The new year is upon us, and since this is an important election year, now is the time to meet up, mobilize, and work with other Americans to help attain a blue wave during this year’s elections.

The DAG Frankfurt Chapter provides a space for you to meet to all of this, and more!  You can meet your compatriots, discuss and debate the issues of the day, and to volunteer to help elect Democrats to change our country for the better.

Join us!

Upcoming Events:

Frankfurt Chapter Meetings:

  - Vote from Abroad Info Stand, January 18th

  - Gießen - Meet and Greet, beginning February, Date TBA

  - DA Germany Annual General Meeting, January 24-26^th in Munich

A Message from the Frankfurt Chapter Chair

2020 is the year of “The Power of One Vote.” (Thank you, Derek Bembry for our motto.)

If each of us helped another American to vote, and each of them encouraged another American to apply for their absentee ballot (and so on), you can imagine the impact. So, keep those Vote from Abroad cards handy, take a shift at a Vote from Abroad stand, phone our members to remind them to vote--  the list of how you can make an impact goes on.

The Frankfurt Chapter team wishes you all a happy New Year. It will be even happier when we restore the White House and Congress to a more workable democracy.

Thanks for being part of the Power,
Barb Chap

* * *

Upcoming Events: Bring an American With You…

Vote From Abroad Info Stand, Saturday, January 18^th 12pm to 4pm
Hauptwache, Zeil corner of Liebfrauenstraße

Take an hour shift, meet lots of nice people, provide information and help them request an absentee ballot.

Would you prefer to be in the background? You can still join in the fun. T-shirts and hoodie jackets are available for us to raise donations. And you could bake some Cookies for Cash.

An info stand a month? Certainly, at bigger events. At the markets? In other cities? It’s just a matter of how many active members can initiate and participate.

Gießen Meet and Greet: Saturday, February 1^st or 8^th TBA

700+ Americans live in the Gießen/Marburg area, and the enthusiastic members there are forming a group to get to know one another and to take an active part in encouraging Americans to vote. Exact details will come soon. Thanks for your patience.

Planned Meet and Greet Events in other Chapter cities:

We want our DAG Frankfurt members – no matter where they live - to have the opportunity to meet one another, discuss, and make a difference in 2020. Plans are also underway for get-togethers around Epstein, Bad Homburg and Aschaffenburg.

If you live outside of Frankfurt proper, you can help us to find the right location, and we will contact the people around you. We need everyone’s vote in 2020 to put Democrats in office! Email: frankfurt@democratsabroad.de

Future Frankfurt Activities and Meetings:

• February 13^th - Chapter Meeting
• March 3^rd and 7^th - Global President Primary polling. Please, consider being part of the teams led by Stacey and Carl.
• March 12^th - Chapter meeting. How does the candidate field look now?
• March, date TBA: Potluck, fun social with serious discussion. 

Other Democrats Abroad Events:

DA Germany Annual Meeting: January 24-26^th 

In Munich. This will be a critical time for our Get out the Vote effort, and we need all hands on deck!  More information and registration here.

 Get Involved with DAG Frankfurt!

Our Vote from Abroad public activities are limited only by the number of volunteers we have. You can make a difference in many ways – large or small – to help Democrats win the Presidential, Congressional, and state elections in 2020. Come to a meeting and/or become a volunteer. Short on time? Please think about contributing. DA runs totally on donations.

Or contact Barb Chap, Chapter Chair, directly if you have an idea, want to learn more about the Frankfurt Chapter, or be part of the Frankfurt organizational team: frankfurt@democratsabroad.de

Thank you for reading, and we hope to see you soon.

The DA Frankfurt Chapter provides a space for you to meet with your compatriots to discuss and debate the issues of the day, and to volunteer to help elect Democrats to change our country for the better. 

Join us! 

Upcoming Events:  

17th November: Black Caucus Brunch
21st November: Chapter Meeting – Impeachment Debate
12th December: Holiday Celebration
16^th January 2020: Chapter Meeting – 2020 Strategy
24th-26th January 2020: DA Germany Annual General Meeting (AGM) 

Show Your Colors:  Get your Democrats Abroad T-Shirt, Hoodie or Jacket

Democrats Abroad and Vote from Abroad t-shirts, hoodies, and hoodie jackets are now available. Your order will raise much needed funds to help us get out the vote.  Place your order here:

What’s Coming Up? Interesting events-- bring another American with you!

