SEPTEMBER UPDATES FROM DEMOCRATS ABROAD!

We're in, we're out, we're in... Universal Postal Agreement

Good news for our voters this fall - after very intense negotiations in Geneva this week, the US did not pull out of the Universal Postal Union. The not so good news - postal rates for mail delivery to the US will go up, rate details still unknown. Here's the story  

From Tom’s Desk

Check out DNC Chair Tom Perez on The Electables podcast talking about impeachment and see what else he has been up to here

In case you missed it... DA conversation with Mayor Pete

Democrats Abroad is trying to schedule conversations with all the Democratic candidates. If you missed our first candidate call yesterday with Mayor Pete, we've got you covered. Here's the video link. 

Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary 

Still haven't had time to check out the Democrats Abroad ballot access petition process but have 5 minutes now? Democrats Abroad has just launched our petitions platform for Democratic presidential candidates who want to add their name to our primary ballot next year.

Here's your handy link to the petition platform. 

Update from the Taxation Task Force: 

The Federal Passport Revocation Policy that was enacted as part of the 2015 FAST Act has come into effect. The IRS is providing the State Department with the names of persons with outstanding and unresolved federal tax debts of $52,000 or more. Those being subjected to this provision should have been provided with notice and opportunities to cure under the policy's implementation rules.     The Tax Task Force  felt the rules had a good chance of protecting Americans abroad but ask that you keep an ear to the ground and let us know if you hear of Americans abroad who have had their passports revoked or have had their application for a passport denied as a result of this policy. Please send comments or questions to taxationtf@democratsabroad.org.

Minutes of Democrats Abroad Guatemala

Executive Committee meeting on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at 12:00 noon at El Sitio Café and via Skype

Members in Attendance: John Chudy, Chair; Mary Lou Ridinger, Vice Chair; Kee Adams Evans, Events Coordinator, and via Skype, Scotney Young, Media Contact.

Per our bylaws (paragraph 19.3), all meetings are open to all members. 

Called to order at 12:06

Approval of Agenda and Minutes: Minutes from August meeting and September agenda were approved

Treasurer’s report: Current balance is unchanged at Q4428.

Chair’s Report: A new recruiting email for Treasurer and Secretary will go out in November.

Also needed, MeetUp Group chair for Guatemala City and start one in Huehuetenango.

Mary Lou, stressed that DAGT needs new and younger leadership to ensure the integrity of our country committee going forward. Scotney said she would canvass friends and acquaintances for interest in joining DAGT and if already members, their interest in one of the open positions.

Amending DAGT bylaws to coincide with DPCA charter on officer elections and terms of office is under consideration. Paragraph14.1 should be amended at the Annual General Meeting in March 2020.

Events for 2019

Movie Night Thursday, September 26th. Matewan will be shown at CCC on at 6:30pm. Kee will send out a promotional email. Black Klansman will be shown October 24^th and Fahrenheit 11/9 will be featured November 19^th.

Debate Watch Party- September 12^th.  Thanks to Kee and Dave for hosting. Mary Lou commented that the watch parties are best when well attended and there is a chance to discuss among participants their perceptions, comments and clarifications.

The next debate will be over two nights, October 15^th and 16^th, to take place at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio, and will feature 11 candidates. If one of the 11 candidates drops out before the 15^th, the debate will be for only one night. Kee and Dave have offered to host a watch party again for October.

Fund Raisers: DAGT bumper sticker campaign and other items including buttons and swag received from DA Germany will be for sale at the movie night and debate watch parties. John will provide Kee a price list for the new items received from DA Germany.

Americas Region News: (1) Americas Regional Meeting to be held October 25 - 26, 2019 in San Jose, Costa Rica. Guatemala, Chile and Peru are the only country committees in the region not attending. (2) Monthly updates for verifying older members will continue. Country committees find this approach more efficient than waiting for one big effort in January.

DAGT October Excom meeting: Thursday, Oct 17^th, 12:00 noon at El Sitio and via Skype.

Travel Notes: Kee and Dave will be in West Virginia from o/a 26 October to o/a 11 November. Mary Lou will be in and out. Hyung will be in New Jersey Sep 29 to Oct 2.

Adjourned: 1:46pm.