In This Issue –

Events:

• Phone Banking Training
• Women’s Caucus - Legalize Equality
• Young Dems Movie Night
• Cleve Jones Webinar
• Pride Event – Drag Queen Bingo

Issues & Actions:

• DAA Video! Why I'll Vote in November
• New Asian American/Pacific Islander Caucus
• Rapid Response – Save the USPS
• 2020 DA Platform
• Are you on Instagram?
• Gearing up for 2020 –
  • Breaking the Bubble
  • Phone Banking
  • Volunteers Needed 

Reviews:

• Pub Quiz
• Quarantini
• The CARES Act - What’s In It?

Our Executive Committee meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month. The next meeting will be held online on: Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at 7 p.m. Members are welcome to join us at the meetings. Please contact Jennifer at [email protected] for the link. 

DAA is making a strong effort to include in our monthly newsletter all the information you need to stay up to date in order to avoid the flood of emails that occurs in an election year. By sending you fewer emails, we hope you will read those you receive. Thanks for reading!

Follow us on:

D O N A T E 

Events:

Phone Bank Training

May 18. 6:30 p.m.

Legalize Equality - Film Screening & Discussion

May 26, 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m. 

Young Dems Movie Night

May 28, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Sol Sun & The LGBTI Caucus Host Cleve Jones 

Sunday, May 31, 5 p.m. CEST/11 a.m. EST 

Pride Event – Drag Queen Bingo

June 13, TBA 

Issues & Actions:

Why I'll Vote in November

DA Austria members got together after our last Solidarity Sundays meeting to create some social media content for our 2020 get out the vote effort. Take a look at the video! Would you like to participate or have an idea for our next video? Contact Tanya Lolonis at [email protected]. 

New Democrats Abroad Caucus

An Asian American/Pacific Islander Caucus is being formed at the DA Global level. Please email Jennifer at [email protected] if you are interested in helping with the AAPI global caucus from Austria. All are welcome.

To find out more about Democrats Abroad Global Caucuses and to join, please see here.

Help Save the US Postal Service 

Rapid Response Needed: Destroy the Post Office, and you destroy democracy. We must take action to save the USPS, here, and to learn how to use ResistBot at the same time. “Simply put, if you hate the Post Office then you hate America.... We need to all lean on our members of Congress — regardless of party — to lean on the White House to save our Post Office before September.”

2020 Democrats Abroad Platform

The working draft of the 2020 Democrats Abroad Platform is now available (click here to download and open the PDF file): Draft - 2020 Platform. The platform expresses DA’s political values and policy goals, and is the result of over 10,000 comments submitted over the past six months. Please provide YOUR comment here: Platform Feedback Form. Please respond by May 15, ideally earlier, as electors will vote on the platform during the DA Regional Conventions (May 16) and Global Convention (June 6).

Are You on Instagram? 

Follow us on Instagram @demsaustria for easy reminders and updates all in one place: from events to electoral news and information on how to vote from abroad!

Gearing Up for 2020 –

Breaking the Bubble Lots of Americans living abroad don’t know they have a legal right to vote or that they must re-register in every calendar year. We phone bank to remind people to register and request their ballot because this is the most effective way to reach our members (see below).

But what about all those other Americans overseas who are embarrassed to say they are from the US, horrified by the president’s actions and statements, and don’t realize they have the power to enact change?

We want to break the information bubble. Help us reach out to American voters by telling your friends and family, colleagues and acquaintances, heck, even the American in line next to you at the market, to go to votefromabroad.org and register to vote. It’s non-partisan, takes 5 minutes, and there is a chat box to answer any questions. 

Why? Because voting is a civic duty. 

Phone Banking We’ve got a new country campaign up to reach all our members before summer and remind them to register and request their ballot. Will you join our team of phone banking volunteers and get out the vote in 2020?

You know how important a huge Democratic turnout will be in November’s election - the need for change is so painfully clear - and under our current circumstances, the best way to reach overseas voters is by phone banking. Our call may be the only contact members get about voting. Voting from abroad is complex and they appreciate the reminders and support that we offer. 

Become a DA Austria phone banker! Join our phone banking training on May 18 at 6:30 p.m. and we’ll help you get set up and calling in no time. 

Raise Your Hand and Volunteer with DA Austria! The only way we can dump Trump, keep Congress, and flip the Senate is by getting all Americans in Austria to register, request, and return their ballot for the November election. It’s all hands on board and we need your help! We have lots of interesting opportunities for you to work on wherever you may be located in Austria. Below are a few wishes our teams have:

Phone Banking: Making calls to potential voters abroad is one of the most important volunteer jobs you can do! Most Americans abroad aren't called in an election even once (those back home are called hundreds of times). This is the job for you if you have a good internet connection and are looking for a way to hold onto the House, flip the Senate, and take back the White House. We know this election is going to be a challenge — calling our members is the most effective way of getting out the vote!

Time commitment: no minimum required. You set your own hours to call.

READ MORE

Reviews:

Pub Quiz 

A pandemic that is far less dangerous than the one we are experiencing right now, is the global craze for trivia nights. The Young Dems hosted their very first Virtual Pub Quiz on April 16. Questions revolved around democratic candidates and presidents of the past and future, accompanied by the newest Buttijams and Grammy Winners who just so happen to also have been presidents. Our virtual pub is the next best thing to a real one; a great spot to meet other Young Dems and enjoy some trivia!

– Laura Farmwald, Youth Caucus Co-Coordinator

Quarantini 

Despite lockdown, April was a busy month for Democrats Abroad Austria! On April 18, the Communications Committee invited DAA members for its first-ever Happy Hour, though the meeting might have been in cyberspace, the alcohol was real! Topics ranged from how to effectively conduct voter registration in the time of COVID-19, to our favorite quarantine baking recipes and pets. Stay tuned for our next Happy Hour (hopefully in person): a great opportunity to catch up and get to know other DAA members over your favorite drink! 

– Sophie Spiegelberger, Communications Chair

Solidarity Sundays #31: 

A $2.3 Trillion Stimulus Package, What’s in it for Me?

From our homes in Vienna, Solidarity Sundays activists conducted an online oversight hearing on the US government’s response to the COVID-19 unemployment crisis. At $2.3 trillion, the CARES Act is the largest economic stimulus bill in modern history. DA Vice Chair Juan Cerda showed us where the money is going. 

READ MORE

– Tanya Lolonis, Member-at-Large

Thanks for reading.

See you in June for our next issue!

A $2.3 Trillion Stimulus Package, What’s in it for Me?