Black Caucus Brunch Sunday November 17^th

10-14:00, Depot 1899, Textorstrasse 33, 60594 Frankfurt

Join Germany's Black Caucus for its inaugural Sunday brunch. This event is open to everyone. We’ll eat, drink, discuss and plan for the 2020 elections. Brunch will be a breakfast buffet and will cost 16.90€ per person. Children aged 5 and under eat for free, and children 6-11 years old are half price.

An RSVP would be appreciated. Next Brunch: December 15^th

Frankfurt Chapter Meeting: Thursday, November 21^st 

 Impeachment: Pro and Con, a Membership Discussion: Impeachment proceedings are heating up! Join us at our next chapter meeting, where we’ll start with a quick update of what’s happening.

Share your thoughts in a lively and cordial debate about why impeachment is a good or bad idea. And also catch up on Frankfurt Chapter news and business. Whatever happens in the next several days, we’ll have a lot to talk about. Come with your opinion.

Time: 7pm - 9pm
Location: SPD Haus 
Fischerfeldstraße 7-11
60311 Frankfurt

Get social!   Meet us at 5:30pm for dinner before the meeting and/or drinks after the meeting. Getting there at 6:00pm still gives you time to order a delicious meal before heading to the SPD Haus.

Time: 5:30pm
Location: Moloko 
Kurt-Schumacher-Strasse 1
60311 Frankfurt
Corner of Schöne Aussicht and Alte Brücke (5-minute walk to SPD Haus)

We are leaving the summer behind us, but we are greeting the fall with many activities that will enable you to be involved with Democrats Abroad, discuss issues with your fellow Americans, and learn how you can be an agent for change.

Afternoon Phone Banking Party: Saturday, October 12^th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Have fun calling other DA members to get out the vote, or just come to see what it’s all about. Help flip seats in important elections in Kentucky, Virginia, New Jersey, Mississippi and Louisiana.  If you don’t know how to phone bank, you can register online and get training from Democrats Abroad here. Then join fellow phone bankers and make your first phone banking calls. Enjoy yummy snacks and cool drinks, too. RSVP to kateannsawyerdemsabroad@gmail.com (subject line: Phone Banking).

Frankfurt Chapter Meeting: Thursday, October 17^th at 7:00pm

The Frankfurt Chapter Discusses Voter Suppression. Join Derek Bembry, Head of the Germany Black Caucus and member of the Frankfurt Chapter, for an important talk about voter suppression and what you can do to stop it.

Other things to talk about: impeachment, the latest debate, and ideas for events. You make the difference, and all ideas are welcome.

Meeting Location:
SPD Haus (Unterberzirk Frankfurt)
Fischerfeldstraße 7-11
60311 Frankfurt am Main

Meet us at 5:30pm for dinner before the meeting and/or drinks after the meeting.  Getting there at 6:00pm still gives you time to order a delicious meal before heading to the SPD Haus.

Dinner Location:
Moloko
Kurt-Schumacher-Strasse 1
60311 Frankfurt

Corner of Schöne Aussicht and Alte Brücke (5-minute walk to SPD Haus)

Eat, Drink & Be Scary: Friday, October 25^th starting at 7:30pm: Join Democrats Abroad Germany for Halloween Costume Party and 2020 Fundraiser hosted by Wiesbaden-Mainz Chapter. Conveniently located near public transportation and inexpensive car-parking. For all the fun details, click here.

Exclusive Museum Tour in English: POSTED! Reflections of Native North America Weltkulturen Museum: Wednesday, November 6^th at 6:30pm, sharp!

Dr. Markus Lindner, curator of the exhibition PLAKATIERT!, will guide us in the life of the indigenous peoples as shown in posters and artifacts. The tour is one hour, after which we will have a light meal at a nearby restaurant.

If any of you have Native American heritage, it would be a pleasure if you shared your impressions and experiences with us.

This event is a Frankfurt Chapter fundraiser (15€) so non-American guests should be paid for by the American member, per DA rules. Please RSVP here, as places are limited. Weltkulturen Museum Labor, Schaumainkai 37, Frankfurt.

	We are delighted to announce that DA Germany’s Chair, Candice Kerestan, will be our guest speaker. Candice will share her knowledge and experience working with DA Germany, and answer any questions that you may have about the important work being done by Democrats Abroad in Germany and globally.

