2023 will be an important year for Democrats Abroad Germany to come back together and reestablish our strong community of members. This will be our year to establish the foundation necessary to make sure we can hit the ground running in 2024. At Democrats Abroad Germany, our goal will always be to get each and every U.S. citizen in Germany to vote.

After almost three years of mainly meeting online, we are pleased to invite you to our upcoming Annual General Meeting in Ingelheim am Rhein. The official meeting will take place at the iCC Konferenzzentrum in Ingelheim from Friday, March 24 to Sunday, March 26.

We will also elect our new Executive Committee (ExCom). These are the leaders of DA Germany and includes several officers, nine at-large coordinators, and 13 Voting Representatives. You can learn more about the election process, who's running, and how you can run yourself here.

If you are unable to attend in person, you still have the option to join the meeting online.

Schedule

Friday, March 24

• Starting at 17:00: A welcome cocktail reception to connect with each other over drinks.

Saturday, March 25

• 9:00: The first half of the meeting will be focused on "Rebuilding and Reorganizing". We will briefly highlight our activities across Germany over the past year. Our full attention will then be directed at how we can strengthen our organization after spending almost three years as a largely online organization. 2023 is the year for us to come back together and build the foundation we will need to be successful in 2024.
• 13:00: After lunch, elections for the new DA Germany leadership will be held. More information on the elections is below.
• 19:00: Following the meeting, we’ll gather for a three-course gala dinner at the nearby restaurant Winzerkeller.

Sunday, March 26

• 10:00: Members of the newly elected Executive Committee will hold their first meeting to discuss the next steps and to get a chance to meet everyone.
• For those that are not from the region, we will visit the Museum bei der Kaiserpfalz. This includes the Ingelheim Imperial Palace, which served emperors and kings as a lodging and a ruling seat. Following the tour, everyone is welcome to have lunch together at a local restauran.

Cost

For in-person attendance, we are asking for a donation of $35 for the main meeting on Saturday. The cost for meals are as follows:

• Friday cocktail reception: $15
• Saturday lunch: $10
• Saturday gala dinner (three-course meal): $65

Under the rules of the Democratic Party and Democrats Abroad, a fee for attending the meeting is not allowed. However, we kindly ask for a donation to cover use of the iCC Konferenzzentrum, drinks (coffee, tea, water, and more), technical equipment, copies, and supplies. We ask that you donate this amount to help us avoid drawing down the DA Germany treasury, which is devoted to getting out the vote. Participants do have to pay for meals.

We will collect information regarding any food allergies prior to the meeting to ensure that everyone will have something to eat.

If you are participating online, we would ask you to still consider making a donation of $15.

Stipends for Attending

DA Germany understands the accompanying financial cost of attending the AGM, which is why we are offering five stipends to enable more members to attend. Members are welcome to apply for a stipend using this application form. The deadline to apply is Sunday, February 12. Applicants will be noticed about the status of their application by Wednesday, February 15. 

Accommodation

The Wiesbaden-Mainz Chapter has compiled a list of hotels and additional travel-related information for participants. Rooms for DA Germany have been reserved at IBB Hotel Ingelheim. Rooms with the reduced price are available until February 17, 2023. More information on how to reserve a room can be found here.

Elections

We urge you to attend and vote in our upcoming election, as well as to consider running for one of the leadership positions. All details about the election can be found in the DA Germany Elections Rules and Procedures.

The Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC) will be hosting online information sessions where potential candidates can ask about the election positions, election rules, DA Germany Executive Committee or other related DA Germany questions. The dates and times for these sessions will be announced soon.

These DAG Executive Committee positions will be elected for two-year terms at the AGM:

• Chair
• Vice Chair
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Academic Outreach Coordinator
• Advertising Coordinator
• Caucus Coordinator
• Chapter Development Coordinator
• Communications Coordinator
• Events & Fundraising Coordinator
• Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Coordinator
• Membership & IT Coordinator
• Press Coordinator
• 10-15 DPCA Voting Representatives (exact number pending)
  

Please review this document that includes detailed job descriptions for all positions.