From our homes in Vienna, Solidarity Sundays activists conducted an online oversight hearing on the US government’s response to the COVID-19 unemployment crisis. At $2.3 trillion, the CARES Act is the largest economic stimulus bill in modern history. DA Vice Chair Juan Cerda showed us where the money is going.

30%:  Individuals and Families are receiving $1,200 tax rebates from the IRS. Individuals require a Social Security number, couples filing jointly both need Social Security numbers. Families receive an additional $500 for each child under 18. The rebate is reduced for high-income earners. The federal government is topping up state unemployment payments by $600 per week, and gig workers and freelancers are included.

25%:  Large corporations taking federal loans are barred from engaging in stock buybacks (but may offset COVID losses against past profits to increase their payouts). The largest group benefiting from the stimulus:  commercial and cargo airlines, and their contractors.

19%:  The loan pool for small businesses to keep employees on the payroll, all $350 bn of it, ran out in 13 days. An additional stimulus bill was passed with $310 bn. Banks disperse the loans, so businesses without bank relationships — Mom and Pop stores, neighborhood cafés — are locked out. The biggest portion went to companies with large market capitalization.

17%:  At the insistence of Sen. McConnell, state & local government grants are restricted to COVID-19 expenditures and cannot cover budget deficits. States project revenue losses of $500 bn for the next two years.

9%:  Public service grants are earmarked for healthcare providers, Medicare payments to virus patients, the Strategic National Stockpile, the CDC, and food security programs.

Juan ended by highlighting who is left out of the stimulus:  the undocumented and nonresidents who make up our most vulnerable — that is, essential — workers during the pandemic. Also excluded are DACA recipients, small business owners, Indian reservations, and those unable to file unemployment claims due to system overload.

After our oversight hearing, Sunday’s attendees recorded messages for a short video. Why? Tanya Lolonis explained that social media is where the war for November is being fought, and the GOP has a huge structural advantage:  they spent 40 years hating the media and building their own news ecosystem. Republican groups are adept at creating content and pushing it onto Facebook. Democrats are outgunned by Fox, Breitbart, and 1,000 outlets you have never heard of.

So we looked at how everyone can amplify our progressive message on social media. Text, photos, sounds, and videos (like ours!) are pieces of content. Using the supercomputer in our pockets, we can share that content with dozens or hundreds of our contacts. Want your content to be engaging so your friends will share it with their friends? Emotions drive engagement, and nothing is speedier than rage. Awe and wonder, emotions increasing desire for emotional connection, come a close second. This is why posting your personal story moves faster and further on social media.

Here are two things you can do from quarantine to help Democrats in November. One, we need phone bankers. We need a lot of people to each make a few calls. We need you now. Email [email protected] and we’ll show you how easy it is to do from home. And two, use that pocket supercomputer of yours to share content and amplify our progressive message. Create content, and visit Democrats Abroad Austria on social media and share ours:  find us on Twitter (@DemsAustria), Facebook (Democrats Abroad Austria) and Instagram (demsaustria).

– Tanya Lolonis

Many thanks to everyone who joined our webinar on the CARES Act and Americans abroad. Thanks also to everyone who donated to support getting out the vote around the world. Every dollar you give supports our work to elect Democrats who will fight to make a better life for ALL Americans. If you haven't had the chance yet to donate and are interested, here's the link to the webinar's donation page.

We also wanted to make sure you were able to review the slides following the call, they are here: http://superstore.softwarespinner.com/s/J28yFczkaNnpL9n

And if you missed the webinar or are interested in reviewing some parts of it, here is the video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSvtS-cFLCU

For more information about the advocacy work that our taxation task force team does, please visit: http://www.democratsabroad.org/taxation.

As always, note that Democrats Abroad does not provide personal tax advice or recommendations. We recommend that you engage a qualified, professional tax adviser to address questions related to your personal financial situation.

In This Issue –

DA Austria Events:

• Young Dems Online Pub Quiz Night 
• CARES Act and You: What It Means for Americans Abroad
• Quarantini Happy Hour
• Virtual Call Hub Party
• Solidarity Sundays

Online Events organised by other DA groups:

• Suppressed Film Screening/GOTV Ideas Discussion 
• Earth Day Panel Discussion
• GBC Cafe - III 

Issues & Actions:

• Run to be a Delegate at the Democratic Convention
• The Activists To Do List
• Coronavirus Act provisions and implementation for Americans Abroad
• The ACA Is More Valuable Than Ever

Reviews:

• Global Presidential Primary
• Annual General Meeting

Members Corner:

• Special Offer from Seymann’s Winery 

Mark your calendars:

• May 16-17:  Online Regional Conventions (tentative dates, pending waiver request approval)
• June 6-7:  Online Global Convention & Global Meeting (tentative dates, pending waiver request approval)
• Week of August 17: Democratic National Convention
• Nov 3:  The moment we've all been working for!

Our Executive Committee meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month. The next meeting will be held online on:

• 7pm Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Members are welcome to join us at the meetings. Please contact Jennifer at [email protected] for the link.

DAA is making a strong effort to include in our monthly newsletter all the information you need to stay up to date in order to avoid the flood of emails that occurs in an election year. By sending you fewer emails, we hope you will read those you receive. Thanks for reading!

Follow us on:

EVENTS: 

Young Dems Virtual Pub Quiz

Join us for our first online Pub Quiz!

Bring your own beer and enjoy democratic trivia accompanied by (some of) the presidential candidates' playlists from the comfort of your own home.

Where: Online

When: 7-10pm, April 10, 2020

RSVP for the link by sending an email to [email protected]

Find this event on Facebook 

CARES Act & You: What It Means for Americans Abroad

DA Austria and DA Global are excited to host a fundraising tax webinar to support DA’s phone banking campaign to reach our members around the world!

In this webinar, ex-pat tax expert, Nathalie Goldstein MsC, EA and CEO of My Expert Taxes, will discuss the implications of the legislation on Americans living abroad, how to go about requesting a stimulus check, and other Expat 101 tax basics. There will be plenty of time for a question and answer session. 

Please note that Democrats Abroad does not endorse any particular company nor give tax advice. 

Where: Online

Donation: $10

When: April 15, 2020 at 7pm CET

RSVP on the Democrats Abroad Website 

Quarantini Happy Hour

Grab a glass, mix your favourite cocktail or sip a cup of herbal tea and join our first Quarantini Happy Hour for a relaxing evening get-together to catch up and meet new people!

See you there!

Where: Online

When: April 18, 2020 from 7-10PM

RSVP: Please email [email protected] for link.

Virtual Call Hub Party

Phone banking is the most effective way to reach our members and remind them to register, request, and vote their ballot. It is also easy and fun! 

We want to call all our members in the next few months. Help us reach this goal by learning how to use the CallHub program. Join us for an online phone banking party and we will help you get set up and comfortable in no time!

