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2022 Feb #2 Newsletter contents:

1. Message from your national officers
   1. Spring is primary season
2. Annual General Meeting and Meet the Candidates Event April 9th, 1pm
   1. Preliminary election announcement for Vice Chair, Alternate DPCA Rep, and Member at Large for Hokkaido
3. Upcoming DA Japan Events
   1. Online Speakeasy March 10th, 7pm
   2. GoTV Training - March 12th 11am
   3. Webinar for US Overseas Taxpayers, March 19th 6pm
4. Gun Control event - looking for volunteers
5. Make a video for the Global Women's Caucus Reproductive Justice Team project

🌟Message from your national officers

Together we make change happen!

With spring comes Primaries, and since January Democrats across the globe have been calling Texas primary voters - the first primary on March 1! Talking directly with our members is the best way to ensure that they not only know how to get their ballot, but that they send it in. In March, we will be contacting voters in N Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. We need more people to join the DA Japan team, to do both in person and online outreach. So why not attend an online interactive training? We welcome DA members from all over Asia-Pacific - these trainings offer the chance to meet people doing good work throughout the region.

DAJ will host an online GOTV workshop on Sat March 12, 11am.

Phone banking training will be offered March 20th, but you can also do the training on your own time => HERE: Each call, each effort to get out the vote counts!

Our DAJ Welcome Page has been renewed with a link to our calendar of events. Key events are listed below - we hope you will join

Join us!

❤️ From your DA Japan Executive Committee

Sarajean (Chair), Dave (Secretary), Regina(Treasurer)

Have you reregistered to vote/requested a ballot yet this year? Just go to www.votefromabroad.org Help us reach new and more voters by sharing this newsletter with all your American friends!

🌟 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Meet the Candidates on Sat April 9th, 1pm, online

SAVE THE DATE! Our DAJ Annual General Meeting is an opportunity to hear from your officers and committees, get involved in the 2022 midterms Get Out the Vote efforts! Join us for an action packed afternoon on April 9th.

We will be holding a special election for National Vice Chair, Alternate DPCA Representative, and Member-at-large for Hokkaido. Details will be going out to the membership shortly. At the AGM you will also Meet the Candidates and have time to vote! It's your chance to be heard!

🌟Upcoming DA Japan Events

1️⃣ Online Speakeasy March 10th, 2022 7pm~10pm JST

As always, bring your favorite beverage and hang out with friends old and new. RSVP HERE:

2️⃣ GoTV Training - March 12th 11am

Rebecca Thompkins, DA Japan GOTV Coordinator extradinaire, will lead a workshop so we can all help U.S. voters get registered, vote, and make sure their ballots are counted, to help with the midterms. RSVP HERE:

3️⃣ Webinar for US Overseas Taxpayers, March 19th 6pm

DA South Korea will be sponsoring a US Taxpayer Webinar with Nathalie Goldstein from myexpattaxes. Get answers to your Tax questions RSVP HERE:

You might also be interested in this video: Why U.S. Taxes Aren't a Barrier to Voting in U.S. Elections A talk by Rebecca Lammers, DA Global Tax Task Force Chair, Democrats Abroad

🌟Gun Control event - looking for volunteers

5 states have firearms on the ballot this years. DA Japan is hosting a gun control event in late March and we need your help with PR and organizing. Be part of the change you want to see in the US! Contact [email protected] to get involved.

🌟Make a video for the Global Women's Caucus Reproductive Justice Team project.

Make a 1-minute video explaining why the right to abortion is absolutely necessary. Mention in the video VotefromAbroad.org for overseas voter registration. We hope to motivate people to vote once the videos go up on Youtube. Link with information about the project and how to participate: HERE:

DID YOU KNOW:

$5 a month - Just 2 coffees or 1 frap a month - Can have a big impact for DA and DAJ!

• Calling all DAJ members 2X per year => $2500 + overhead for the calling platform = $3000 / 30 people @ $100 per year or 50 people @ $5 per month
• THUS => If just 30 people gave $100 per year or if 50 people contributed $5 per month, we could call all our members 2X this year to get them to vote.

Even if you don't have the time to call, you can help us by making a contribution.

DONATE HERE:

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2022 Feb #1 Newsletter contents:

1. Message from your national officers
2. A small action you can take today!
   1. Your help needed at DAJ
   2. Register to Vote for 2022
3. Vice Chair steps down
4. A Big Thank You to the Membership Certification Team
5. Upcoming DA Japan Events
   1. Feb 8 phone banking
   2. Feb 10 Speakeasy
6. Key election deadlines / dates
7. Upcoming DAJ Asia Pacific
8. Upcoming Global Events
   1. State teams
9. Past Events
   1. Jan 29 DAJ Day: RESOLVE TO GET INVOLVED

🌟Message from your national officers

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Sat Jan 29 for DAj day. It was great to meet some new members, and learn from our get out the vote leaders. See the short report below - the recording will be made available soon!

Farewell but not goodbye

We regretfully inform our membership that as of Sunday Feb 6, our DA Japan Vice Chair, Elliott Davis, has resigned. As you can see from his message below, although at this time he cannot commit time to DAJ, Elliott remains a supportive member of our community. I hope when you see him online or in person you will greet him with open arms and show your support.

Register every year to ensure you can vote

Have you reregistered to vote/requested a ballot yet this year? Just go to www.votefromabroad.org Help us reach new and more voters By sharing this information with all your American friends!

