As summer hits full swing, Americans across Spain are showing up with purpose, persistence, and pride. From Pride marches to public rallies, Signal chats to solidarity picnics, DA Spain chapters and caucuses are living out this month’s theme: Stars, Stripes and Solidarity.

While the news from home can often feel heavy, the antidote isn’t silence; it’s connection. It’s action. And it's community.

In this edition, you'll find ways to plug in, get trained, meet your fellow members, and find your role in the resistance, whether you're marching, mobilizing, or mentoring the next voter. From Barcelona’s “No Dictators” rally to the newly launched Veterans and Military Families Caucus, from Get Out The Vote training to women-led self-care sessions, this newsletter is a reminder that you're not alone, and that every small action helps move us forward.

Let’s dive into what’s happening around Spain and how you can stay connected.

Message from DA Spain Chair

Democrats! These past few weeks we have seen a continued assault on our democratic values and valued institutions. As you may know, the Big Ugly Bill was passed by Congress and President Trump signed it into law. What is little known is that the bill is a ticking time bomb that will affect millions of working and middle class Americans. This includes you.

You have a real chance to make a difference. Yes, you can get involved with Democrats Abroad. We can help you get connected with a variety of activities through which from Spain you can impact the outcomes back home. Join us! Be part of pushing back on the MAGA party and its assault on our institutions and programs that help the working and middle class. Please use this link to join in and make a difference.

Andrew Anderson, DA Spain Chair

Announcements & Calls to Action

DA Spain & Global Resistance Team Updates

Take Action Emails
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed these days, but despair is the enemy of progress. That’s why the Global Resistance Team has created Take Action, a dynamic and effective email series that offers clear, timely steps you can take to support democracy and civil rights.

If you haven’t already, click here to sign up for the Take Action emails from Democrats Abroad. They make it simple to channel frustration into action, one meaningful step at a time.

Julia Bryan, the activist behind Take Action, spoke to DA Spain members in an online session on July 8. If you missed it, you can catch the recording here.

New Signal Broadcast Group
We’ve launched a new Signal broadcast group open to all DA Spain members. In addition to upcoming event notices, we share key information about voting, civic engagement, and social justice. To join, click here. If you’re new to Signal, you can download the secure messaging app here.

Get Out The Vote Series
With the 2026 midterms on the horizon, our votes — and our outreach — matter more than ever. DA Spain is launching a four-part Get Out the Vote (GOTV) series this fall. These online sessions will cover everything from voting from abroad to organizing your own GOTV event. All experience levels are welcome.

GOTV Series Schedule

• Tuesday, September 30 at 7:30 p.m.: Introduction to Voting from Abroad
• Tuesday, October 28 at 7:30 p.m.: Hosting a GOTV Event
• Tuesday, November 18 at 6:30 p.m.: VFA Training with Heidi Burch
• Tuesday, December 9 at 7:30 p.m.: Putting It All Together

Details will be posted on the DA Spain Events page and shared by email.

DA Spain Monthly Meetings

Interested in helping shape our work in Spain? Join a DA Spain monthly meeting. We need new voices, fresh ideas, and enthusiastic participants to keep growing this movement. To join the meetings or reach out with questions, send email to [email protected]

Chapter, Precinct, and Local News

Alicante
By Brett Specter

No updates from the Alicante chapter this month, but visit our Facebook page for upcoming announcements.

Barcelona
By Annie Graul

Barcelona has been buzzing with activity this summer. In June, more than 200 people turned out for our No Dictators rally in Plaça Sant Jaume. Despite the heat, the crowd brought powerful energy with protest chants, music and homemade signs. Huge thanks to our volunteers who made it all happen.

On July 5, we gathered for an Independence from Authoritarians picnic in Parc de la Ciutadella. Over delicious food and good conversation, we celebrated our shared values and growing community.

Our regular events continue, including Wake Up Wednesday (coffee and conversation on the second Wednesday of each month) and Thirsty Thursday (happy hour and tapas on the fourth Thursday). Check our events page for details.

Keep an eye on the DA Barcelona events page for upcoming gatherings, both in-person and online. To stay up-to-date with breaking news and developments, join the DA Barcelona Signal group here. Lastly, we always need volunteers. If you want to get involved, email [email protected] or check out our Signal info page.

Madrid
By Maggie Zelonis

The Democrats Abroad Madrid Chapter remains steadfast in its commitment to growth, excellence, and expanding membership across the Madrid region. Interested in helping organize the resistance from abroad? Reach out to us at [email protected], and be sure to also follow us on Instagram at @democratsabroadmadrid to stay in the loop. 

Malaga Precinct
By Carey Ramos

In June, DA Málaga proudly marched in the Torremolinos Pride parade, carrying banners and signs, including the fan favorite “Make America Gay Again!” The reception was powerful, with cheers and applause from the crowd.

Some reflections from members:

“What a great and humbling experience to receive so much support from thousands of spectators!” -Russ

“Human rights are under attack in the US. I joined PRIDE in Torremolinos to celebrate Spanish tolerance. Spain today is a model for us all.” -Andrew

“As we marched by, the crowds reacted enthusiastically to our message of strength, resistance, hard work and hope.” -Linda

“I felt supported! The crowd clapped and cheered as we passed by.” -Christine

Reach out to us at [email protected].

