The following positions received a single a nomination and will be acclaimed and begin to hold these positions at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) March 14th, 2023.

Chair: Dianna English
Co Vice-Chair (male): Lee Strickland
Treasurer: Celia Campbell
Secretary: Colleen Mahaffie
Member-at-Large - York Region: Post Ballot Vacancy
Member-at-Large - Durham Region: Lucia Lloyd

There is competition for the Six Members at Large positions and the ballot will only contain those positions.

Electronic Ballots will be emailed February 14th, 2023.

Voting closes and ballots must be submitted by March 14th, 2023, 7:00 p.m. - 24 hours prior to the AGM.

There were no nominations for a Co-Vice Chair of a different gender to the acclaimed male Co-Vice Chair. This gender balance requirement is in line with the Charter of Democratic Party Committee Abroad and Democratic National Committee. The Nominations and Elections Committee will accept nominations from the floor and conduct an election and voting for this position will take place at the AGM for this position. 

There was a post ballot withdrawal creating a vacant Member-at-Large position which will also be filled at the meeting.

The Nominations and Elections Committee sends well wishes and gratitude to all the candidates! We are available to be at your service by emailing [email protected]

Julia Buchanan
Janette McCabe
Ed Ungar
Tim Ellis
Allenna Leonard

Volunteer for a role that could help shape America. Deadline for nominations: January 28, 2023

Nomination Process: You can self-nominate or nominate someone else, with their permission. Nomination forms must be submitted. 

Term: Starting March 14, 2023 for two years, ending approximately March 2025, covering the next Presidential election, always an exciting time to be involved.

Eligibility: All currently registered members of  Democrats Abroad Canada who are members of the Toronto Chapter are eligible unless prohibited (i.e., term limits) per the Democrats Abroad Canada by laws.  Current members of Democrats Abroad Canada who live in one of the regions of Durham, Peel, and York are eligible for the regional position in which they live.  Nominees must be willing to stand for office. 

Nomination Deadline:  January 28, 2023 11:59 p.m. After nominations are closed, we’ll provide ballots and information on voting.

Board Meetings: Meetings occur monthly and can be attended either in person (when feasible) or remotely.

Positions: The following 13 positions are up for election:

Chapter Chair 

The Chapter Chair shall be the legal representative of Democrats Abroad Toronto as the chief executive of the chapter.  The Chapter Chair shall preside at all General Meetings and all meetings of the Board. The Chapter Chair shall have responsibility for the day-to-day activities of Democrats Abroad Toronto and for execution of all activities approved and undertaken by the Board. The Chapter Chair may appoint such ad hoc committees as necessary for the execution of the activities of the chapter, and shall be a voting member of all standing and ad hoc committees. The Chapter Chair is a voting member of the Board of Democrats Abroad Canada and shall attend their monthly meetings. 

Co-Vice Chair (2)

In the absence of the Chapter Chair, either of the Co-Vice Chairs shall call and preside at meetings of members and of the Board. The Co-Vice Chairs shall have such duties as chairing one or more standing or ad hoc committees. The Co-Vice Chairs shall attend all Board meetings and work with the Chapter Chair to ensure that all responsibilities approved by and on behalf of the chapter are supervised and executed appropriately. In accordance with Democrats Abroad rules about gender representation, one of the Co-Vice Chairs shall be a different gender from the Chapter Chair. The Co-Vice Chairs are voting members of the Board of Democrats Abroad Canada and shall attend their monthly meetings. 

Treasurer

The Treasurer shall manage the finances of the chapter, maintain its financial reports to members, and make and maintain such financial reports as may be required by law (including without limitation the laws and regulations of the United States applicable to political parties and contributions to them).  All such records shall be open for inspection by members. The Treasurer shall attend all Board meetings and prepare and present to the Annual General Meeting of Democrats Abroad Toronto a Statement of Income and Expenses and a Balance Sheet.

Secretary

The Secretary shall attend and produce minutes for all General, Board, and Executive Committee meetings. The Secretary shall maintain all files and administrative records of the chapter. All such records shall be open for inspection by members. Minutes of all meetings shall be sent to the Board once approved by the Chapter Chair and/or either Co-Vice Chair. The Secretary shall schedule and coordinate participation of members for all Board meetings.