DA Japan needs you to help us reach more potential voters. by sharing the information in this email with 3 American friends you can help us enhance our reach. You are Democrats Abroad Japan. We are as powerful as our members are active. Scroll down for opportunities. There are opportunities to make our voices heard by getting involved - no matter where you are in Japan.

Together we make change happen!

Our DAJ Welcome Page has been renewed with a link to our calendar of events. Key events are also listed below - we hope you will

Join us!

❤️ From your DA Japan Executive Committee

Sarajean (Chair), Dave (Secretary), Regina(Treasurer)

Our DAJ Welcome Page has been renewed with a link to our calendar of events, HERE:.

🌟A small action you can take today!

1️⃣ DA Japan needs you.

• Special Elections Committee members: be part of local democracy! We are looking for 1 more person to join the committee:
  • open offices include :
    • National Vice Chair, Alternate DPCA Representative, Member At Large - Hokkaido
    • Kansai Chapter Secretary, Treasurer
• Membership/Fundraising team members needed: help us do some creative fundraising so we can call and write our members and out the vote.
  • Do you have a large social network including American citizens?
    • Check our lists of potential members to find people you know.
  • Phone banking not your thing? Enjoy online research?
    • We also need volunteers to help search public databases for potential members.
• Communications team: help us spread the word about DAJapan by writing short articles and cross posting information. Help us with the newsletter or events PR.
• Find out more about way you can help by contacting [email protected]

2️⃣ Register to vote in 2022

UOCAVA (The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) guarantees that overseas voters can vote in Federal Elections if they reregister to vote/request a ballot each calendar year. Go to www.votefromabroad.org and just do it today.

🌟Resignation Message

Dear Members of Democrats Abroad Japan,

Thank you for placing your trust in me to serve as your Vice - Chair at our annual meeting in June 2021. I was and still am committed to Democrats Abroad and to working to improve our government. However, due to some unexpected personal developments I unfortunately feel the need to resign from my leadership position so I can focus on some high priority items in my life. It’s not an easy decision for me to make. I look forward to sometime in the future when I can return to a more active role within Democrats Abroad.

In Gratitude,

Elliott I. Davis

P.S. With the 2022 midterm elections coming up, there are plenty of ways to make a difference, large and small. I hope another member of our community will step forward to run for Japan’s Vice Chair position at this year’s upcoming DAJ elections.

🌟A Big Thank You to our Member Certification Team

Every January 31st DAJ has to certify its membership by trying to reach all members who have not been in contact for 4 years or more. This year your Secretary and a team of 16 volunteers contacted 589 members by phone, email, and postcard, and were able to confirm that 48 were still in Japan and wished to remain active members. This growth in percentage terms puts us ahead of almost all of the other Country Committees our size and above, which strengthens your voice and representation in DA International, and gives us greater claim on resources. A Big Thank You to all of the members who confirmed their status, and to all our intrepid volunteers.

🌟Upcoming DA Japan Events

1️⃣ Feb 8 7pm online phone banking training

Learn how to phone bank, meet other cool people from Japan and around the world, and have an impact on the 2022 midterms. Online so you can join from wherever you are.

Eric will show how you can have an impact from the convenience of your own home - even while in your warm pajamas!

RSVP HERE:

2️⃣ Online Speakeasy Feb 10th, 2022 7pm~10pm JST

As always, bring your favorite beverage and hang out with friends old and new. RSVP HERE:

🌟Upcoming DAJ Asia Pacific Events

Online program done in collaboration with Other Asia Pacific Country Committees aimed at raising awareness and motivating more members to vote

• FEB THEME: Black History month,(HOST: DA Korea)

Interested in organizing events? Want to do something about gun control, taxation or the climate? Let us know! We would love to have events on these issues but need more people to help out! contact [email protected] to find out more!

🌟Upcoming Key election deadlines / dates

March 1 Texas Primary Election: Update

Primary Registration deadlines are quickly approaching!

Feb. 9th to register for a FULL ballot

Feb. 18th to register for a Federal ballot

• Primary ballots should be postal mailed back ASAP!

🌟Upcoming DA Global Events

STATE team EVENTS

For those of you interested in creating change in your state, DA has State TEAMs working on most of the key state and local races.

• Texas State Team: Sat, Feb. 12th 1pm Eastern 3am JST
• Florida State Team: Mon, Feb 14th at 1pm Eastern / 3am JST
• Arizona State Team: Mon, Feb 14th at 1pm Eastern / 3am JST
• Ohio Buckeye Book Club: Sat, Feb 19st at 9am Eastern / 11pm JST
• Wisconsin State Team: Sun Feb. 20th 9am Eastern 11pm JST
• Georgia State Team: Mon, Feb 21st at 1pm Eastern / 3am JST

Join the State Team Slack to get the meeting links or write to [email protected]

🌟 PAST EVENTS

1️⃣DAJ DAY

26 DAJ members attended our DAJ DAY event starting with an excellent GoTV training by our GoTV Committee Chair, Rebecca Tompkins, followed by our Town Hall event. We introduced DAJ and all our activities, and then broke up into separate online rooms to dive deeper on GoTV/Phone banking, Communications, and Membership/Fundraising. At the end we took a photo of how each of us planned to be more engaged.

