All international officers are members of the DPCA Executive Committee.
DA Charter Section 4.11 (Responsibilities of the Executive Committee)
The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the conduct of the affairs of Democrats Abroad in accordance with policies of the DNC and the DPCA. The Executive Committee shall establish its own rules and, when convened by the International Chair or one third (1/3rd) of its members, may act in a meeting, by telephone or electronic means. The Executive Committee shall adopt a budget for Democrats Abroad prior to the first meeting of the DPCA each year. Except as provided in the following sentence, decisions taken by the Executive Committee shall be by simple majority vote of those members present in person or by instructed proxy given to another member of the Executive Committee or, if such vote is taken in electronic or written form, by simple majority of the entire Executive Committee. By a two-thirds (2/3rds) majority of the entire Executive Committee, the Executive Committee may overrule any decision or action of any officer.
Summary of International Officer Roles and Commitments
International Chair
The International Chair oversees Democrats Abroad's programs and policies, presides over DPCA meetings, sets agendas, and acts as the chief spokesperson. They appoint committees, task forces, and caucuses, manage global operations, and liaise with the DNC. The role demands significant time commitment, averaging 40-60 hours per week depending on the election cycle. Travel includes attending DNC and ASDC meetings in the U.S., DPCA Global Meetings, regional meetings, and country committee events. Estimated annual travel costs range from $6,000 to $15,000.
International Vice-Chair
The Vice-Chair supports the Chair in managing the organization and substitutes for them when necessary. Responsibilities include attending Executive Committee meetings (1-3 hours each) and DNC/ASDC meetings (four times annually). The time commitment varies from 15-40 hours per week based on specific assignments. Travel costs are approximately $5,000 annually, with partial reimbursement possible.
International Treasurer
The Treasurer manages Democrats Abroad's finances, including budgeting, reporting, FEC compliance, and fundraising efforts. They attend Executive Committee meetings and provide regular financial updates. The role requires 10-35 hours per week depending on workload intensity. Travel commitments are minimal but may include attendance at global or regional meetings.
International Secretary
The Secretary is responsible for maintaining administrative records, membership lists, and databases while drafting minutes for DPCA and Executive Committee meetings. The role requires meticulous attention to detail and technological proficiency. Time commitment averages 8-20 hours weekly, with peak periods during membership certification and global meeting preparations. Travel costs are primarily associated with attendance at in-person global meetings.
International Counsel
The Counsel provides legal advice on organizational compliance with charters and bylaws while serving as Parliamentarian at DPCA meetings. They address legal issues such as data protection, FEC compliance, delegate selection plans, and member disputes. The time commitment ranges from 4-20 hours weekly depending on organizational needs and election cycles. Financial obligations include travel to global meetings and occasional DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee sessions.
DA Charter Section 4.10 (Responsibilities of the International Counsel)
The International Counsel shall be a qualified legal practitioner available for consultation on legal and procedural questions relating to Democrats Abroad and its activities, and the interpretation of and compliance with the Charter and Bylaws of the DNC, the Charter of Democrats Abroad and the bylaws of Country Committees, and serve as Parliamentarian at DPCA meetings. The International Chair may appoint a separate individual to serve as Parliamentarian.
General Observations
All roles require strong leadership skills, adaptability to varying workloads, and a willingness to travel for organizational events. While time commitments differ across positions, each officer plays a crucial role in advancing Democrats Abroad's mission to engage U.S. voters living abroad effectively.