Member-at-Large (8 positions including up to 3 possible regional positions)

Members-at-Large bring special gifts and talents to the chapter. Members-at-Large should attend all Board meetings and stay informed through general emails from Democrats Abroad.  Members-at-Large will work to engage area members by organizing events, such as tax seminars, debate watches, voting centers, phone banking events, pub nights, round tables, movie nights, and speaker nights. Members-at-Large should include a diversity of individuals with various skill sets, such as database and technology proficiency, writing articles for the website, and writing or sending emails.

Regional Members at Large: We will fill these positions if candidates are available and elected, and otherwise fill those spots with general Members-at-Large

Member-at-Large Durham Region

The Member-at-Large Durham Region should attend all Board meetings and work to engage Durham area members by hosting events such as tax seminars, debate watches, voting centers, phone banking events, pub nights, round tables, movie nights, and speaker nights.

Member-at-Large Peel Region

The Member-at-Large Peel Region should attend all Board meetings and work to engage Peel area members by hosting events such as tax seminars, debate watches, voting centers, phone banking events, pub nights, round tables, movie nights, and speaker nights.

Member-at-Large York Region

The Member-at-Large York Region should attend all Board meetings and work to engage York area members by hosting events such as tax seminars, debate watches, voting centers, phone banking events, pub nights, round tables, movie nights, and speaker nights.

Nominations and Elections Committee Equity Statement

Democrats Abroad Toronto’s Nominations and Elections Committee will actively work to recognize, develop and promote initiatives that build equity, diversity, and inclusion in the election process, including, but not limited to, removing barriers of race, sex, gender, age, physical disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodiversity, and socioeconomic status. These efforts will prioritize actions to ensure that all members are treated in a fair and ethical manner and are supported in their paths to success.  For more information, please contact the committee at [email protected] 

“Democrats are the party of inclusion. We know that diversity is not our problem—it is our promise. As Democrats, we respect differences of perspective and belief, and pledge to work together to move this country forward, even when we disagree ... we do not merely seek common ground—we strive to reach higher ground.”  - DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM

Many of us are still reeling from this week's Supreme Court document previewing a June decision that would overturn Roe v. Wade, but we've moved forward quickly to take action. Democrats Abroad is rallying globally, with the gender inclusive Global Women’s Caucus and our International Chair Candice Kerestan leading the way. 

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced he will be calling for a new vote on the Women's Health Protection Act on Wednesday, May 11. We need to contact our Senators now to demand they vote YES and protect the right to an abortion!

We learned in 2016 that elections have far reaching consequences. Let's share that sense of urgency about the midterms.  Women of every age and throughout history have been impacted by the laws that restrict their participation in society and limit their bodily autonomy. This is the year to be bold and challenge those in charge from members of Congress to the Supreme Court. 

Engaging and enlisting the help of the 500,000 Americans living in Canada who can vote is key.  FVAP estimated that only 4.6% of U.S. voters in Canada returned their ballots in the 2018 midterms. This leaves a huge opportunity for U.S. voters in Canada to protect reproductive rights and all the other essential rights that will now be vulnerable. We must protect our democracy.

We Need Everyone's Help: 

• Contact your Senator TODAY! We need to codify access to abortion into law. Contact your Senators TODAY and tell them we need to pass the Women's Health Protection Act when they vote on May 11. Click here for simple instructions to help you email your Senator.  
• Join the Women’s Caucus! We aren’t stopping. We’ll keep fighting. Sign up for the Women’s Caucus to get more frequent updates on how you can help. Everyone of all genders welcome, click here to join us.
• Request and Return your Midterms Ballot NOW! Go to Votefromabroad.org today to make sure you vote in the 2022 midterms.
• Help a Friend Vote! Do you know other Americans living in Canada? Do they know how to vote? Send them to Votefromabroad.org to answer any questions and get them registered!
• Share Resources on Social! Save or screenshot this tile with action steps everyone can take and help us get the word out to your network on social media!