DID YOU KNOW:

$5 a month - Just 2 coffees or 1 frap a month - Can have a big impact for DA and DAJ!

if we raise $ 3000 we can call all our members 2X this year to get them to vote

• that's just 30 people @ $100 per year or 60 people @ $5 per month

Click HERE: to donate to Democrats Abroad. We especially need sustaining (monthly) donors.

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2022 Jan Newsletter contents:

1. Message from your national officers
2. A note of Thanks
3. A small action you can take today!
   1. Request your ballots for 2022 now
   2. Calling for 2022 Team Members
   3. Support Elections Outreach
4. Upcoming DA Japan Events
   1. Speakeasy
   2. Get Out the Vote Training
   3. 5th Annual Women’s March - online
   4. Jan 29 DAJ Day: RESOLVE TO GET INVOLVED
5. Upcoming DA Global Events
   1. Texas Voter Online Assistance Helpdesk
6. Past Events
   1. Voting Rights, Swing States & Justice Inequality, joint event DA Global Black Caucus, BLM Tokyo
7. Community Interest

🌟Message from your national officers

Happy New Year!

2022 is here. Let us start with bold aspirations and plans of action. After the success of last year's thanksgiving parties, we will cautiously move towards limited in-person and hybrid events, while continuing online events to involve people throughout Japan and the region.

Let us all start with 1 simple action - review your voter registration at www.votefromabroad.org

• We have a busy year ahead of us so be part of the fun!
• We’d love to have you on our Get Out the Vote, fundraising or events and outreach team!
• Event details posted below

We have several exciting events coming up but want to make sure everyone takes the time to participate on Sat Jan 29 where we will bring people throughout Japan together for a town hall which will be preceded by a GOTV training and followed by local Shinnenkai (New Years Party) on Jan 29 hybrid, various locations.

• GOTV training 2-3:00 pm (hybrid) Find out how rewarding it is to reach American voters
• Town Hall 3:30- 5:30 (hybrid)
• Shinnenkai (location specific, in-person)
• Details below

Get out the vote (GOTV) training is a must to build a bigger team throughout Japan! Want to have an impact in the midterms - join a training, meet other cool people and be part of our team. where ever you, you are need

• Get out the vote training Jan 15 12noon online for all Japan
• Get out the vote phone banking training online - Tue Feb 8 7pm - for all Japan
• Details below

DA Japan is taking the lead with a new online program done in collaboration with DA Korea, DA China and supported by other Asia Pacific DA leaders.

• JAN THEME: The 5th Annual Women’s March Jan 20th 8pm - online (HOST: DA Japan)
• FEB THEME: Black History month, details forthcoming (HOST: DA Korea)

We look forward to seeing you all at one of these events - Together we make change happen!

❤️ From your DA Japan Executive Committee

Sarajean (Chair), Elliott (Vice Chair), Dave (Secretary), Regina(Treasurer)

Our DAJ Welcome Page has been renewed with a link to our calendar of events, HERE:.

1. Message from your national officers
   1. Thank you for 2021 and looking forward to 2022
2. News from the Executive Committee
3. Small Actions You can take Today
   1. Get Ready to Register to vote in 2022
   2. sign up to be a 2022 team member
   3. Donate for the 2022 elections outreach
4. A Big Thanks
5. Upcoming DA Japan Events
   1. Speakeasy
   2. Get Out the Vote Training - in person
   3. 5th Annual Women's March
   4. Town Hall
   5. Get Out the Vote Training- online
6. Upcoming DA Global Events

🌟Message from your national officers

Thank you for your support in 2021. Over the past several months we have been preparing for 2022, when we will be very busy with primaries and midterms. Volunteers and committee members have been busy calling and mailing members getting things in order for 2022.

Did you know … only 8% of eligible American voters in Japan voted in 2020? Make your voices heard by getting involved no matter where you are in Japan. Please scroll down to find out more!

More than ever Democrats Abroad matters. The party has been busy focusing on passing the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, getting a total of more than 190 million Americans fully vaccinated, and delivering much-needed relief for working families, and we have an Overseas Citizens Tax Relief Bill (see below). But Our work is far from complete as we face an uphill battle in 2022. We need to push our party from the inside and our members of congress - Democrat or Republican - no matter where we are from, to bring about social change. Want to have an impact in 2022? Get involved by contacting us at [email protected]. Or fill in the Get involved with DA Japan 2022! Form HERE:

We look forward to seeing you all

• Get out the vote training Jan 15 in person - Tokyo
• The 5th annual women’s march Jan 20th - online in collaboration with DA Korea, China and more
• The Townhall and Shinenkai (New Years Party) on Jan 29 - hybrid various locations
• Get out the vote training Jan 31 - online - all Japan

but before that be sure to relax over the holidays - expect an action-packed 2022!

Let the old year end and the New Year begin with bold aspirations.

• Unified Action!
• In the face of a closely divided congress, and an opposition happy to cause chaos, death, suffering, and flirt with financial collapse in order to win, we have not yet achieved many of our cherished objectives. The answer is not to give up, but fight the long fight.
• 2022 is a blank upon which we can write our own DAJ story. Let our word for 2022 be UNITY and let come together to win in 2022

Happy New Year!

Together we make change happen!

Our DAJ Welcome Page has been renewed with a link to our calendar of events. Key events are also listed below - we hope you will

Join us!