Where: Online

When: April 20, 2020 from 6-7:30PM

RSVP: please email [email protected] for the link

Solidarity Sundays

The most massive emergency aid package in US history is now law, a $2 trillion stimulus package to help the US economy fight the devastating spread of COVID-19. The stimulus package represents a massive financial injection into a struggling economy to help American workers, small businesses, and industries grappling with economic disruption. However, what's really in it? Who really does this package benefit? What's in it for you and your family? Join us at our next Solidarity Sunday to find out. 

As we continue to practice social distance, there will no meet up in-person. Please register to receive the video teleconference link to: [email protected] Visit us on Facebook.

Where: Online

When: April 26, 2020 from 4-6pm

RSVP for the link at vic[email protected]

OTHER DA EVENTS ONLINE:

Suppressed – Film Screening 

Our Virtual Film Nights continue with a discussion on the documentary, "Suppressed - The Fight to Vote". This short 38-minute documentary reveals the rampant voter suppression behind the 2018 midterm elections in Georgia.

Watch the film at your leisure on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03DGjnIkTdI) and join us for a discussion with DAB volunteer, Robin Lofton, a social justice writer, historian, and progressive activist who led us through our Black History Month Lunch last month.

Zoom details will be sent when you RSVP - here's to Confinement Cinema!

Where: Online Hosted by DA Belgium

When: April 23, 2020 from 7:30PM

RSVP for the link at Suppressed

Earth Day Anniversary – Panel Discussion

Is Climate Change a gender issue?  What are the impacts of environmental conditions on infectious diseases? How can empowering women save the planet from climate collapse? 

You’ll be surprised at the answers…

Where: Online Hosted by DA Germany

When: April 21, 2020 at 7PM

RSVP for the link on the Democrats Abroad Website

Global Black Caucus Cafe III

This will be our third GBC Cafe. In this interactive event, we will discuss a topic that is TBD but interesting none the less.

Everyone is welcome to join. We had a great discussion last time and we hope you will join us for what should again be a lively discussion.

This is an online event. You will receive the connection information in an email after your RSVP.

Where: Online Hosted by DA Germany

When: April 28, 2020 at 4-7PM

RSVP for the link on the Democrats Abroad Website

ISSUES & ACTIONS:

Run to be a Delegate at the Democratic Convention

If you (or someone you know) is interested in running to be a delegate candidate, please fill out a nomination form. Forms are due on April 17th. Two delegate candidate workshops are now available on the DA website to answer your questions:

Delegate Workshop on April 11

Delegate Workshop on April 13

Or, don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected]with any questions you may have!

A Message from the Affirmative Action Committee —

During the week of August 17^th, the Democrats Abroad (DA) delegation will join with others at the Democratic National Convention to formally choose our nominee for President of the United States. This is a great honor and among the most important civic roles one can have as a U.S. citizen living abroad.

We will once again have a fired-up delegation casting our votes with all the other Democratic state parties' delegates in showing support and unity among us. You may recall from 2016 our delegation was prominently shown on media stations around the world!

With great interest in attending the national Convention, this is the moment for all interested Democrats Abroad members to submit their declaration of delegate candidacy. Any DA member is eligible to run, and the Affirmative Action Committee strongly emphasizes the importance of DA members from historically-underrepresented backgrounds to run as delegate candidates in showing the world the diversity of our Party and our members around the world.

Forms to declare delegates’ candidacy are now available online. Please encourage your country committee’s members, state chapters, caucuses, task forces, and other leaders and members to fill it out as soon as possible and return it no later than April 17^th.

-The Democrats Abroad Affirmative Action Committee-

Questions or comments? E-mail: [email protected]

The Activist’s To Do List 

There are many things you can do while you are at home in self-isolation. Here is a list of a few ideas, but we'd love to hear how you are using using physical distancing for social good. Have an idea? Please let us know and we will add it to this list! For lots of ideas listen to this podcast – What To Do Online Right Now

1. Protect the voting process in the US. Sometimes overcrowded polling places aren’t by design but by too few volunteers. The November election is going to be particularly challenging for states to get vote-by-mail up and running and to make sure there is enough people-power to work at polling centers. Many people who traditionally help at polling locations are retirees and particularly at risk. Now is the time to encourage younger friends and family members at home to volunteer with their local election official. Find out more about this topic in the podcast Campaign HQ with David Plouffeepisode “Will We Vote?” from March 26, 2020.

2. Get trained to phone-bank! We will be calling ALL of our members over the next months to remind them to register and request their ballot and to return it in October. Phone banking is fun and rewarding. You can do just a few calls or hundreds — you decide when you want to call and there is a script so you don’t have to know all the answers. This is proven to be the most effective way to get our members to vote. Join us at the Call Hub Party from 6:00-7:30pm on April 20 or watch the training video, sign on to call hub (the calling platform) and we’ll be in touch as soon as the call campaign begins. We need your help! 

READ MORE

Coronavirus Act Provisions and Implementation for Americans Abroad

Americans abroad are clearly very keen to know: if they are eligible for things like the Recovery Rebate; what amount of aid they might collect; and how and when the aid will be delivered.  It is fair to say that lockdown-related job and income losses are causing a great deal of stress, with people clearly feeling scared and financially vulnerable.

DA’s Taxation Task Force has published this information about the CARES Act on the Taxation page of the DA Website. 

However, there is currently not a lot of clarity available from Treasury about how the aid will be delivered or when it will be received.  Those uncertainties are even more profound for Americans abroad. 

We are currently drafting a CARES Act FAQs document. But it may not be populated with very useful responses for some days (or longer). We will forward a link to the FAQs document soon and message you when we have material updates.

— DA’s Taxation Task Force

On Its 10th Anniversary, In Midst Of Public Health Crisis, The ACA Is More Valuable Than Ever

Ten years after the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the law is more popular than ever. It’s no wonder -- it helped tens of millions of Americans obtain quality affordable health care coverage, made it illegal for insurers to deny coverage over a preexisting condition or charge women more for their health care than men, allowed young adults to stay on their parents’ plans, required coverage of preventative services and essential health benefits, and so much more.

Now -- in the midst of a global pandemic -- the ACA is one of our most critical tools to protect Americans from the consequences of the coronavirus.  The protections afforded by the ACA help ensure Americans get the health care they need and aren’t bankrupted just because they caught coronavirus. The Trump administration has been forced to rely on several provisions of the ACA as part of the nation’s response to the virus.