In 2017, Mitch McConnell uttered his three only memorable words while trying to stop Elizabeth Warren from speaking: "Nevertheless She Persisted." They became a rallying cry for all of us! This week, she challenged us all again to keep fighting with her. "I am angry, upset, determined."  Oh, and she's not giving up: "Not Ever!"

In Sisterhood,

Democrats Abroad Canada - Women's Caucus Leadership

The Democrats Abroad Canada Board is looking for you! 

The DA Canada Nominations & Elections Committee (NEC) is seeking nominations for officers to serve for a 2022-2023 term:

• Country Chair/DPCA Voting Representative
• Executive Vice Chair/DPCA Voting Representative
• Two (2) Vice Chairs/DPCA Voting Representatives
• Programs and Events Manager/DPCA Voting Representative
• Two (2) Alternate Voting Representatives 

Learn more about these positions at this link. Get the details of how to self-nominate or nominate someone else here. You can also get more information on March 10 by RSVPing for our info session at this link.

On March 9, 2021, Democrats Abroad Toronto held its Annual General Meeting and elected a new Board for 2021-2023. We are so excited to have these wonderful volunteers leading the chapter. Please join us in welcoming the following Board members:

Thank you for your support throughout 2020. We are looking forward to keeping the momentum going.

Join us at 7 pm on March 9, 2021 for the Democrats Abroad Toronto AGM.  We will be announcing the result of our 2021 Board elections and taking nominations from the floor for open positions.  We will also be celebrating everything we achieved in 2020. Please see the candidate statements below for the various Board member positions we will be electing.

Voting will be taking place electronically, and the Nominations and Election Committee will circulate ballots in advance of the AGM. Keep an eye out in your email for your ballot.  RSVP Here for the AGM.

Volunteer for a role that could help shape America. Deadline for nominations: January 22

Info Session on January 17th, 1:30 pm - info & RSVP here

Term: starting March 8, 2021 for two years, ending approximately March 2023. 

Eligibility: All currently registered members of  Democrats Abroad Canada who are members of the Toronto Chapter are eligible unless prohibited (i.e., term limits) per the Democrats Abroad Canada by laws.  Current members of Democrats Abroad Canada who live in one of the regions of Durham, Peel, and York are eligible for the regional position in which they live.  

Nomination Deadline:  January 22, 2021

Nomination Process: Self-nomination forms must be submitted with a candidate statement via the Nominations Google Form link: https://forms.gle/rjaUF1wgdK4m4z346   

Please contact the Nominations and Elections Committee if you require accommodation in submitting a nomination form, [email protected]

Submitting your sealed ballot to the U.S. Consulate:  We'd be happy to accept your sealed voting ballot! Once it is received, we will send it to election officials via diplomatic pouch. Please note that it may be faster for you to mail your ballot directly to election officials using the appropriate postage and the fastest method of mailing available. 

On June 2, 2020, DA Toronto members joined DA members from all over the world to hear from each other about the work we must do, especially as allies, to end systemic racism and police brutality in the United States. Special guests included Nina Turner, Virgie Rollins, Michael Blake, Kelly Hall-Tompkins and Akilah Ensley.

If you weren't able to join live, please consider watching the recording here.

Annual General Meeting - February 25, 2020

Board Meeting Minutes – Draft

Attendance: Danielle Stampley, Karin Lippert, Mari Rutka, Virginia Smith, Brooke Scott, Stephanie Perry, Steve Nardi, Liam Keating, Kaitlyn Min, Yusuf Nakhooda, Mandy Moore, Carey Singer, Joann Sochor, Paulette Kelly, Jeanette McCabe, Reg Charney, Diana English, Tim Ellis, Tomas Bribriesco, Liz Olin, Dawn Lambert

Meeting called to order by Danielle at 6:05 p.m. Danielle asks folks to review 2019 AGM minutes. Steve reminds us that only those at the previous meeting can vote to approve.

Approval of the Agenda: 

Danielle asks to add discussion of Global Convention under other business. Mari moves approval, Karin seconds. Approved.