Meeting Info:

Date:  September 12, 2019
Time: 7pm
Location: SPD Haus (Unterberzirk Frankfurt)
Fischerfeldstraße 7-11
60311 Frankfurt am Main

Chapter members are welcome to join us at 5:30pm for dinner before the meeting and/or drinks after the meeting. 

Dinner Location:

Moloko
Kurt-Schumacher-Strasse 1
60311 Frankfurt
Corner of Schöne Aussicht and Alte Brücke (5-minute walk to SPD Haus)

 Frankfurt Chapter Members:  Now is the time to get involved!  Volunteers wanted.   

 The Frankfurt Chapter is looking for engaged people for a variety of open roles.  We welcome your expertise, passion and energy, and we have the following roles available (and more):

• Vice-Chair:According to DA rules, since the Frankfurt Chapter chair is female, the Vice Chair must be male. He is part of the decision-making team, stand in/with Chair for meetings and events.
• Get Out The Vote (GOTV):Phone banking, Study Abroad, outreach to non-members.
• Events Coordinator:To help plan get-togethers and other fun stuff.
• Global Primary Manager Frankfurt for Super Tuesday 2020: This is a very important role, and you will receive special training and support.

 DA-specific training and support is there for you to help you make a difference. Contact Barb Chap directly if you are interested in being a large or small part of the Frankfurt organizational team: frankfurt@democratsabroad.de

Save the Date:  Joint Cocktail Party- Wiesbaden/Mainz and Frankfurt Chapters

 Please join us on September 20^thas the Wiesbaden/Mainz Chapter hosts a joint cocktail party welcoming the Frankfurt Chapter. This will be a great opportunity to meet new people, see old friends, and discuss the upcoming elections.

 Details about the event will be announced shortly.  We hope that you can join us!

Afternoon Phonebanking Party: Saturday September 28^th

 Have fun calling other DA members to encourage them to vote and help flip seats in important special elections in Louisiana and North Carolina.  If you don’t know how to phone bank, you can register and get training from Democrats Abroad here. Then join experienced phonebankers and make your first phonebanking calls. Enjoy yummy snacks and cool drinks, too. RSVP to kateannsawyer@gmail.com(subject line: Dems Abroad).

We hope to see you at the Chapter meeting on September 12^thand/or at one of our upcoming events. 

We are pleased to announce that the Frankfurt Chapter has a new Chair, Barb Chap, a Frankfurt resident and long-time chapter member.

MESSAGE FROM THE NEW CHAPTER CHAIR:

I am happy to greet you as the Chair of the Frankfurt Chapter and look forward to meeting you all personally.

One of the strengths of our Chapter – indeed the Democratic Party – is that we come from different backgrounds, experiences, and different perspectives, so we have lots of different ideas to share. One thing that we have in common is our desire to Get Out The Vote among Americans living outside the US, especially, Democrats.

• Sustaining the Frankfurt Chapter is very much a “WE” undertaking.
• We are all volunteers. Every contribution in time and effort counts – small or large.

Now is the time to help the Chapter grow, thrive and focus its attention on defeating Trump, swinging the Senate, and keeping our majority in the House in 2020. Join us for phone banking, meeting other expats and friends, and participating in DAG Frankfurt activities.

If you would like to be active, please, contact me directly at frankfurt@democratsabroad.de.

We can do this together!

CHAPTER ORGANIZATIONAL TEAM:

We are pleased to announce that Kate Sawyer will take on the role of Membership Coordinator/ Ambassador for the Frankfurt Chapter, and Stacey Kruckel will take on the role of Secretary/ Communications Coordinator. They are building teams, so you can join in.

The positions of Vice Chair (male) and GOTV Team Co-Coordinator are still open.

Want to get involved? 

 Please reach out to Barb at frankfurt@democratsabroad.de if you are interested in being part of the organizational team.

NEXT FRANKFURT CHAPTER MEETING:  SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

For our September meeting, we will welcome DA Germany Chair, Candice Kerestan from Munich, to give us an overview of the amazing work of Democrats Abroad and the important part DA Germany plays.

Chapter members are welcome to join us at 5:30 for dinner before the meeting and/or drinks after the meeting.

• When: Tentatively, September 12 at 7pm. Firm details at the beginning of September.
• Where: Locations to be announced.