Sevilla
By Kevin Dodson

The Sevilla Chapter continues its First Friday social events, alternating morning coffees with evening drinks. A new dinner club also brings members together monthly for shared meals and conversation. By breaking bread together, we build community and support each other through these challenging times.

We also continue Sevilla in Action, our monthly mobilization campaign. Each month, a member selects a pressing issue and writes a message template for others to send to public officials.

In April, we celebrated Earth Day with member Celeste Delgado-Librero’s presentation “Beyond Plastics,” discussing the environmental and physiological effects of plastics and exploring ways their usage can be reduced. In June, members participated in the city’s annual Pride March, and in July, we held a powerful session on the 1969 Stonewall Riots with Dr. Nancy Goldstein, a former professor of LGBTQ+ Studies now based in Barcelona.

Look to our Facebook page for further details! We’re excited about the opportunities this year holds and look forward to working together to make a meaningful impact.

Valencia
By John Schuetzle

Valencia is taking a short summer pause, with no First Friday Coffee or Third Thursday Happy Hour events scheduled for July or August. Our next coffee meetup will be held on September 5, and happy hour returns on September 18. These regular gatherings are a great way to connect, exchange ideas, and build community. Monthly leadership meetings will also resume in September and are always open to all members.

To help keep everyone connected between events, Valencia hosts two active Signal groups:

• La Izquierda Libera: A chat for American citizens living in or connected to Valencia. The group shares news, promotes discussion, and supports positive action for democracy and social justice. It’s also used to notify members about upcoming events.
  
  
• DA Valencia Volunteers: A chat for those who are involved — or want to be involved — in volunteering, contributing, or leading. This group helps coordinate meetings, plan events, and encourage initiatives from members.
  
  

Disclaimer: Do not use Signal to communicate classified information. Pete Hegseth is not your secure app role model.

Join the group and keep an eye on our Facebook page to stay updated on the latest DA Valencia news.

Caucus News

LGBTQ+ Caucus
By John Murphy

With 2025 Gay Pride Month now behind us, DA Madrid’s LGBTQ+ Caucus is re-energized and still buzzing con Orgullo following our successful annual Orgullo Gay Manifestación on Saturday, July 5. The team spent months planning and organizing DA Madrid’s participation in the annual March, which included the debut of our brand new powerful and informative larger banner designed by member Ben Seaman. New faces joined DA stalwarts, including a group of American college students who joined in and helped amp up the energy level by carrying our signs and leading lively chants during the four-hour march. 

Before Pride, the Caucus had a busy few months and a flurry of events! Our ongoing Trivia Night finished the season with raucous May and June gatherings. We had themed evenings that attracted a broad, diverse crowd of bright, funny, fun-loving and competitive players followed by pizza and libations. The Caucus also arranged a night at the Apolo theater to see the Madrid production of Gypsy. We secured steeply discounted tickets and the successful evening included a bonus talk back in the theater with Antonio Banderas himself! 

The Caucus also led the charge to finally launch a functioning, FEC-compliant, Democrats Abroad Merchandise Store. The store launched in June, just in time for the sale of DA Pride T-shirts and baseball hats. You can visit the store at https://democratsabroadmerchandise.com/ We encourage you to check it out and buy something.

If you would like to join our caucus and/or for more information, please reach out to Caucus co-chairs John Murphy and Hal Moskowitz at [email protected]

Veterans and Military Families Caucus
By Lucia Perez

This July, we officially launched the DA Spain Veterans and Military Families (VMF) Caucus, uniting Americans across Spain who have served or supported those who have.

Our July 4 events honored the balance between loyalty and responsibility. From Rota to Madrid, Sevilla to Valencia, Americans abroad gathered to recognize military families, promote voter outreach, and celebrate the spirit of civic service.

Policy-wise, we’re tracking the recent passage of H.R. 439, which mandates improved VA services for veterans abroad, including access to medical care and digital support. We're also advocating for the preservation of Pershing Hall, a historic veterans’ center in Paris currently at risk of being lost to commercial use.

The VMF Caucus is growing fast, with more than 1,300 members worldwide. Stay tuned for updates on membership, GOTV efforts, and volunteer opportunities.

For more info, contact: [email protected]

Women's Caucus
By Doris Stanger

The Women’s Caucus welcomes new global leadership: Sally DeSipio, former Chair of DA Portugal, has succeeded longtime leader Ann Hesse. We thank Ann for her tireless service and look forward to Sally’s fresh energy and experience.

This summer, we continued our Living in Spain series with The Nuts and Bolts of Living in Spain, offering practical advice to new arrivals. On September 27, we’ll host a session on Self-Care in Times of Turmoil. Check the DA Spain events page for details.

We’re also looking for members to help shape our work in Spain. If you’d like to join the steering committee or get more involved, email us at [email protected] 

If you would like more information about the DA Women's Caucus or wish to join, click here.

Click here to learn more about DA caucuses and how to join. When you join a global caucus, you automatically become a member of the Spain caucus.

Click here to see all the upcoming Global Caucus events.

Democrats Abroad Spain

This newsletter comes to you by:  

• Kathryn Weichel, Content Manager
• Chloe Lamfers, Designer
• Kelly Dickeson, Editor/Proofreader
• Andrea Host-Barth, Technical Producer

To stay on top of all the news, follow Democrats Abroad Spain on social media. And please forward this email to your American friends in Spain who may not know us!

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