Vote for Co-Vice Chair: 

On-line ballot and paper ballot process closed as of Feb. 25^th. Some paper ballots passed out at meeting to those who didn't vote. Mari held the ballots until Reg could take them and tally them at the end of the meeting.

Minutes and Business Arising from the Minutes:

Approval of March 17, 2019 AGM Minutes

Danielle asks for additions or corrections. None suggested. Stephanie moves approval of the minutes, Virginia seconds. Approved.

Treasurer’s Report: tabled for later in the meeting (see below).

Report on 2019 Events:

Karin speaks to events done last year, which included:

• Toronto Women's March in January, 2019
  
• Women's Caucus Movie Night
  
• US Tax Seminars
  
• Panel with Donna Brazile and Leah Daughtry
  
• Rally to Release the Mueller Report
  
• Women's Caucus Potluck at Mari Rutka's Home
  
• Women's Caucus at Second City Toronto 
  
• Global Climate Strike Rally at Queen's Park
  
• Lights for Liberty Rally to Keep Families Together
  
• Meet & Greet with Julia Bryan
  
• "No One is Above the Law" Rally
  
• Thanksgiving Dinner
  
• Debate Watches
  

Karin reminds us to check our e-mails for upcoming events. Copy of list to be attached to minutes.

Future Scheduled Events:

GPP Voting Center, March 3, 7 & 8

Danielle speaks to the excitement of coming events. We have a debate watch after the AGM. She explains about the global presidential primary voting centers. Can vote on-line, but can also come to a voting center. There will be 4 centers. On March 3rd, one at East of Brunswick pub, one at Square One. She asks everyone to volunteer, especially in Mississauga. One on 7th at East of Brunswick and one in Mississauga on the 8th. Democrats Abroad get 21 delegates to the Democratic National Convention.  They are allocated according to percentage of votes for those candidates getting over 15% of votes.  Have gotten many new members over the past few months.

Global Convention for Democrats Abroad, May 15-17

In May, there will be up to 300 people from chapters all around the world in Toronto for the Global Convention.  This is where delegates will be elected. The more voters in the Canada in the GPP, the more delegates Canada could send.  There will be training as well on get out the vote activities at the convention. Toronto was chosen because of proximity to the US. Some folks may come up from the DNC and possibly even candidates.  Details on how to become a delegate are online.  

Liam says he gets questions he can’t answer. Steve points him to [email protected]. 

We will be using Zoom for remote access to the convention. Steve says we’re all welcome to attend. A call-out went out for volunteers and home stays. There are dorm rooms at Univ. of Toronto and rooms at the Chelsea. Contact Danielle if you want more information on this.

Pride, June 26-28 

This is one of the largest community outreach opportunities. There are a lot of Americans that attend. We have a booth on Church Street. Hoping to march in the parade this year. Would like to get 100 people to march. Danielle gives examples of elections in Florida and Kentucky where the number of Democrats Abroad can make a difference in election outcomes.

There will also be other events to help get out the vote. Intend to set up on campuses. Would like to set up in Guelph because there are lots of Americans at the school because of their veterinary program. Liam says he’s met someone at Guelph who is interested. Steve says we need to connect them to local chapter. Danielle says please speak to her if you are interested in helping organize get out the vote events.

Danielle explains that most Democrats Abroad Toronto meetings are the second Tuesday of each month and everyone is welcome to come and help out.

Announcement of Election Results:

Reg says there were 76 votes for chapter co-vice chair.

Tim Ellis wins with 39 votes.

Carey Singer 28

David Green 9

No spoiled ballots.

Danielle thanks all who participated.

Treasurer’s Report (held from earlier):

Reg reports to the fiscal year end which is Dec. 31, 2019.

Reg submits details, which will be attached to the minutes for the AGM.

Motion to approve the report by Dianna, seconded by Danielle. Approved.

Next Meeting: 

Future scheduled Board meetings:

• March 10, 2020
• April 14, 2020
  
• May 12, 2020
  
• June 9, 2020
  
• July 7, 2020
  

Adjournment moved by Mari at 6:46 pm.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Mari Rutka