To run in the election, a candidate must have been a member of DA for at least 30 days and reside in Germany on the day of the AGM (March 25).

Nominations, including self-nominations, can be made online to the NEC using this nomination form until February 27 at 12:00 CET. Nominations may also be made from the floor on the day of the election.

On February 27, the NEC will post the list of nominations received by then, as well as candidate statements and letters of endorsement, on the DAG Election page. This list of nominees, statements, and letters will be updated on March 6 and March 13.

More detailed information on how to run in the election and how to participate in the election is available on the DAG Elections page.

Changes to DA Germany Bylaws 

While we discussed and voted on amendments to DA Germany’s Bylaws at last year's AGM, and we typically strive to do this only every other year due to time constraints, you still have the right to submit proposed amendments to the Bylaws Committee. If you would like to propose an amendment, please send your proposal to [email protected] by February 20, 2023, with the following information:

• Changes you would like to make, listing Article and Section number where the changes should be applied. Please include either a direct mark-up of the text or describe your proposed change(s).
• What is the goal of making this proposal?
• How does this proposal achieve that goal?

You can find a copy of the current DAG bylaws here to help you formulate proposed changes. The bylaws were last amended in March 2022.

Once you RSVP to attend, you will be taken to the ticket page to purchase the meals and to donate to attend the meeting.

Thanks to everyone who came out to support the AAPI Caucus of DA Germany this past weekend. It was our very first in-person event after our caucus was established and we were excited to spend time with one another. The AAPI Caucus is small, but we hope to become bigger and stronger in the next few years.

During the retreat, we focused on what types of programs we would like to plan, how do we find other AAPI members, and collaborate with DA chapters, specifically within Europe and at the global level. Another goal is to focus on AAPI outreach and get out the vote for 2024. The AAPI vote is critical, and our voices are powerful!

We also got to know one another and discussed the important issues that we face in our communities in the US and Germany. The retreat brought us closer, and we also had fun exploring different Asian restaurants around Berlin! We look forward to our next event and meeting everyone soon!

Saehee and Wy Ming
Democrats Abroad Germany AAPI Caucus

Written by: Esha Banerjee

This Tuesday, November 8, voters will line around the block to commence the long-awaited midterms. With all 435 House seats, 35 senate seats, and 36 gubernatorial positions on the ballot, these midterms will undoubtedly change state and local politics. The impact is even more substantial considering the current division in Congress. It is teetering between a Democratic or Republican majority- the Senate has a 50 to 48 Republican to Democrat ratio, while the House holds a 224 to 213 Democrat to Republican ratio, with 3 vacant seats. Clearly, the upcoming midterms have great significance for U.S. citizens, but what do they mean for Asian Americans specifically? How will the issues at stake affect them, and how might this sway their votes?

Democrats Abroad Germany Speaking About the 2022 Midterms

August 10, 2022: Interview with Quaide Williams for BildTV

September 16, 2022: Interview with Constance Chucholowski on "wach & wichtig"

October 4, 2022: Interview with Nicole Gross for the Rheinische Post

October 4, 2022: Interview with Kaitlyn Kennedy in Berlin Spectator

To help U.S. citizens abroad request their absentee ballots and follow the sometimes complicated state-by-state guidelines, Democrats Abroad is sponsoring “Vote From Abroad” voter assistance tables on September 17th at scores of locations around the globe. Virtual voter assistance sessions will also be held throughout the day. The information stands and online assistance are open to all U.S. voters.

Hear from U.S. citizens about the upcoming elections and learn more about voting from overseas by visiting one of our Voter Assistance Tables!

Looking for the nearest Voter Assistance and Registration Table? Please check out our list of events throughout Germany below!