❤️ From your DA Japan Executive Committee

Sarajean (Chair), Elliott (Vice Chair), Dave (Secretary), Regina(Treasurer)

🌟 In Person Events Starting Soon

DAJ will be making the slow move back to having in-person events from Jan 2022 starting with our Jan 29 town hall, an in person and online hybrid event that will be followed by local shinenka (New Year Party)i. From Feb we hope to also move towards in-person speakeasy-socializing events. But we are still looking for venues. Do you have a space - like a meeting room, café or bar - that can be available to host events such as these? Know of one? If so, contact us at [email protected]

🌟A small action you can take today!

1️⃣ Get Ready to Register to vote in 2022

We will contact you again in the New Year, but the UOCAVA (The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) guarantees that overseas voters can vote in Federal Elections if they reregister to vote/request a ballot each calendar year in which they vote. Democrats Abroad has a very easy to use web site to do this, including being able to upload a photo of your signature, for states that allow it. After January 1st, go to votefromabroad.org

1. Message from your national officers
2. Come Join our Thanksgiving Events
3. National Treasurer Vacancy Status Update

🌟Message from your national officers

We will keep it short and sweet this time. First, all members who are able to join our Kansai, Tokai, and Kanto Thanksgiving events are encouraged to come out to our events.

Second, we need to update you on the status of finding and seating a replacement for our National Treasurer.

Finally, we have a link to the DA Taxation Task Force, which is promoting a bill in Congress to simplify US tax filing requirements for overseas filers.

❤️ From your DA Japan Executive Committee

Sarajean (Chair), Elliott (Vice Chair), Dave (Secretary)

🌟Upcoming DA Japan Events

1️⃣ JOIN US FOR THANKSGIVING!

Our ever-popular Thanksgiving Events are Back! All our major regions are planning events on Saturday, November 27th. The Kansai and Kanto Chapters are currently accepting reservations. Reserve your place, as seating will be limited. There will be an after-party after the Kanto brunch. Click RSVP link below for details.

It's the Gift-Matching Season!

ALL DONATIONS to Democrats Abroad Japan will be MATCHED up to a total of 1 MILLION YEN between now and the end of 2021.

The DAJ Executive Committee (ExCom) has pledged to match all contributions through the end of the year. Help us in funding the Get Out The Vote for the Midterm Elections. Hold The House and Senate!

The latest information and RSVPs for Thanksgiving can be found on the DAJ Events page HERE:

🌟 Update on the National Treasurer Vacancy

As explained in our Nov. 9th newsletter, Ruth McCreery resigned as DAJ Treasurer on Nov. 2nd. She remains committed to DAJ activities and purpose. Ruth and her husband John, like the rest of us, understand we must work together to win in 2022. Dave Brauer, current Secretary and former Treasurer is serving as the Interim Treasurer.

The Treasurer is an important role. The Executive Committee (ExCom) needs to fill this position by Jan 1st 2022. It’s important that we have a complete team so we can focus on our main aims: winning elections, by Getting Out the Vote after registering large numbers of voters.

Treasurer roles and responsibilities:

• Maintain financial records
• Prepare monthly financial reports
• Review and make proposals for adjustments to the budget as needed
• Work with or oversee the fundraising team.
• Take part in regular Executive committee meetings (currently monthly but this may change when the election season heats up)
• Take part in monthly Advisory Board meetings
• The Treasurer's role has the lightest formal responsibility among the four ExCom members, meaning it is open to many possibilities
• Past treasurers sponsored global DPCA resolutions, and engaged in global and regional activities. They have been active in GOTV, fundraising events, members outreach and/or promotional events based on their own skills, interests and time.

The Treasurer is also a Democratic Party Committee Abroad (DPCA) Voting member. To meet the gender balance requirements, this person should be a woman or nonbinary, as we currently have 3 men (the Vice Chair, the Secretary and the directly elected DPCA representative) and 1 woman (the Chair) serving. The DPCA Voting Member roles and responsibilities:

• Be active leading up to and during the hybrid (online & in person) global DPCA meetings in Costa Rica in May 2022 and any subsequent global DPCA meetings during the Treasurer’s term. (Usually one per year)
• Vote at DPCA meetings on behalf of DA members in Japan on DPCA business, such as charter amendments, resolutions expressing support for or against policies, elections, etc.

The ExCom takes filling this role very seriously which is why we consulted our Japan Legal Counsel and the DA Office of International Counsel to clarify processes laid out in DA Japan’s Bylaws and DA Global Charter related to selecting a new DA Japan Treasurer, who is also a DPCA voting member.

The Executive Committee considered an array of options in order to find a person who might be able to fill the position. The Chair has been in talks with several persons to assess interests and options. However, the ExCom recognizes the democratic principle that the DPCA Voting Representatives should be elected by the membership. At our elections last June, we did elect an Alternate DPCA Voting Representative to be able to fill any vacancies.

• Filling Executive Committee member vacancies can be done by appointment of the Executive Committee within 30-60 days (Article XII, section 2 DAJ Bylaws) => in this case Dec 2, 2021 - Jan 1, 2022.
• The DA Japan Treasurer is also a DPCA voting member, meaning that the Treasurer can vote at DA Global meetings on behalf of DA members in Japan. (Article V, section 1d).

