Welcome to new and returning members. We hope you are well. And thank you for opening the chapter newsletter. In this edition, you will find:
Three on-line chapter get-togethers and six concrete things you can do to make a difference. Scroll through and find what appeals to you.
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Message from the Frankfurt Team:
In the current situation of restricted face-to-face contact and remote socializing, we recognize that everyone has been affected in different ways - some quite dramatically and uncomfortably - and we are dealing with changes that we never thought we’d have to make.
What has not changed is our determination to win the 2020 elections. The Republicans have openly admitted what we’ve known for decades: If more people voted, the Republicans would “never be elected.” And since we know that most expats don’t vote, the main work of Democrats Abroad to get out the vote gives us a lot to do - even now.
With member input, we are suggesting several activities, and we welcome your individual input on other ideas.
Stay healthy,
Barb Chap, Chair; Dhaval Kapadia, Vice; Stacey Kruckel, Secretary; Kate Sawyer, Treasurer
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Three different get-togethers at three different times – online, easy to join, and free with your computer.Kate Sawyer will give us the status of the CARES act, which may provide some monetary relief to Americans living abroad. And, we’ll get to know one another better by hearing from you. The Frankfurt Chapter covers basically all of Hessen and parts of Bavaria, and now we will reach people who couldn’t reach a physical meeting place. |
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Saturday afternoon, 18 April at 1:00 pm. Bring your own sandwich and a beverage and Join the group at https://democratsabroad.webex.com/democratsabroad/e.php?MTID=me3be6cdc31a9f197d56085d17910992b
No working computer? Call-in toll number (US): +1-650-479-3208. Meeting call-in access code: 477389933
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Tuesday morning, 21 April at 10:30 am for a coffee, tea, and cake break. The group meets at https://democratsabroad.webex.com/democratsabroad/e.php?MTID=m52176e0d326ed5a8b63609b09f73666c
No working computer? Call-in toll number (US): +1-650-479-3208. Meeting call-in access code: 478579705
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Thursday evening, 23 April at 7 pm. Just bring your beverage and your smiling face. The meeting takes place at https://democratsabroad.webex.com/democratsabroad/e.php?MTID=m14a07b2b2fde31cfd1738b0f72ab8022
No working computer? Call-in toll number (US): +1-650-479-3208. Meeting call-in access code: 475175097
For all meetings:
- Enter your name and then put your town in parentheses. Enter your email address.
- Enter the meeting password: dems
- Click "Join".
- When the WebEx Meeting Center opens, please select "Use Computer for Audio" (in the Audio Conference pop-up box, under "Audio Connection"), and you will be able to hear the call conversation.
We’re looking forward to seeing you.
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Six different actions – Almost everyone wants and can do “something” to get Democrats elected. The important thing is to find the “something” that will give you a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment. No matter how small, everything counts.
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1. Amazingly, not all of DA members vote. Join an experienced team and be a phone banker. Remind our members to request their ballots NOW. You can start here to sign up and here to watch a training video. (Ignore the initial message and click on the play arrow. It takes a bit before it starts.) Let Barb Chap, Chair, know if you want more information. | |
| 2. Write postcards. This is the best way we have now to reach ex-pats in Germany to register and request an absentee ballot. Every single postcard you personally color and write will reach a real person. DA has secured the voting rolls in the battleground states of AZ, CO, FL, GA, MI, MN, MT, NC, OH, PA. Wisconsin voters were the first to get cards. Just email Barb Chap, Chair with the number of cards you would like, and she’ll give you the details and mail them to you. |  |
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| 3. Call or write your member of Congress to request that they guarantee safe, secure elections during the coronavirus outbreak: https://indivisible.org/resource/ensuring-safe-secure-elections-during-covid-19-outbreak | ||
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4. Use your network here and in the States to remind in-country Americans to vote. Vote Save America - https://www.votesaveamerica.com |
Remote volunteering possibilities with USA organizations, for example: Fairfight
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5. Stay informed and stay in touch. You do not have to be a member of any Caucus to join: Joint presentation of Global Black Caucus, Global Women’s Caucus, and Global Hispanic Caucus. This is an important discussion with Dr. Ramona Huston on how Democrats can build powerful, multi-racial / multi-cultural coalitions and a stronger Democratic Party: Black/Brown Power, Whiteness and Women: The 2020 Election Challenge—Democrats, Be the Light! Save America!: https://youtu.be/UrumuJJiAd8 Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 7 pm CET Global Women's Caucus: Earth Day Panel event RSVP Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 7pm CET Global Black Caucus: GBC Cafe - III RSVP |
More ways to be informed and active:
DAGermany Get Out The Vote - a comprehensive resource page Dem List – a source site for democratic activists, leaders, party committees, supporters and allies Ballotpedia - a digital encyclopedia of American politics and elections
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6. Contribute The expenses at Democrats Abroad Germany continue for the websites, the database, the platforms for meetings, webinars, and trainings. No amount is too little. Thank you. You can set up a one-time or recurring donations with a bank transfer to the following account:
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We appreciate your reading the newsletter and look forward to your feedback.
Be well,
The Frankfurt Chapter Team