READ MORE

REVIEWS:

Global Presidential Primary 

From March 3–10, 2020, the Global Presidential Primary took place at 230 voting centers and hundreds of Ballot Assistance Events around the world. Thank you to all our members who voted in person in Vienna on March 3 or March 7, or came to a Ballot Assistance events in Graz, Innsbruck, or Salzburg, and to all of you who voted remotely either by mail or electronically. I’d also like to give a big thanks to all the volunteers who worked so hard to make these events a success!

Globally, two candidates reached the 15% threshold and will have delegates apportioned to them proportionately — Bernie Sanders received 57,9% of the vote winning 9 DA delegates and Joe Biden won 22.7% of the vote winning 4 delegates. DA has a total of 21 delegates that will go to the convention — the 13 pledged delegates that were proportionately determined in the GPP and the 8 unpledged delegates who each carry ½ vote. There was an important rule change made after the 2016 primary and unpledged delegates will only be able to cast a vote in case of a second round of voting for the nominee. 

Anyone interested in running to be a delegate should fill out the nomination form by April 17. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

DA Austria had a 24% increase in voter turnout in 2020 vs 2016. Thank you for casting your ballot for the presidential nominee with Democrats Abroad! 

— Jennifer Rakow-Stepper, Chair 

Annual General Meeting

DA Austria held its first-ever online Annual General Meeting on March 22, 2020. Despite the challenges involved, thirty-eight DAA members attended — about the number that have attended our in-person AGM’s in past years.

The various Chair, Treasurer and Auditors’ reports showed that DA Austria is an active and growing organization. We were able to cover costs incurred by our many events in 2019 through the generosity of our sustaining donors, a fundraiser, and swag sales.Solidarity Sunday’s room rental costs were covered by a generous donation from an anonymous donor.

DA Austria had a record breaking 259 people who became members between February 1st and March 10th. Most did so in order to vote in the Global Presidential Primary. 

Faith Herbold, GOTV coordinator, and Caitlin Ahern, database manager, led an online Get out the Vote training workshop before the meeting. Keep an eye out for future training events to help us get out the vote for November!

Thank you to everyone who joined the meeting and stayed for the nice chat afterwards. You can watch a recording of the meeting here.

— Jennifer Rakow-Stepper, Chair 

MEMBERS CORNER:

Special Offer!

Seymann’s Winery had planned to do a wine tasting after our Annual General Meeting, but instead has offered DA Members free delivery on a Spring Fever Wine Tasting Box. 

Mix it up, choose your favorite wines in their webshop with the note „DemAbroad“ … 6 bottles or more will be sent by DPD delivery service. 

Seymann takes care of the shipping charges #thinkglobalbuylocal

There are many things you can do while you are at home in self-isolation. Here is a list of a few ideas, but we'd love to hear how you are using using physical distancing for social good. Have an idea? Please let us know and we will add it to this list!

1. Protect the voting process in the US. Sometimes overcrowded polling places aren’t by design but by too few volunteers. The November election is going to be particularly challenging for states to get vote-by-mail up and running and to make sure there is enough people-power to work at polling centers. Many people who traditionally help at polling locations are retirees and particularly at risk. Now is the time to encourage younger friends and family members at home to volunteer with their local election official. Find out more about this topic in the podcast Campaign HQ with David Plouffe episode “Will We Vote?” from March 26, 2020.

2. Get trained to phone-bank! We will be calling ALL of our members over the next months to remind them to register and request their ballot and to return it in October. Phone banking is fun and rewarding. You can do just a few calls or hundreds — you decide when you want to call and there is a script so you don’t have to know all the answers. This is proven to be the most effective way to get our members to vote. Join us at the Call Hub Party from 6:00-7:30pm on April 20 or watch the training video, sign on to call hub (the calling platform) and we’ll be in touch as soon as the call campaign begins in April. We need your help! 

3. Spread the word. Ask organizations you belong to put our non-partisan voting registration site, VoteFromAbroad.org on their website or in their newsletter.

• Fraternities and sororities
• Business or professional clubs
• Churches, Social clubs or any large membership group

Make your request sound as altruistic and civic-minded as possible. You’ll never know until you ask. — Angela Fobbs, DA Germany, GBC Chair

4. Contact Your Network. Send an email or text message to all of the Americans you know overseas or at home.

Here's an example of a text I sent out to every American expat I knew who wasn’t already involved with Democrats Abroad (it worked! - I got a response from about 70% of them and those who responded checked their registration and requested their ballots). Of course, feel free to customize the message as needed and based on voter location. 

Hey there! I hope your week is going well. At the beginning of 2020 I made a resolution to share voter registration info with all of my American expat friends 🇺🇸 If you haven’t yet checked your voter registration and requested your absentee ballot (something you should do every year), you can do both of those things at this website: www.votefromabroad.org 

It’s really easy to use, and they have an online Help Desk if you have any questions. I’m also happy to answer any voter questions you might have. Contrary to many myths about overseas ballots, your vote can and often does make a difference! The website is non-partisan, but if you know anyone who is interested specifically in getting out the vote for Democrats in 2020, please feel free to send them my number. Thank you and happy voting! 🗳💙

 A personal message like this from a friend will be more effective than a mass-distributed message from an organization. — Kelsey Mc Lendon, DA Germany, Stuttgart

5. Volunteer Remotely. Sign up to volunteer with various organizations in the U.S. Here are some ideas:

Fairfight - https://fairfight.com

Swing Left - https://swingleft.org

Supermajority - https://supermajority.com

Justice Democrats - https://www.justicedemocrats.com/volunteer

Sister District - https://sisterdistrict.com/volunteer-activities

Higher Heights - https://www.higherheightsforamerica.org

Vote Save America - https://www.votesaveamerica.com

Dem List - https://demlist.com

Ballotpedia - https://ballotpedia.org/Main_Page

Greater than Fear Minnesota (excellent messaging inspiration): https://greaterthanfear.us

— Kelsey Mc Lendon, DA Germany, Stuttgart

Have an idea? Please let us know and we will add it to this list!

Ten years after the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the law is more popular than ever. It’s no wonder -- it helped tens of millions of Americans obtain quality, affordable health care coverage, made it illegal for insurers to deny coverage over a preexisting condition or charge women more for their health care than men, allowed young adults to stay on their parents’ plans, required coverage of preventative services and essential health benefits, and so much more.

Now -- in the midst of a global pandemic -- the ACA is one of our most critical tools to protect Americans from the consequences of the coronavirus. The protections afforded by the ACA help ensure Americans get the health care they need and aren’t bankrupted just because they caught coronavirus. The Trump administration has been forced to rely on several provisions of the ACA as part of the nation’s response to the virus.