Moving forward:

• The chair would like to propose the alternate DPCA Rep Regina Salathé for the DA Japan Treasurer position at the next Executive Committee meeting on Saturday Dec 4 10-11:30am. This meeting will be open to observers. See link below.
• Regina Clark Salathé graduated from the University of Virginia Law School and built her career as a finance lawyer at a large NY law firm. She later moved to Japan, where she has been engaged in raising a family and has served on the board of several schools and educational foundations. Regina has been active in Democratic causes and as a fundraiser for Biden, Harris, Obama and other Democratic candidates. She was elected Alternate DPCA Voting Representative for DAJ in June of 2021.
• She is eager to contribute to DAJ by taking this role.
• This fulfills the gender balance requirement for DPCA Voting Representatives, and also abides by the principle that Voting Representatives should be elected.
• It means we will need to have an election for the Alternate DPCA Voting Rep - we plan to do this in the new year.

Want to know more? Have questions? Contact your ExCom at [email protected] abroad.org.

Together we make change happen!

Sarajean,

Chair, Democrats Abroad Japan

🌟 Please call or contact your US Representative and Senators to pass the Tax Simplification for Americans Abroad Act of 2021

Most Americans living overseas do not owe U.S. taxes, but must file complicated tax returns to prove it, and are liable for penalties if they don't, so many end up paying accountants to prepare their returns. If passed, this act would enable most overseas filers to file a very simple form, and would extend the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion to include foreign government social welfare, carer's leave, retirement benefits and education awards. Democrats Abroad has been working tirelessly to make your life easier. Now we need your help to get this bill over the finished line. More information HERE:

🌟 Upcoming DA Japan meetings

• Thurs Dec 2 11am-12:30 Basic voter registration online training - RSVP HERE:

• Sat Dec 4 10-11:30 Executive committee online meeting - RSVP HERE:

• Thu Dec 9 7-10pm Speakeasy - RSVP HERE:
• Sat Dec 11 9:30-11am Advisory board online meeting - RSVP HERE:
• Sat Dec 11 11-12:30pm Basic phone banking online training RSVP HERE:

We ask you to support Democrats Abroad as we fight to protect and expand your right to vote from abroad.

2021 10 Second  Newsletter contents: 

1. Message from your national officers
   1. GoTV activities and plans for 2022
   2. Halloween and Thanksgiving
   3. Action Meeting - Climate
   4. DAJ Website renewal open
2. A small action you can take today!
   1. Do something about the Climate Crisis
3. Voter’s Alert - VA, OH, and NJ
4. Upcoming DA Japan Events 
   1. Action Meeting: Take action on the Climate Crisis 
   2. Online Halloween Costume Party
   3. GOTV 2022 Election Strategy Meeting
   4. Monthly SPEAKEASY
5. Event Calendar on DAJ Welcome Page
6. Upcoming DA Global Events
   1. Caucus Events: 
      1. Taco Tuesday- Global Hispanic Caucus
      2. Global Disability Caucus - Connect the Dots
   2. Democrats Abroad State Team
      1. Wisconsinites, Texans, 
   3. Global Black Caucus
7. Past Events
   1. Recording of the Getting all your Stimulus Payments Webinar 
8. Community Interest
   1. REI Virtual Walk

🌟Message from your national officers

2021 10 Second  Newsletter contents: 

As fall sets in, we find ourselves focusing on holidays and 2021 elections. 

Are you a New Jersey and Virginia voter?  There’s still time for you to send your ballots - and while you are at it check in with your friends at home to make sure they are voting! - details below.

Enjoy Halloween? The Kanto Chapter will host an online Halloween Costume Party - see info below.  

Are you interested in the climate crisis? Join DA Japan’s Action meeting on Oct 28 at 8:00pm which features a guest speaker from the Climate Reality project - details below.  

Miss the DAJ Annual Thanksgiving Events? With Covid numbers going down and Thanksgiving around the corner, DAJ chapters are considering how to hold holiday events online and  in person.  See info below if you would like to get involved in thanksgiving event planning. See details below.

Want to overseas voters to have an impact in 2022? DA Japan is looking for volunteers to join the Get Out The Vote (GOTV) and communications  teams now. Please scroll down to find out more!

Love a good party or Demo? there are several ideas in the works for January and we are looking for members who love a good party and those who would like to ensure we have another successful Women’s March in January.   Please scroll down to find out more!

Our DAJ Welcome Page has been renewed with a link to our calendar of events.

You are Democrats Abroad Japan. DAJapan is the US Democratic Party  here in Japan. We make every US citizen’s voice heard through electing democrats, influencing policy, and connecting with each other.  We are as powerful as our members are active   make your voices heard by joining our events and teams. 

Join us!

❤️ From your DA Japan Executive Committee

Sarajean (Chair), Elliott (Vice Chair), Dave (Secretary), Ruth (Treasurer)

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2021 Early October Newsletter contents:

1. Message from your national officers
   1. New Jersey Voting Rights Expansion
   2. Stimulus Payments Webinar
2. A small action you can take today!
   1. ERA
3. Voters Alert!
   1. VA, NJ
4. Upcoming DA Japan Events
   1. Monthly SPEAKEASY
   2. Tokai Regional Meeting
   3. Action Meeting - Climate Action
5. Upcoming DA Global Events
   1. Stimulus Webinar
   2. New Jersey Voting Rights Rally
   3. Feminist Literary Festival
6. Past DA Japan Events
   1. Sept 25 Phone banking training
   2. Sept 30 Action meeting
   3. Oct 2 Reproductive health workshop
7. Community Interest
   1. Yokohama tour

🌟Message from your national officers

Democrats Abroad and Democrats Abroad Japan are focusing on issues critical to our members at all levels of our political system. 2021 is important as our engagement now is a preview to what we can or cannot accomplish in 2022! We are as powerful as our members are active - make your voices heard by joining our events and teams.

