main areas of effort.

First, I am well-prepared to handle the basic Comms/IT responsibilities: managing DA China's digital presence through social media and email activities, interfacing with press and other outside entities on behalf of the Executive Committee, and making sure that our communications systems are the best they can be for our needs as a geographically spread-out membership group.

Second, I will work hard to use the Comms/IT position as a creative, high-impact platform for new forms of outreach and engagement. I will explore the potential of digital platforms such as blogs, newsletters, and podcasts for telling stories about DA's amazing work, not just in China but around the world. I believe that by hearing about the struggles and successes of our counterparts here and in other countries, we will build a leaner, meaner, more engaged and effective membership. Storytelling is key: by getting the word out about what DA members worldwide are up to, Comms/IT can inspire unexpected connections and grassroots initiative. Importantly, these stories can easily be shared with other country committees to help them build engagement, too.

My background is well-suited to this role. My day job is helping Chinese kids apply for American colleges, so I am basically a communications and storytelling coach. In my free time, I'm an aspiring novelist and internet junkie. Running for Communications Director seems like the ideal way to combine my skills and interests in order to bolster expat political involvement in China and beyond. EMAIL