And yet, Trump is still arguing in court to overturn the entire health care law, including its preexisting condition protections -- and doubled down at a coronavirus briefing just last night. At every opportunity, Trump has worked to weaken the ACA and put coverage for millions at risk. Despite promising to create better, more affordable health care, Trump and his repeated acts of sabotage have contributed to rising health care costs and a rise in the uninsured rate. Americans shouldn’t have to worry every day about whether the law will be overturned and they’ll lose the ACA’s protections, and whether they will be able to pay their bills because of rising health care costs that Trump failed to lower.

The ACA is more popular than ever.

A clear majority of Americans approve of the Affordable Care Act. In February, the ACA hit its highest approval rating ever of 55%.

Now -- in the midst of a global pandemic -- the ACA is one of our most critical tools.

Comprehensive Coverage: The ACA established what are known as “essential health benefits,” such as prescription drugs and hospitalization. Coronavirus testing and treatment are essential health benefits and must be covered by all ACA-compliant plans.

Access To Critical Vaccinations Without Cost Sharing: Once a coronavirus vaccine is developed, the Affordable Care Act will almost certainly cover the coronavirus vaccine without cost-sharing, because it requires plans to cover all vaccinations recommended by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

Protections For As Many As 133 Million Americans With Pre-Existing Conditions: Under the ACA, anyone who contracts coronavirus will not be subject to future discrimination from insurance companies.

Coverage for 20+ Million People: Because of the ACA, more than 20 million Americans gained health coverage. People with insurance are much more likely to see a doctor when they are sick and to get the treatment they need.

Increased CDC Funding: The Affordable Care Act established the CDC Prevention and Public Health Fund, which helps states prepare for disease outbreaks.

Medicaid Expansion: Because of the ACA, states can get additional federal money to expand Medicaid to vulnerable populations. More than 17 million Americans now have coverage through Medicaid expansion. Importantly, Medicaid’s funding structure allows funds to increase in response to a public health emergency like coronavirus.

Key Support For Rural Hospitals. The ACA significantly reduced uncompensated care costs. Between 2013 and 2015, hospitals’ uncompensated care costs decreased by $12 billion, or roughly 30 percent. As hospitals prepare for an influx in coronavirus patients, it is critical that they are paid for the treatment they provide.

Even as he tries to destroy the law, Trump has been forced to rely on key provisions of the ACA to fight the spread of coronavirus:

According to the Los Angeles Times:

Essential Health Benefits: “President Trump and his deputies have urged health insurers to make testing for coronavirus free to patients, calling it an ‘essential benefit,’ despite years of pushing to loosen federal rules on what health insurance plans must cover.”

Medicaid Expansion: “And the administration is now moving to make it easier for poor Americans to get care through Medicaid, after championing multiple efforts over the last three years to slash the joint federal and state program and cut millions of people from its rolls.”

Nursing Home Inspections: “The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, known as CMS, pledged to intensify nursing home inspections, just months after moving to roll back government inspection standards the agency called “burdensome.”

And yet, Trump will stop at nothing to end the ACA.

Trump tried to repeal the ACA:

Throughout 2017, Trump and Republicans in Congress repeatedly tried to push dangerous repeal legislation through that would have kicked upwards of 20 million Americans off their health care, undermined the ACA’s protections for Americans with preexisting conditions, and gutted Medicaid.

Trump sabotaged the ACA:

Trump and Republican sabotage of the ACA has contributed to rising health care costs. Last year, premiums for silver benchmark marketplace plans were 16 percent higher than they would have been had Trump and Republicans not succeeded in undermining the law and stoking market uncertainty.

Trump supports a lawsuit to overturn the ACA:

Trump promised that whoever “wanted health care” would have it under his administration, but the Trump-backed lawsuit would cause 21 million Americans to lose their insurance.

Trump promised he would put a stop to rising health care costs and even reduce them -- but his lawsuit would raise out-of-pocket costs for premiums and prescription drugs.

Trump promised to support preexisting condition protections and said that costs for people with preexisting conditions would be “much lower” under his leadership -- but his lawsuit would end these vital protections.

Trump promised to protect Medicaid -- but his lawsuit would end access to Medicaid for millions of Americans enrolled through the ACA’s expansion program.

The politics of health care.

But all this has come at a political cost for Trump and Republicans. Their efforts to repeal the ACA and sabotage American health care, and Democrats’ efforts to protect the law, expand coverage and lower costs, have helped Democrats win races up and down the ballot in 2017, 2018 and 2019, including winning the House majority in the last midterm elections. And still today, health care is the number one issue on the minds of voters, and among voters who rate it their top issue, Democrats enjoy a significant advantage. With Trump bungling the response to the coronavirus pandemic, you can bet health care will again be the top issue on voters’ minds.

It’s quite a reversal of fortune in the 10 years since President Obama signed the ACA. In 2010 and again in 2014, the politics of health care benefitted Republicans with big wins in both those midterm elections. Of course, their success was built on lies like “death panels.” But ten years later, the truth has won out. And the truth is the Affordable Care Act has improved the health and financial security of millions of Americans. On this anniversary, that’s something to celebrate.

— DNC War Room

Due to the Covid-19 outbreak and government restrictions, DA Austria has decided to cancel all of our in-person events in order to avoid creating any unnecessary risks for our members, their loved ones, and other vulnerable members of our society. We will, however, hold some of our events online. 

DA Austria's Annual General Meeting will be held on March 22 at 3pm — online. At the meeting, you will still learn about all our plans for getting out the vote in the 2020 General Election, what you can do to help dump Trump, and review all DAA accomplished in 2019 — the meeting will be much briefer than usual.

DA Austria is required (by our By-Laws) to hold our AGM prior to March 31, that's why we can neither cancel nor postpone this event. We also have a quorum requirement to make the meeting valid. Please help us meet these challenges by joining us in our first ever online AGM — RSVP below! 

As a thank you for your loyalty and help through this difficult period,AGM attendees will be able to come to a fundraising wine tasting with Seymann's Winery for free! We'll set the date just a soon as restrictions are lifted.

In the meantime, every cloud has a silver-lining. We'll all have some time to spare over the next few weeks and we can use that time to sharpen our skills and get trained to take back our democracy in November. That's why we'll still be hosting the Volunteer Training Workshops  just before the Annual General Meeting at 2pm online. 

Please RSVP for both of these events on our events page at https://www.democratsabroad.org/at_events We will send you the link to the meeting and workshop.

Thank You for your support,

– DA Austria Executive Committee

Important Voting Center Announcement!

A few people who cast their ballots on March 3 at the Vienna Voting Center at Frank’s Restaurant mistakenly wrote their US address in the box where their Austrian address should have been written. In this case, the ballots were counted as spoiled and the voter may vote again.

