On October 31, Democrats Abroad Valencia drew a crowd of more than 360 people to a spooky evening of family fun and trick-or-treating. The packed house was entertained by a magician, played in a slime lab, and bounced away their cares in a castillo hinchable. Professional face painters created masterpieces, while hairdressers sprayed funky colors onto the heads of excited children. Adults were treated to an artisan fair, with beautifully handcrafted products, and a fortune teller. 

Arts-and-crafts tables were well-attended by children, who created fall décor under the supervision of adult volunteers. There was delicious Indian food, and drinks of all kinds were on tap. Democrats Abroad manned a table selling coveted American goodies such as Stove-Top Stuffing, Kraft mac’n’cheese, Rice Krispy Treats, and Goldfish crackers. 

Topping off the fun was an old-fashioned spooking of the streets, as costumed children trick-or-treated. With maps in hand, parents guided their children to businesses that had joined in the festivities and to DA volunteers who stood in the streets of Ruzafa with bags of goodies. 

Parents shared their heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to share this American childhood celebration with their children. Everyone looks forward to next year’s Halloween Festival. 

DA Spain Chair Kathy Tullos and her husband Mark drove to Valencia to help us make this event a success. Thank you, Kathy!

DAV would also like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the 60+ volunteers who helped to make an unforgettable evening for Americans in Valencia.

DA Valencia followed this month’s in-person chapter meeting with an expanded public town hall, where volunteers were invited to discuss the most pressing organizational needs, and signed up to assist with events aligning with their personal interests. The event drew 26 attendees to Plaza de La Virgen, where we enjoyed breakfast and chatted about politics, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, our monthly Coffee Mornings, and the neighborhood Voter Registration Drives which will begin in January. DA Valencia officers took turns explaining upcoming events for which they had taken the lead, followed by coordinated break-out sessions where attendees could sign up for specific volunteer tasks. We thank everyone who attended and volunteered to donate time to DAV. 

Thanksgiving Leftovers Picnic

Feeling nostalgic for those awkward Thanksgiving dinners with the in-laws? Don't despair! Consider us a sympathetic stand-in for Uncle Ralph and Cousin Francis. After you've had a satisfying feast at your own house, please bring your family and your leftover turkey sandwiches to the “río”! We'll catch up on all the gossip, and even exchange a few unpleasantries about bossy Aunt Dorothy.

Where: Turia Park, next to the soccer fields by Alameda Metro Station

When: November 27, 13:00-15:00h.  No need to RSVP. See you there!

Bring your own food and drinks! If you don't have Thanksgiving leftovers, bring whatever you can find in your fridge! Finally, if you're bringing children, consider bringing toys that all the kids can share (i.e., Frisbees, balls, jump ropes, sand toys, etc.).

Coffee with Democrats Abroad

DAV will be hosting a coffee social on the first Friday of every month, starting on December 3rd.

Please join us for a relaxing morning of coffee and conversation. You'll make new friends and meet old acquaintances. These events will not be moderated by DA and are simply designed to facilitate social interactions.

See you soon!

We'd like to thank Ximo Puig, President of the Valencia Community, for inviting us to discuss the U.S. presidential election.  He congratulated the Democratic Party on Joe Biden's victory and wished the American people the best during this new transition.

Between now and November 3^rd DA Valencia Excom members and volunteers will be available to help ALL American voters practice their right to vote. Should you have questions about registering, requesting your ballot or returning your ballot we are here to help.

We will provide in-person opportunities for support. 

Check locations and times below.

Tired of what’s happening in Washington?

Ready for a leader in the White House again?

You CAN make a difference in Washington from right here in Valencia.

Here are two opportunities for DA Valencia members

                                1. Member Support and Get Out The Vote

                                  Every week in September DA Valencia will provide voting support for all expat Americans.

                                  Volunteer 1 day or all 7 and help Americans register and request their ballots.

                                  Membership coordinator, Graham Tyner, will be training volunteers. 

                                  Contact him at [email protected]

                                2. Phone Banking

                                    Use the DA data base and a conversation outline to help DA Spain contact all of its members

                                   - urge them to vote and provide help with the voting process.

                                     DA Spain will train phone bankers via online instruction.

                                     Send us a message and we will see that Madrid contacts you.

                                     Contact us at [email protected]

Whether it’s in person or online YOU can make a difference!

Join us as we Get Out The Vote

JULY 4TH EVENT

With UPV closed the American Space is unable to host this summer's July 4th picnic.  Instead, DA Valencia is offering a July 4th Social Gathering at Tommy Mel's in the Aqua Mall @ 2pm on July 4th.  Come enjoy a burger and share the holiday with other Americans.

Bienvenido Democrats Abroad - Valencia!

Welcome to DA-Valencia (DAV), the official arm of the Democratic Party for American Democrats living in the Valencian Region of Spain.

MISSION: To provide relevant information about candidates and issues that affect democratic-leaning expats. Chapter activities are designed to facilitate the meeting of new people of like-mind people in fun-filled social, political and community events that show a positive image of the US and US expats living in Valencia.

Together with DA country committees around the globe, we're advocating for overseas Americans on Capitol Hill and joining friends and family in the US and in Spain in important activism campaigns. With technology and social media, there are many ways for us to make our voices heard, even an ocean away.

VOTING: US Citizens living abroad need to register to vote EVERY YEAR. We can assist with your voter registration and with securing and filing your ballot(s). 

Voter Reg/Ballot Request

JOIN THE FUN: Members are notified of all the activities of the Valencian chapter and are kept informed about local and national US issues as well as those that expats face while living in Spain. To join this dynamic group, simply Click Here.  We will contact you after receiving your information.

We rely on volunteers to ensure members and friends are informed about local and national US issues as well as those that expats face while living in Spain.

Watch this space for upcoming announcements of meetings and events. We have events planned throughout the year and encourage anyone interested in participating and helping with Democrats Abroad Valencia to let us know of your interest.

Please share your questions, ideas, and enthusiasm with us!

We look forward to meeting you very soon!

Your DA Leadership Team,

Georgie Grossman, Chair
Phillip Brown, Vice Chair
John Poirier, Secretary
Julie Turner, Treasurer

For more information email us at:
To contact DA Valencia just click here

Or:       
Dems Abroad Facebook page

To really understand what is at stake in 2020 I strongly encourage you to listen carefully to the last 14+ minutes of Adam Schiff’s 2:20 hour address to the opening of the impeachment trial.

http://bit.ly/Schiff-Argument 

This new pride does not erase my personal responsibility for the apathy and lack of attention that I have paid in the past to the threats that have been developing over the past several decades. In a very real way, I am responsible too.

I did not look. I did not see. I intentionally blinded myself to the reality that slowly but surely the wheels were falling off the wagon. I was wowed by the intellect and governing of people like Obama and a congress that seemed to be keeping everything in check and balance.

Does this sound familiar - no, I mean really - does this ring any bells for you? “We” must now recommit ourselves to fight for who we are due to the democratic freedom we enjoy.

Now - I / we must act to safeguard the constitution and restore confidence in our government that is so severely eroded.  

Act now - please, we cannot again be part of the 30% of eligible voters who did not vote due to our apathy.