Kontaktinformationen:
Pegi Jones
[email protected]
+49 172 363 4057
@DemsAbroadDE

Presseeinladung: #RegisterTogether

Briefwahlaktion für US-Bürger in Deutschland am Samstag, den 17. September 2022, an mehreren Städten in ganz Deutschland

10. September 2022 — Die US Midterm Elections stehen vor der Tür. Alle Sitze im Repräsentantenhaus, 35 von 50 Sitze im Senat, 36 Gouverneurs Posten und Hunderte von Sitzen in Staats- und Kommunalverwaltungen stehen bei diesen Zwischenwahlen im November 2022 zur Wahl. Die intensivste Phase des Wahlkampfs 2022 hat offiziell begonnen. Alle Augen sind nun auf die Wahlen am 8. November gerichtet, und Democrats Abroad, der offizielle Arm der Demokratischen Partei im Ausland, arbeitet hart daran, Wähler zu mobilisieren – auch hier in Deutschland.

Über 120.000 in Deutschland lebende US-Bürger, die am 8. November 2022 volljährig sind, dürfen bei den Midterms mitwählen. Vielen – darunter Tausenden von Doppelstaatsbürgern – ist es nicht bewusst, dass sie auch von außerhalb der USA wählen können – ein Grund dafür, dass die
Wahlbeteiligung aus Übersee traditionell niedrig ist. Wieder einmal zählt jede Stimme, und vermutlich werden Wähler aus Übersee Im November bei vielen Rennen in den Vereinigten Staaten auf Bundes-, Landes- und lokaler Ebene den Unterschied ausmachen, wie schon in 2020 der Fall war.

Um US-Bürgern im Ausland dabei zu helfen, ihren Wahlzettel für die Briefwahl zu beantragen und die oft komplizierten Richtlinien in ihren jeweiligen Heimatstaat zu beachten, bietet Democrats Abroad Germany am 17. September an verschiedenen Orten in ganz Deutschland Infostände mit dem Motto „Vote From Abroad“ an. An dem Wochenende finden auch virtuelle Wahlinfosessions statt für US-Bürger*innen, die nicht vor Ort sein können. Die Informationsstände und die Online-Hilfe stehen allen US-Wähler:innen offen.

Lassen Sie sich von Amerikanern und Amerikanerinnen über die bevorstehenden Wahlen informieren und erfahren Sie mehr über die Stimmabgabe im Ausland, indem Sie eines unserer zahlreichen Infostände in Deutschland besuchen.

Wir hoffen, wir haben Ihr Interesse geweckt und freuen uns, Sie am Samstag an unseren Infoständen begrüßen zu können. Gerne helfen wir Ihnen bei der Koordinierung von Interviews mit versierten „Democrats Abroad Volunteers”. Bitte leiten Sie diese Einladung auch an interessierte Kolleg:innn und US-Bürger*innen in Ihrem Umfeld weiter.

Details zu allen Veranstaltungen finden Sie hier.

###

Über Democrats Abroad

Democrats Abroad ist die offizielle Organisation der Demokratischen Partei für Bürger*innen der Vereinigten Staaten, die dauerhaft oder vorübergehend im Ausland leben. Die Organisation wird auf Bundesstaatsebene mit acht Sitzen im Demokratischen Nationalkomitee (DNC) anerkannt und entsendet eine Stimmdelegation zur Democratic National Convention (Demokratischer Nationalkongress), um den Präsidentschaftskandidaten der Demokratischen Partei zu wählen.

Weitere Informationen finden Sie unter Democrats Abroad.

Click "read more" for the English version.

Join the team working on our newest caucus, the new Global Disability Caucus!

We would like to build the broadest possible membership in this new and important team within Democrats Abroad. 

The mission of the Democrats Abroad Global Disability Caucus is to provide a voice for individuals with disabilities across its global membership. In addition to participating in voter and electoral support work the team will collaborate with allies within the Democratic Party and disability rights groups to ensure that all activities and venues are accessible; advocate on proposed legislation addressing disability rights; and educate and empower Democrats Abroad members and leaders about the issues impacting individuals with disabilities.