If you think you might have written your full US address on the ballot instead of your Austrian address — there were two fields: an address outside the US & your US voting state — please come back to the voting center on Saturday rom 12-7pm or vote remotely until March 10 (PST/+9 in Austria) by going to democratsabroad.org/primary. 

— Jennifer Rakow-Stepper, Voting Center Manager, [email protected]

In This Issue –

Events:

• Global Presidential Primary / Austria
• Black Caucus Book Club
• March Debate Watch Party
• Experienced Dems
• Volunteer Training Workshops
• DA Austria Annual General Meeting
• Solidarity Sundays
• Tax & FATCA Information Evening
• DA Global Annual General Meeting
• Salzburg Meet-Up

Issues & Actions:

• Super Tuesday’s Over But You Can Still Vote!
• 2020 Annual General Meeting & Wine Tasting
• Why the FBAR and FATCA Are Important for Americans

Reviews:

• Solidarity Sundays — DAA’s Grassroots
• It Was a Super Super Tuesday!
• Ballot Assistance Events – Thank you Volunteers Outside Vienna!

Our Executive Committee meetings are usually held on the second Wednesday of the month. The next meeting will be held on:

• Thursday, March 12, 2020

Members are welcome to join us at the meetings! Please contact Jennifer at [email protected] for the location.

DAA is making a strong effort to include in our monthly newsletter all the information you need to stay up to date in order to avoid the flood of emails that occurs in an election year. By sending you fewer emails, we hope you will read those you receive. Thanks for reading!

Follow us on:

Events:

Global Presidential Primary / Austria

Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary will run from March 3 to March 10, 2020. As an official arm of the Democratic Party, DA members will be able to vote for their choice for presidential nomineeand send 21 delegates to the Democratic Convention in Milwaukee in July. See the article below for details on how to vote.

Where: Frank’s Laurenzerberg 2

When: Saturday, March 7 from 12:00-19:00

Black Caucus Book Club

Please join us for our next book: The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson.

Where: Cafe Weimar Währingerstrasse 68, 1090 Vienna

When: Friday, March 13 at 19:00

March Debate Watch Party

Join us for another round of Democratic debates, drinks & discussion!

Where: TBA

When: Monday, March 16 at 19:00

Visit us on Facebook!

Experienced Dems

Join us for the monthly meeting of Experienced Democrats of Democrats Abroad Austria

Where: Café Museum Operngasse 7, 1010 Vienna

When: Tuesday, March 17 at 18:00

Visit us on Facebook!

Volunteer Training Workshops

Before the Annual General Meeting we’ll be training volunteers on how to phone bank and how to register voters to get out the vote in 2020. Come learn the skills you’ll need to mobilise voters and turn out the numbers we will need to dump Trump–it’ll take all of us! Interested?

Where: SPÖ Neubau Lindengasse 64, 1070 Vienna

When: Sunday, March 22 at 12:00 (sandwiches will be provided)

RSVP on our website or on Facebook

DA Austria Annual General Meeting

See Issues & Actions for details.

Where: SPÖ Neubau Lindengasse 64, 1070 Vienna

When: Sunday, March 22 at 15:00

RSVP on our website.

Solidarity Sundays

The old way to communicate with voters was getting a speech covered by media. Today, politicans think “what’s my Facebook or Instagram play?” Democrats are getting drowned out in the political conversation on social media. After 40 years of hating the media and building an alternate news ecosystem, Republicans are adept at creating content and pushing it onto Facebook. Where does that leave us? Outgunned by Fox, Breitbart, and 1,000 outlets you’ve never heard of. To persuade voters and win elections, Democrats need to create content and get it to the voters who need to see it. We don’t need fiction over fact – we need a choir to sing the progressive song. Join Solidarity Sundays on March 29 and learn how to create content and amplify the progressive message within your social media network.

Where: Amerlinghaus, Stiftgasse 8, 1070 Vienna

When: March 29 at 16:00

RSVP on Facebook

Tax & FATCA Information Evening

DA Austria invited a few companies that specialise in filing US taxes for Americans living abroad to a tax workshop and the company, My Expat Taxes, responded! Please join us for an informative evening about the tips, tricks, and common pitfalls of filing your taxes and FBAR forms from abroad. Please note that DA Austria does not endorse any particular company nor give tax advice.

Where: Republikanischer Club

When: Tuesday, March 31 at 19:00

RSVP on Facebook

Salzburg Meet-Up

We will discuss current political topics over a meal, snack, drink or the like at Imlauer Restaurant on Rainerstraße 12-14 in downtown Salzburg. Parking places are directly behind the hotel and restaurant. Please RSVP by Tuesday so that we get a large enough table and space for the evening. All are welcome. Visit us on Facebook!

We hope you will join us!

– Mary Beth Kollert, DAA Salzburg

When: Saturday, March 21 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Where: Braurestaurant IMLAUER Rainerstrasse 14 Salzburg 5020

Contact: [email protected]

DA Global Annual General Meeting

Where: Toronto, Canada

When: May 13-15

Issues & Actions:

Global Presidential Primary

Did you know Democrats Abroad holds its own primary election? We send our own delegates to the Democratic Convention. And we have our say in choosing the Democratic nominee for president. Voting in the Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary instead of your home state is easy for you — and good for all of us.

To vote in the Global Presidential Primary, join Democrats Abroad today!

EASY FOR YOU. No need to request a ballot and post it home again. Simply drop into your local Voting Center. Or download a ballot and email it back. You’ll still need to get an absentee

ballot for the general election in November. But, for now, join US voters around the world and vote where you live.

GOOD FOR ALL OF US. Concerned about issues like taxation, FATCA, or Social Security? Voting in the Global Primary shows Congress that we’re out here, in our millions, all around the globe. It gives Democrats Abroad the clout to lobby for us all and make a difference.

VOTING CENTERS IN AUSTRIA

Vote in Vienna | March 7

12–7 p.m., Tuesday, March 7, 2020

Frank's American Bar & Restaurant, Laurenzerberg 2, 1010

REMOTE VOTING

Vote online or by fax:

Voters abroad may also vote by downloading a ballot at democratsabroad.org/primary and returning it by email or fax to Democrats Abroad starting February 18, 2020. Ballots must be received by DA prior to midnight March 10, 2020 PST.

Or mail your ballot to:

Democrats Abroad Austria

Postfach # 2020

1051 Wien

Ballots must be received by the close of the working day in Vienna on March 10, 2020.

NOTE: This is a primary for president only. To vote in local primary races, you can request a ballot from your state. If you do, leave the choice of presidential nominee blank. Don’t vote twice!

2020 Annual General Meeting & Wine Tasting

Please join fellow Democrat Abroad Austria members on Sunday, March 22, to recap 2019 and have a bit of food and fun.