Want to get more overseas votes counted in state elections? Our last DAJ chair, John Baumlin, has been the central driving force pushing for the expansion of voting rights for overseas New Jerseyans. Join our online rally on Tuesday Oct 12th at 9:30pm - details below.

Did you get all 3 of your stimulus payments?

Join the webinar on Monday, Oct 11th, at 4pm to find out more - details below.

Are you in Central Japan? The Tokai Chapter will have an online gathering on Oct 26 at 6:30pm - details below.

Are you interested in environmental policy? Join Da Japan’s Action meeting on Oct 28 at 8:00pm which features a guest speaker from the Climate Reality project - details below.

Want to make a difference in 2022? DA Japan is looking for volunteers to join the Get Out The Vote (GOTV) and communications teams now. Please scroll down to find out more!

You are Democrats Abroad Japan. DAJapan is the US Democratic Party here in Japan. We make every US citizen’s voice heard through electing democrats, influencing policy, and connect

ing with each other. We are as powerful as our members are active - make your voices heard!

❤️ From your DA Japan Executive Committee

Sarajean (Chair), Elliott (Vice Chair), Dave (Secretary), Ruth (Treasurer)

🌟 A small action you can take today!

1️⃣ Sign Petition to your US senators to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment

Enough states have ratified the ERA to amend the U.S. Constitution, but the U.S. Senate must pass SJ Res. 1 to extend the time limit.

It is very easy once you sign up to use Resist.bot. You can text for free using Telegram.

Text "SIGN PUKLOC" (without the quotes) to Resist.bot (addressee)on your smartphone using Telegram. You can also use Messenger on Facebook to sign the petition.

Instructions on how to set up Telegram and Resist.bot on your smartphone and PC: Presentation HERE: video walk-through HERE:

🌟 Voters Alert

1️⃣ Virginia and New Jersey VOTERS:

Hey, Virginia and New Jersey Voters, if you have been putting off registering, October 12th is the deadline!

Virginia election information can be found HERE: and New Jersey information HERE:

🌟Upcoming DA Japan Events

1️⃣ October SPEAKEASY on the 14th at 7pm.
Join friends new and old to discuss the matters of the day, or whatever interests you. Bring your favorite beverage and join us on webex. RSVP HERE

2️⃣ Democrats Abroad Japan Tokai Chapter Online Get-Together

Welcome all Tokai members and supporters. We will meet on Google Meets When: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2021 AT 6:30 PM

Follow the link HERE: to RSVP.

3️⃣ Action Meeting Thursday, October 28th, 8 to 9:30PM

7:45-8:00 sign in

8:00-9:30 Open discussion

Speaker:

Chris Kozak, Climate Reality Leader

Moderator: Sarajean

Join Chris and Sarajean for an informative and energizing discussion about climate action! We will talk about living a more sustainable lifestyle, the Green New Deal, the Citizens Climate Lobby and actions we can take right now at the local, community, and federal levels.

Actions will include

1) simple things you can do every day

2) using your consumer power to support greener businesses and

3) contacting govt officials on a specific bill and

4) voting.

*If you are interested in being a green leader for the future this is for you!

NOTE: We will share a pre-event email just before the event to get you prepared for the talk!

RSVP HERE:

🌟 Volunteer Opportunities :

1️⃣ Call for GoTV committee members!

GOTV: Did you know that only 8% of the 92,000 eligible U.S. voters in Japan voted in 2020??? Would you like to help increase that number in 2022 so we can control congress? Then join us in Getting Out the Vote of the other 92%!

We need active volunteers to join the GOTV Committee! What we will do: plan voter outreach events, research and gather info on upcoming elections, create and support online and (in the future) in-person voter registration and information events.

If you're interested in volunteering for the GOTV Committee, please send an email to [email protected]

2️⃣ Call for Communications committee members!

We need to spread the word about DAJ to more people throughout Japan. What we will do: collaborative outreach, contact other organizations about DA Japan, contact the media, create short videos, and spread the word about events using traditional and social media. If you're interested, please send an email to [email protected]

🌟 Save the Date! Upcoming DA Global Events

1️⃣ Calling all New Jerseyans and voting rights allies!

October 12, 2021 9:30pm JST

New Jersey Voting Rights Rally

What we will do:

• Meet the legislators sponsoring inclusive legislation for voters abroad
• Learn how you can help bring the bill across the finish line
• Participate in a virtual group door knock
• Getting voting assistance for the November 2 election

RSVP HERE:

The November 2nd state election in New Jersey will set the tone heading into 2022, and Democrats need to pull out all the stops in this election! New Jersey voters abroad who intend to return to New Jersey at some point should request their ballot today at www.votefromabroad.org and return it ASAP!

Some states - like New Jersey - deny state and local voting rights to those who indicate that their "return is uncertain" on their ballot request. So, Democrats Abroad is strategizing to expand and protect voting rights one state at a time, starting with New Jersey. NJ Assembly and Senate bills: NJ A5306/S3761, would change the law back and enfranchise all overseas voters once again. The bill passed the NJ Assembly! Now we need your help to pass S3761 in the NJ Senate and elect officials to protect overseas voting rights, so such an injustice never happens again.