UPCOMING DA GERMANY EVENTS:

Democrats Abroad Oktoberfest Extravaganza, October 6, 2019: DA Germany is hosting its annual Oktoberfest event in Munich. DA Germany has been hosting this event for 11 years, and DA members from around the world attend. This is a great chance to attend Oktoberfest, meet DA members from around the world, drink beer and have fun.

Tickets are $85 and include 2 liters of beer (or other beverage), 1/2 roasted chicken, and a 10-euro coupon for other food purchases. Non-alcoholic beverages and vegetarian options are available.

Get your tickets today because supplies are limited.

DETAILS:

October 06, 2019 at 11am - 2:30pm

Schottenhamel Tent
Theresienwiese Bavariaring
Munich, BY 80336
Germany
Google map and directions

EUROPE REGIONAL MEETING IN ATHENS, OCTOBER 11 THROUGH OCTOBER 13:

Our Europe regional meeting will bring together leaders, volunteers, and special guests to prepare for 2020 with workshops, training sessions, and social gatherings. The meeting in Athens will be a great opportunity to learn how you can be part of DA's global presidential primary, GOTV efforts, and much more. The team in Greece is also eager to show off the best of Athens and the whole beautiful country.

If you register for the main meeting now, you'll receive details about the gala dinner and additional events when they become available.

See you in September, and we hope that you enjoy the rest of your summer!

Spring is now in bloom in Frankfurt, and the DA Frankfurt Chapter is on the move, with a series of interesting events and volunteer activities planned for the coming months. Now is the time to get involved, join us for phone banking, meet other expats and friends, and participate in DA Frankfurt activities, including a Memorial Day visit to the American Cemetery in Luxembourg, and debate watch parties in June.

REMINDER: The next DAG Frankfurt meeting will take place on Thursday, June 13^th at 7pm.    The location will be announced shortly.

Upcoming DA Frankfurt Events

Memorial Day Event, May 25th: DA Frankfurt is invited to join friends from the DA Wiesbaden/Mainz Chapter and DA Luxembourg Chapter on a trip to the American Cemetery in Luxembourg to attend their annual Memorial Day ceremony on Saturday, May 25^th at 2:00 pm. If you're interested in attending, please contact Evie Walls from the Wiesbaden/Mainz chapter at eviewalls@yahoo.com. Attendance is free and open to the public.

Debate Watch Parties, June 27^th and 28th: The 2019 Democratic Party debates begin next month, and with over 20 candidates in the race for President, the Democratic President debates are must-see viewing. The DA Frankfurt and Wiesbaden chapters plan to host debate watch parties in Frankfurt on June 27^th and 28^th, and all our invited to attend to learn more about the platforms and positions of each candidates, meet members from the Wiesbaden/Mainz chapter, connect with friends from the Frankfurt chapter, and eat and drink. Maddy agreed to help organize the events, and is looking for volunteers to help out. Please email Maddy at d.r.a.maddy@gmail.com if you want to help organize the events.

July 4^th Social Event: July 4^th means—BBQ, potato salad, and beer. DA Frankfurt is interested in hosting a social BBQ or picnic to celebrate July 4^th. Since July 4^th falls on a Thursday this year, the proposal is to host the event on Saturday, July 6^th. Interested in helping to organize or host the event? Please email Maddy at d.r.a.maddy@gmail.com to let him know.

The Christopher Street Gay Pride, July 20th: The Christopher Street Gay Pride event is an annual tradition for the Frankfurt Chapter, as the event provides an opportunity for LGBT people and their friends/allies to have fun and celebrate Pride Month, and also to meet other Americans, register voters, and talk about the issues. This year’s event will take place on July 20^th, and our friends from the DA Wiesbaden/Mainz chapter will join us. We are looking for volunteers to organize and attend the event. Please reach out to Diandra from the Wiesbaden chapter at wiesbaden-mainz@democratsabroad.de if you are interested.

Photo Source: Wikicommons

Welcome to Democrats Abroad Frankfurt!

DA Frankfurt is a chapter of DA Germany, the official country committee for US Democrats living in Germany. Watch this space for upcoming announcements of meetings and events - we have events planned throughout the year, and encourage anyone interested in participating to get in touch.

If you have questions or would like to help with Democrats Abroad in Frankfurt, please contact us.

Democrats Abroad Germany - Frankfurt Chapter
frankfurt@democratsabroad.de