In addition to Democrats Abroad members with disabilities, we welcome and encourage the involvement of supporters of our members and our issues.  We hope to form an inclusive, diverse, active and effective community which provides fulfilling experiences for all.

**Please note that if you sign up to volunteer with us, you may be contacted directly via email by Chair, Marnie Delaney.

Kontaktinformationen
Sarah Carr
[email protected]
+49 172 1756684

Democrats Abroad Germany demonstriert bundesweit für reproduktive Rechte

DEUTSCHLAND, 14. Mai, 2022 - Das Grundrecht der Abtreibung in den USA ist nach dem geleakten Urteilsentwurf des Supreme Courts in Gefahr. Dieses Szenario wäre für viele Frauen in den USA katastrophal. Democrats Abroad Germany solidarisiert sich mit Aktivist*innen und Frauen aus aller Welt. Am 14.05.2022 wird bundesweit demonstriert, unter anderem in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, München und Stuttgart. 

Berlin: Pariser Platz 14:00 Uhr, Event-Webseite

Düsseldorf: Konrad-Adenauer-Platz 15:00 Uhr, Event-Webseite

Hamburg: Alsterufer 27/28 11 Uhr, Event-Webseite

München: Königinstr. vor dem US-Konsulat 14:00 Uhr, Event-Webseite

Stuttgart: Kleiner Schlossplatz 11:45 Uhr, Event-Webseite

Democrats Abroad fordert alle Wahlberechtigten auf, sich an den bevorstehenden Zwischenwahlen zu beteiligen. Nur so können Senator*innen und Repräsentant*innen gewählt werden, die den Women’s Health Protection Act verabschieden und somit das Abtreibungsrecht garantieren können.   Mitglieder*innen von Democrats Abroad werden bei den Veranstaltungen anwesend sein, um allen wahlberechtigten US-Wähler*innen bei der Wahlregistrierung zu unterstützen. 

Democrats Abroad Germany stellt zudem gerne deutsch- und englischsprachige Pressesprecher*innen aus unseren Lokalgruppen zur Verfügung, um über das Abtreibungsrecht und reproduktive Rechte in den USA zu sprechen. 

Pressesprecher:innen: 

• Kenton Barnes (Vorsitzender der Democrats Abroad Germany), Emily Lines (Vize Vorsitzende der Democrats Abroad Germany)
• Lokale Pressesprecher*innen
  • Tsesa Monaghan (Berlin) 
  • Sarah Carr (München) 
  • Pegi Jones, Nicole Groß (Düsseldorf-Ruhr) 
  • Candice Newton (Hamburg) 

Wenn Sie eine/n Pressesprecher:in aus einer anderen Ortsgruppen wünschen, geben Sie dies bitte in der Anfrage an. Wir verfügen über 14 Ortsgruppen in allen Regionen Deutschlands. 

Über Democrats Abroad 

Democrats Abroad ist die offizielle Auslandsorganisation der US-amerikanischen Demokratischen Partei und ist für 9 Millionen außerhalb der USA lebenden US-Amerikaner:innen verantwortlich. Democrats Abroad wird von der Demokratischen Partei als Staat anerkannt und gibt US-Amerikaner:innen im Ausland  eine demokratische Stimme in unserer Regierung. 

Democrats Abroad Germany ist eine von 48 Ländergruppen weltweit. Die Ländergruppen informieren US-Amerikaner:innen  im Ausland über ihre Rechte und helfen ihnen, am politischen Prozess teilzuhaben.

Click "read more" for the English version.

The Hamburg and Northern Germany Chapter in seeking someone to fill the position of Communications Coordinator. This person would organize press contacts, forward and organize statements from Country and Global level committees, as well as receive training on how to speak to German and American press contacts about Democrats Abroad and the Democratic Party. This would include posting to the Hamburg and Norther Germany News Page on the Democrats Abroad website, Facebook, and Twitter. Two members who manage the Facebook and Twitter accounts respectively can give support. Good German language skills are necessary.