Here's a link to more information about A5306/S3761. To support Democrats Abroad's important work to restore NJ voting rights, please DONATE HERE.

2️⃣ HOW TO GET ALL YOUR STIMULUS PAYMENTS THIS YEAR WEBINAR

Join Democrats Abroad as tax expert Nathalie Goldstein MsC, EA and CEO of MyExpatTaxes discusses how to receive your Economic Impact Payments as an American living abroad, plus discusses 101 tax basics.

RECORDING HERE:

3️⃣ Friday, October 01, 2021 at 12:01 AM through October 25, 2021 at 12:01am Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Feminist Literature Festival October 2021

RSVP for Zoom link HERE:

What better way to celebrate the written word than joining the Feminist Literature Book Club of the Global Women's Caucus for a month-long literary festival!

For more information and to RSVP HERE:

🌟Past DA Japan Events

Thanks to Tokai chair, Eric Gondree, for organizing the Sept 25 phone banking training for DAJ members! We will plan another this winter to gear up for the 2022 elections.

The Sept 30 Action meeting: Why Vote in Local Elections? Brought in people from all over DA to talk about the issues that matter locally and globally.

Before the panel discussion, DAJ GOTV Chair, Rebecca Thompkins, held a voter registration clinic to answer voter questions and remind us of the upcoming deadlines.

Electing people locally to influence issues that matter to us all such as voting rights, healthcare, housing, abortion, and gun control, is of the utmost importance! Our panelists shared ideas and experiences working at the local and state levels. We also shared information on the women’s health protection act and how to influence your own state’s voting laws. Thanks to both John’s for their time and efforts!

The Oct 2 Let’s talk about Sex Reproductive rights workshop brought together members from DA Japan and DA Korea with students from Sophia University. Main discussion topics included the need to dispel myths about sex, and talk more openly about consent and GBV. We also shared information on the ERA and the need to elect the right leaders.

Thanks to all who joined!

🌟 COMMUNITY INTEREST

Yokohama Historical Walking Tour

w/ Temple University Japan professor Dr. Kyle Cleveland

October 23 at 1:00-6:00pm

Information HERE:

Friend --

2021 mid-Sept Newsletter contents: 

1. Message from your national officers 
2. A small action you can take today!
   1. Women's Health Protection Act
3. Voters Alert!
4. Upcoming DA Japan Events 
   1. Monthly SPEAKEASY
   2. Action Meeting
5. Volunteer Opportunities
   1. Phonebanking
   2. GoTV - Get Out the Vote
6. Upcoming DA Global Events

🌟Message from your national officers

With the decisions made in Texas on sexual and reproductive rights, 18 states enacting 30 laws limiting voting rights, and new limits on gun control, it has become increasingly clear that we need to make our voices heard in elections every year.  Many of the issues dear to Democrats, environmental policy, reforming and restructuring policing, equitable fair access to a fair justice system, racial justice, gender and sexual equity, housing policy and quality healthcare for all are impacted by decisions made at the state and local levels. We cannot  wait until the next presidential election to vote.

Democrats Abroad is deep in the thick of Get Out the
Vote activities and we need your support! While limited to online activities due to COVID-19, DA members globally have already called and texted more than 9000 people in California and are now contacting voters in Virginia and New Jersey by phone, email, social media and text.

Da Japan is looking for volunteers to join the Get Out The Vote (GOTV) and communications  teams now. Please scroll down to find out more about how you can join us!

You are Democrats Abroad Japan. DAJapan is the US Democratic Party  here in Japan. We make every US citizen’s voice heard through electing democrats, influencing policy, and connecting with each other. We are as powerful as our members are active  - make your voices heard!

❤️ From your DA Japan Executive Committee

Sarajean (Chair), Elliott (Vice Chair), Dave (Secretary), Ruth (Treasurer)

🌟 A small action you can take today!

1️⃣ Tell your Representative to Vote YES on the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA)!

We ask all DAJ members to contact their 
Representatives before 9/23. WHPA is federal legislation that will protect the right to access abortion care throughout the United States. Equal access to abortion care—everywhere—is essential for social and economic equality, reproductive autonomy, and the right to determine our own lives. WHPA is federal legislation that works toward a future where all of us are free to make the personal decisions that shape our lives, our futures, and our families, without political interference.

Vote "Yes" to Women's Health Protection Act (WHPA).

Send this petition to your representatives in Congress by doing the following:

Text "SIGN PLQGZD" (without the quotes) to Resist.bot (addressee)on your smartphone using Telegram. You can also use Messenger on Facebook to sign the petition. Just follow the same instructions.

🌟 Voters Alert

1️⃣ Virginia and New Jersey VOTERS:  Register Today!

Keep VA and NJ Blue 

Virginia election information can be found HERE: and New Jersey information HERE:

🌟Upcoming DA Japan Events

1️⃣ Action Meeting

September and October will feature guest speakers from outside Democrats Abroad Japan and we hope you can join us on Sept 30 and Oct 28 

Note: The September action meeting will be on September 30 because September 23 is a national holiday.

September Action Meeting Sept 30, 8 to 10 PM

Theme: Why Vote in Local Elections? 

