From October 11-13, Democrats Abroad leaders from the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region participated in an intensive work meeting in Athens, Greece. Present were delegations from the UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland Austria, Hungary, Poland, Israel--even Dubai in the United Arab Emirates...and, of course FRANCE!
Athens—spiritual home of democracy—was the perfect site for the event.
For the 100+ leaders present in person and online, there was ONE question: HOW TO WIN IN 2020!
International Chair Julia Bryan gave a positive summary of where we are and a clear view of the BIG PICTURE goals for the organization. As a group, we took a look at our organization,and asked these tough questions, “How effective are we in bringing home the vote?” and “How can we improve?”
One thing is clear, though, we have been doing a great job in getting out the overseas vote! A simple comparison tells the whole story. During the 2018 midterm elections,
- Voter turnout across the US increased by almost 150%
- Voter turnout among overseas voters increased by over 300%
- Voter use of Vote From Abroad increased by an incredible 600%
And, we must to keep our ambitions high in order to win big in 2020! For Democrats Abroad, the goal is to continue to positively contribute to winning elections across the US as well as up and down the ballot.
Our mission:
- Flip the Senate to Democrats
- Flip the White House
- Protect the House majority and Speaker Pelosi’s work
- Make sure the 2016 story in Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin does not repeat itself
- Help protect Americans abroad votes
The message that we brought back home with us is this: The times have found us. Let's get ready!
The challenge ahead of us as an organization is to double the overseas civilian vote from 2016. Keeping in mind that 1 in 25 election are WON by a 1% margin, we, the overseas voters, can be THE difference between victory and defeat for Dem candidates... if we get out the vote!
The most important resource that we have is our volunteers! DA is a 100% volunteer organization that is 100% funded by donations from members and friends. There are many talented, dedicated people around the world who give their time and energy to Democrats Abroad.
To reach our objectives for 2020 and beyond, we need to ENGAGE, ENERGIZE and EDUCATE more volunteers to extend our reach to new voters who live in our communities. And, to support the volunteers that work hard to get out the vote, we will need to mobilize donors in 2020.
Once again, there is good news! Since we are the only voter outreach directed to Americans abroad and are a 100% volunteer organization,
- Our outreach is efficient: $ for $ - money goes straight to mobilization with no overhead to support
- Our impact is effective - we can flip every 1% race across the country blue, making investment a sure shot rather than a long shot
To volunteer with Democrats Abroad, click here.
To donate to Democrats Abroad, click here.
DA France was well represented with Chapter Chairs from Avignon (Jack McDermott) and Marseilles (Susan Fitoussi), Women’s Caucus leaders Connie Borde (former DAF Chair and now DNC member) and Salli Swartz (our former Counsel), Youth Caucus Chair Alex Rehbinder and Veterans and Military Families Caucus leader Anna Marie Mattson, Treasurer Brooke Burns—and our course our Country Chair, Ada Shen.
From DA France: (L to R) Susan Fitoussi, Anna Marie Mattson, Jack McDermott,, Salli Swartz, Ada Shen, Connie Borde, Alex Rehbinder, Brooke Burns, Meredith Wheeler