2020 AGM Agenda:

• Welcome

• Chair's Report

• Treasurer's Report

• Auditor's Report

• GOTV Coordinator’s Report

• Meet our Caucuses – The Year in Review

• Brainstorming: Ideas for 2020 and Beyond

• Closing Remarks

Come for business –

Join fellow DA Austria members on Sunday, March 22 to recap 2019. We'll present brief reports on 2019, discuss plans for 2020.

With our Caucus and grassroots leaders, we’ll show a presentation of 2019’s activities that illustrate how DA Austria continues to grow and strengthen more than 15 years after DAA's founding.

All DAA members are welcome. Any American over 18 (by November 3, 2020) and residing in Austria may also join at the meeting.

Your participation, activism, and donations have made Democrats Abroad Austria a strong and vital organization over the past fifteen years. In 2020, we’ll continue working to strengthen the voice and the vote of all our members. We’ve got an important election coming up in November and we are relying on your help to make it a blue tsunami!

Stay for a wine-tasting –

After the business part of the meeting, fellow DAA member Nancy Lee Akinci Seymann will share with us a few wines from her family’s vineyard, Seymanns Weinhandwerkerei. Afterwards, we’ll be moving on to Le Burger for a no-host dinner.

We hope you’ll join us! Please RSVP for the meeting to Caitlin at [email protected] and for the dinner to Bruce at [email protected]

Help us start the meeting on time –

Please contact Caitlin Ahern at [email protected] to pre-register for the meeting by email.

Include your name, address, phone number and voting state in your email so that your record stays current. We encourage all members to pre-register, even if you're uncertain that you can make it, in order to minimize long waiting lines.

And if you’ll join us for dinner –

We’ll make a group reservation for dinner after the meeting at 6:30pm at Le Burger (a five-minute walk from the meeting location). If you'd like to be included in the reservation, please RSVP to Bruce at [email protected] by Saturday, March 15!

WHEN: Sunday, March 22, 2020 from 3:00-5:00 p.m.

WHERE: SPÖ Neubau, Lindengasse 64, 1070 Vienna

RSVP: Caitlin Ahern • [email protected]

Why the FBAR and FATCA Are Important for Americans

You may know that filing US taxes is a task every American abroad needs to do once a year. But when it comes to reporting your foreign financial details to the IRS, some Americans may be unsure if they have to do that, too.

The truth is, knowing how much is in your foreign financial accounts is crucial in determining whether you need to file for the FBAR or Form 8938. These are two important forms, that if not filled out, could cost you unnecessary penalty fees.

The Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR) is a required form every American abroad must fill out if all their foreign financial accounts total over $10,000 at any one time during the year. This also includes accounts you have signature authority over (ie: your child’s overseas bank account, etc). The Department of Treasury needs to know no off-shore money laundering is happening!

— Nathalie Goldstein, CEO of MyExpatTaxes and Enrolled Agent (IRS)

READ MORE

Please note: Democrats Abroad does not endorse companies or service providers. DA Austria reached out to a few tax companies for contributions for both this article and the talk on March 31st at the Republikanischer Club. Only MyExpatTaxes responded. They have also offered Democrats Abroad members a 10% discount to try out the MyExpatTaxes software with code: DemocratsAustria. DAA would like to thank them for sharing their expertise with our members.

Show Your Country & DA Austria Some Love in 2020! 

We need your support — and sent out a valentine, but haven’t heard back! Even though DA Austria is a 100% voluntary organisation, we still have a lot of costs especially in a presidential election year when expenses add up from holding a voting center and then printing and mailing all the ballots. This is work we love and a bit of your financial love would help us to know we’re not scraping the bottom of our account each month. Please make a donation today or consider becoming a sustainable donor for the price of a cup of coffee per month. Your euros enable us to do more and make it pay on election day!

We’re working on a donation button, but until then let’s do it the old fashioned way.

DA Austria AT27 12000 5039 0623001

Donations can only be made by American citizens.

Reviews:

Solidarity Sundays # 30: The Global Presidential Primary 

Three years of Trump attacking and weakening the rule of law is despair-worthy stuff. Beyond the psychodrama of national politics in D.C., however, the President’s antics have generated a boom in civic engagement.

Happy Birthday, Solidarity Sundays Vienna! We launched monthly meet ups 3 years ago. How have we engaged? We explored the importance of Planned Parenthood, withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord, dismantling of LGBTQ rights, the dilemma of Dreamers and the shameful number of incarcerated men and women of colour. We studied how gerrymandering and voter suppression are eroding our vote. We learned the ways de-regulation of big business has shaped the economic insecurity of our era.

Three years of discussion — and action. We wrote to hometown papers, to legislators, and to voters in Austria and back home.

On February 23rd, people learned how Democrats residing abroad can help choose our nominee by voting in the Global Presidential Primary. Democrats Abroad is launching its biggest outreach yet to help every member vote, both in the GPP and in races up and down the ticket in November. Phone banking played a critical role in taking Democrats Abroad voter participation from 4% in 2014 to over 50% in 2018. This fall, we’re aiming for 100%. To support this democratic exercise, we learned the ins-and-outs of phone banking.

Want to join a phone banking party? We will soon announce dates and locations for parties in Vienna – contact [email protected] and we’ll put you on the list to get details. Learn to phone bank on your laptop in 20 minutes, then call with pizza, friends, and encouragement.

It Was A Super Super Tuesday

Our Vienna Global Presidential Primary voting center was packed and festive last Tuesday as almost two hundred DAA members — and some visitors from other countries — came to cast their ballot for the presidential nominee. Kids also had a great time learning about the voting process in a kid’s activity corner.

Super Tuesday may be over, but we’ll be back again on Saturday! Come join us on Saturday, March 7 from noon to 7pm at Frank’s or votre remotely until March 10.

Ballot Assistance Events

DA Austria held three ballot assistance events to help voters fill out their remote ballots and mail them in. Huge thank-you’s to Nathan Shackow who ran an event in Innsbruck; Katie-Solon and Husarich who ran an event in Salzburg; and Caitlin Ahern who ran an online event for Graz.

Members Corner:

Transatlantic Perspectives on Social Policy in Challenging Times

Event hosted by Bruce Murray

In the aftermath of Brexit, EU citizens confront tough questions about what they can accomplish with the EU 27. US citizens face equally challenging questions about their future in a presidential election year.  Join us for a transatlantic discussion on three key social policy issues EU and US citizens share!