8 to 845 GOTV Voter clinic - have your 2021 election questions answered

Fall 2021 Elections are upon us! Bring your questions to Rebecca, DA Japan GOTV Team leader, who will review some of the basics for upcoming elections as well as important deadlines. Especially important for NJ, VA and Ohio voters!

845-9:00 Open discussion time

9:00-10:00 Panel discussion: Why Vote in Local Elections? 

Speakers 

John Choe, Queens-based Community Activist and former New York City Council Candidate 

John Baumlin, past-chair DAJ, and current DPCA Representative.  

Moderator: Sarajean 

Join us for an interactive discussion on the importance of DA members' participation in State and Local Elections. Our panelists will share specific examples of how decisions made at the local and state government level impact people’s lives in communities and even those of us living overseas.  We will conclude the evening with a few specific actions you can take! 

Actions will include 1) contacting govt officials on a specific bill 2) enhancing our voice by bringing in new people and 3) voting

The DAJ Action Meeting is held every 4th Thursday, but bec 23rd is a holiday, it will be on Sept. 30th. Doors open at 7:45pm.  RSVP HERE:

2️⃣ October SPEAKEASY on the 14th at 7pm. 
Join friends new and old to discuss the matters of the day, or whatever interests you.  Bring your favorite beverage and join us on webex.   RSVP HERE

3️⃣ Women’s March Online: Defend our Reproductive Rights: Oct 2

A virtual gathering for community action to defend
sexual health and reproductive rights. Two panels featuring young women and Democrats Abroad Japan members will present key issues facing our daily lives and actions you can take.

More details available later in September.

🌟 Volunteer Opportunities :

1️⃣

DAJ Phone Banking training!

9/25 11-1pm online!!

Even before the 2022 elections, there are plenty of phonebankiing opportunities starting now: Democrats Abroad is making a push into state races! Volunteer to do phonebanking a flexible and very effective outreach that you can do from home, at whatever times are best for you! If you care about winning elections, DA's phonebankiing campaigns are a great chance to make a contribution which really makes a difference.

DA Global is organizing phone banking campaigns throughout September and early Oct but you need to learn how to use the app!  RSVP HERE:

2️⃣ Call for GoTV committee members!

GOTV: Are you interested in getting more involved
with DAJ's Get Out the Vote efforts? We need active members to volunteer to join the GOTV Committee! Duties include: helping to plan voter outreach strategy and events, researching information about upcoming elections, helping out with online and (in the future) in-person voter registration and information events.

If you're interested in volunteering for the GOTV Committee, please send an email to

[email protected]

🌟Save the Date! Upcoming DA Global Events

1️⃣ Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 03:00 PM Singapore Time 

Virtual - Please RSVP for Zoom info HERE: 

DALCC Youth Caucus presents INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION IN THE DIGITAL LANDSCAPE

As the world grapples with a pandemic, intercultural communication is all the more pressing. Why is cross-cultural dialogue so important? How can we ensure that our communication is held to the highest standard? Our global panel of youth hopes to give insight into this topic.

2️⃣Sunday, September 26, 2021 at 04:00 PM JST

Texans Abroad Planning Meeting – AP Friendly time

Info and RSVP HERE:

Join us to map out our outreach for 2021 heading into the 2022 Midterms and crucial State and Local elections. Everyone is welcome! It's all hands on deck as we gear up for the coming months.

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3️⃣ Friday, October 01, 2021 at 12:01 AM through October 25, 2021 at 12:01am Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Feminist Literature Festival October 2021

RSVP for Zoom link HERE:

What better way to celebrate the written word than joining the Feminist Literature Book Club of the Global Women's Caucus for a month-long literary festival!

Literature has always been the hallmark of how people communicate across cultures, beliefs, and generations. In fact, many social movements were initiated by pen and paper, and passed along in meeting halls, carried over oceans, and grown in academic soils. We invite you to celebrate with us: read a book, write a story, and bring your friends and family to join our month-long fest that is sure to inspire and inform! 

For more information and to RSVP HERE:

Table of contents: 

1. Online Town hall event on June 24th at 8pm
2. Online Action Meeting - MONTHLY ON 4TH THURSDAY 8:00-9:30
3. Online Speakeasy - MONTHLY ON 2nd THURSDAY 7:00~9:30
4. Call for volunteers to join DA Japan’s slack
5. Vision for DAJ & Greetings from Chair Sarajean Rossitto

• Become a member of your local country committee. 
• Volunteer for Democrats Abroad, either globally or locally. 
• Attend an event.
• Participate in our weekly Tiny Actions.
• Contact Congress about issues that matter to you and other overseas voters.
• Host a meet up.
• Register to vote. 
• Share information about Democrats Abroad.
• Phonebank to Americans abroad.

Join our tiny actions team and receive regular emails outlining actions you can take to support issues that matter to Democrats and our allies. 

Democrats Abroad's country committees need local volunteers. Volunteer by clicking on the "Countries" tab above, find your country, and contact your leaders directly.

Do you want to help at a global level? We have more than a dozen global teams that work to keep our organization running. 

Our global teams provide get out the vote help, communications, technology support and more to the all the grass roots volunteers working at the local level in Democrats Abroad. Regardless of where you live there is a team that needs your talent and dedication. Now is the time to join fellow Democrats and help fight for what's right. Any questions, write us at [email protected]

Please check out our global team opportunities.