Contact Person: Candice Newton, [email protected].

The Hamburg and Northern Germany Chapter is seeking someone to fill the position of volunteer coordinator for the chapter. This person would work with volunteers in Hamburg and in the Precinct Captains of Lübeck, Flensburg, and Bremen to organize 'staffing' for events such as GOTV tables, Phonebanking and CSD Tabling. In addition, this person would be responsible for checking in on volunteers to ensure current membership and activity. Support in this position would come from the previous Coordinator, Chapter Chair, Precinct Captains, and Event Organizers such as Caucus Leads and GOTV coordinator.

Contact Person: Candice Newton, [email protected].

On February 15, 2022 the Senate unanimously passed legislation authorizing the Amache National Historic Site in Colorado to become part of the National Park System "to preserve, protect, and interpret for the benefit of present and future generations resources associated with the incarceration of civilians of Japanese ancestry during World War II at Amache, also known as the Granada Relocation Center, and the military service of incarcerees from the Amache Center." Read the complete bill here.

Senator Michael Bennet, one of the co-sponsors of the bill in the Senate stated, "The incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II at sites like Amache is a shameful part of our country’s history. Our bill will preserve Amache’s story to ensure future generations can learn from this dark chapter in our history."

Late last year President Biden issued Executive Order 14031, authorizing the creation of the President’s Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. The Commission will advise the President on ways the public, private and non-profit sectors can work together to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, December 20, 2021). The 25 member Commission reflects the wide diversity and expertise within the AANHPI community. It is co-chaired by Health & Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai. Former Congressional Asian Pacific Islander Caucus Executive Director Krystal Ka’ai will serve as Executive Director of the Commission.

DAG does not have an active Hispanic caucus. Volunteers would work together as a steering committee to plan and organize events, share important information, and educate voters who are members of the Hispanic caucus.

Time Commitment: 6-10 hours per month

Interested or have questions? Contact Kaili Morris, Caucus Coordinator, [email protected]

DAG does not have an active LGBTQ+ caucus. Volunteers would work together as a steering committee to plan and organize events, share important information, and educate voters who are members of the LGBTQ+ caucus. 

Time Commitment: 6-10 hours per month

Interested or have questions? Contact Kaili Morris, Caucus Coordinator, [email protected]

We are looking for volunteers that can help develop digital content for caucuses. This includes things like writing blog posts for caucus webpages, creating event advertisement graphics, video editing, and social media posting. 

Time Commitment: 5-8 hours per month

Interested or have questions? Contact Kaili Morris, Caucus Coordinator, [email protected]

The chapter liaison, who could be the chapter chair, communications coordinator, or other member, should submit photos and a brief write-up of each chapter event to the DAG communications coordinator for sharing on our social media platforms.

Interested or have questions? Contact Kaitlyn Kennedy, Communications Coordinator, [email protected]

The DAG communications team is exploring the idea of opening a Reddit account, and we are looking for volunteers who would help manage our activity on the site. Ideally, we would have a team of 2-4 volunteers spending no more than a couple of hours per week on the site. The Reddit volunteers would be in close contact with the other comms teams to benefit from shared resources. They would also be expected to attend monthly comms meetings.

Time Commitment: Volunteers are not expected to commit more than 5 hours per week to the role. 

Interested or have questions? Contact Kaitlyn Kennedy, Communications Coordinator, [email protected]

The DAG communications team is looking for volunteers who would like to help manage our Facebook page by uploading content and interacting with other posts and pages. The Instagram volunteers would be in close contact with the other comms teams to benefit from shared resources. They would also be expected to attend monthly comms meetings.

Time Commitment: Volunteers are not expected to commit more than 5 hours per week to the role.

Interested or have questions? Contact Kaitlyn Kennedy, Communications Coordinator, [email protected]