The Democrats Abroad Global Senior Caucus is made up of DA members of all ages from around the world who are willing and able to advocate on issues important to Senior Americans (i.e. retired and +65 persons) within the United States of America and those living abroad. All DA members are eligible to join the GSC and we encourage members of all ages to join.
In 1997, the National Democratic Seniors Coordinating Council (NDSCC) was created as an official body of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). The main purpose of the NDSCC was “to give older Democrats a voice within the DNC, to make use of their experience and expertise on issues such as Social Security and Medicare, to acknowledge their life-long dedication to Democratic Party ideas, and to mobilize older Democratic voters in election campaigns.” The NDSCC is made up of older Democrats from around the United States who want to be active in the national DNC, and in their state parties. These Senior activists come from a variety of backgrounds, and participate in many organizations at the national and local levels, including labor unions, senior citizen organizations and community groups.
The DA Global Seniors Caucus (GSC) mirrors the NDSCC’s commitment to all DA members to better understand the issues and concerns affecting all Seniors living and home and abroad. Our purpose is to provide a forum for all DA members not only to better understand the issues and concerns affecting American Seniors, but also and most importantly, to empower and encourage Senior Americans living abroad to exercise their voting franchise rights.
The Seniors Caucus supports the goals and ideals of the Democratic Party and Democrats Abroad, and encourages all members of Democrats Abroad and other U.S. voters at home and abroad to support the well-being of Senior citizens, and monitor the actions of other relevant organizations that support issues or legislation affecting Senior Americans. We advocate for laws, policies, and programs that improve the lives of Senior Americans, and educate all people on the experiences of Seniors.
Our Mission
- To support the goals and ideals of the Democratic Party and Democrats Abroad;
- To maximize the participation of Seniors living abroad in U.S. elections;
- To advocate on issues of concern to Seniors, especially Seniors living abroad;
- To be a voice for U.S. citizens living abroad;
- To support campaigns of Democratic candidates aligned with the interests of Seniors;
- To work with other teams, task forces and Caucuses within DA to further our joint goals.
Chair | [email protected] |
Newsletter Editor | [email protected] |
Members of the Steering Committee
Chair | Betsy Ettorre (Finland) |
Vice Chair | Jim Dobson (Finland) |
Secretary | (Vacant) |
Events | Marnie Delaney (France) |
Member/Volunteers Recruitment | |
Legislation | Melanie Gardner (Canada) |
Communications, Social Media, Newsletter | Lauren Hakulinen (France) |
Communications | Eric Jackson (Panama) |
Get Out The Vote (GOTV) | Jim Mercereau (Spain) |
Information Technology (IT) | Will Prescott (Mexico) |
Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) | Brendan Read (Canada) |
Member-at-Large | Karen Lee (Greece) |
Member-at-Large | Robert Scott (Germany) |
Member-at-Large | Dan Smith (Israel) |
Ex-officio Member | Martha McDevitt-Pugh |
Ex-officio Member | Katie Solon (Germany) |