 Healthcare • Higher Education • Labor

Georg Fischer, Retired Director for Social Affairs in the EU Commission DG Employment, and Dr. Bruce Murray, Retired Director, Illinois in Vienna Programs will share their perspectives and invite open discussion on each topic. Together we will strive to discern best practices, explore opportunities to collaborate, and strengthen the transatlantic partnership.

Where: Wirtschaftsuniversität (Vienna University of Economics and Business) TC 2.03 Welthandelsplatz 1, 1020 Vienna

When: Wednesday, 18 March 2020 from 18.00 to 19.30 (Some will continue the conversation at one of the fine campus eateries afterwards.) 

Please sign up for the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/222112658836672/

If you have any questions, please contact Bruce Murray at [email protected]

You may know that filing US taxes is a task every American abroad needs to do once a year. But when it comes to reporting your foreign financial details to the IRS, some Americans may be unsure if they have to do that, too.

The truth is, knowing how much is in your foreign financial accounts is crucial in determining whether you need to file for the FBAR or Form 8938. These are two important forms, that if not filled out, could cost you unnecessary penalty fees.

The Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR) is a required form every American abroad must fill out if all their foreign financial accounts total over $10,000 at any one time during the year. This also includes accounts you have signature authority over (ie: your child’s overseas bank account, etc). The Department of Treasury needs to know no off-shore money laundering is happening!

To fill out the FBAR, you need to use the FinCen Form 114 electronically. Or, to make things easier, you can use the MyExpatTaxes software which is a more user-friendly, simple-to-understand process. The FBAR is typically due on April 15th, but Americans abroad get an automatic extension to October 15th. Keep in mind though, the FBAR is an additional form you have to fill out separately to the regular federal tax return form - Form 1040. It is sent to the US Treasury, not the IRS.

Form 8938 is important to fill out if your foreign financial assets (ie: bank accounts, investment accounts, and mutual funds) go over one of the following limits:

Single or Married Filing Separately while living abroad as an American:

• Your total foreign holdings worth $200,000 or more on the last day of the US tax year (April 15th) OR were more than $300,000 at any time during the tax year,

Married Filing Jointly while living abroad as an American:

• If your total foreign holdings are worth $400,000 or more on the last day of the US tax year (April 15th) or were more than $600,000 at any time during the tax year.

Since 2015, foreign banks under the authorization of the IRS must report to the IRS Americans’ income within their bank accounts. This is why it’s important to file the FBAR and FATCA (Form 8938) correctly.

Additionally, the FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) is a US federal law that aims to stop money laundering overseas. In reality, it affects almost all Americans Abroad. Financial institutions worldwide must report the data of their US clients back to the US government annually, and US citizens must also self-report this information if they pass certain financial thresholds discussed below.

Yes, this is the law, and is the reason why you are required to sign authorization forms at your Austrian Bank and give them your US social security number.

— Nathalie Goldstein, CEO of MyExpatTaxes and Enrolled Agent (IRS)

Please note: Democrats Abroad does not endorse companies or service providers. DA Austria reached out to a few tax companies for contributions for both this article and the talk on March 31st at the Republikanischer Club. Only MyExpatTaxes responded. They have also offered Democrats Abroad members a 10% discount to try out the MyExpatTaxes software with code: DemocratsAustria. DAA would like to thank them for sharing their expertise with our members. 

Did you know Democrats Abroad holds its own primary election? We send our own delegates to the Democratic Convention. And we have our say in choosing the Democratic nominee for president. Voting in the Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary instead of your home state is easy for you — and good for all of us.

To vote in the Global Presidential Primary, join Democrats Abroad today!

EASY FOR YOU. No need to request a ballot and post it home again. Simply drop into your local Voting Center. Or download a ballot and email it back. You’ll still need to get an absentee ballot for the general election in November. But, for now, join US voters around the world and vote where you live.

GOOD FOR ALL OF US. Concerned about issues like taxation, FATCA, or Social Security? Voting in the Global Primary shows Congress that we’re out here, in our millions, all around the globe. It gives Democrats Abroad the clout to lobby for us all and make a difference.

NOTE: This is a primary for president only. To vote in local primary races, you can request a ballot from your state. If you do, leave the choice of presidential nominee blank. Don’t vote for president twice!

VOTING CENTERS IN AUSTRIA:

Vote in Vienna | Super Tuesday
4–8PM, Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Frank's American Bar & Restaurant Laurenzerberg 2, 1010

Vote in Vienna | March 7
12–7PM, Saturday, March 7, 2020
Frank's American Bar & Restaurant Laurenzerberg 2, 1010 

VOTE REMOTELY:

Voters abroad may also vote by downloading a ballot and returning it by email or fax to Democrats Abroad starting February 18, 2020. Ballots must be received by DA by midnight March 10, 2020 (PST)  (9:00am Vienna time (CET) on March 11, 2020). 

Or mail your ballot  to: 

Democrats Abroad Austria

Postfach # 2020

1051 Wien

Ballots must be received by the close of the working day in Vienna on March 10, 2020. 

In This Issue—

Events

• Experienced Dems
• Mountaintop, An Evening to Benefit DAA’s 2020 Voter Campaign 
• Salzburg Meet-Up
• Young Dems Debate Watch Party
• Solidarity Sundays
• 2nd Annual Global Black Caucus Open Mic Night
• Global Presidential Primary, March 3-10
• Black Caucus Book Club

Issues & Actions

• Be Our Valentine
• Global Presidential Primary, March 3-10
• Save The Date – Annual General Meeting
• Volunteer Opportunities

Reviews

• SolSun
• Debate Watch Party
• DAATalks with Eva Nowotny

Our Executive Committee meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month. The next meeting will be held on:

• Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Members are welcome to join us at the meetings! Please contact Jennifer at [email protected] for the location.

DAA is making a strong effort to include in our monthly newsletter all the information you need to stay up to date in order to avoid the flood of emails that occurs in an election year. By sending you fewer emails, we hope you will read those you receive. Thanks for reading!

Follow us on:

In Memory of Gloria Roces

Democrats Abroad Austria is sad to announce the unexpected passing of our longtime member and friend Alexandra "Gloria" Roces. Gloria received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Georgetown University. She then went on to work at the United Nations and became Chief for Mediterranean and UNIDO programs. 

Gloria was a part of DA Austria from the beginning. She remained a very active DAA member who supported our day to day costs as a sustaining donor and participated in many of our monthly events throughout the years. 

We will miss her!

— Democrats Abroad Austria Executive Committee

The Experienced Democrats of Democrats Abroad Austria are truly saddened to learn of the passing of Gloria Roces. Gloria was one of the first to join our group and her participation in and contributions to our meetings will be sorely missed. On behalf of the entire group, I offer our sincerest condolences to her family and friends. 

— John Cahill, Experienced Dems Coordinator

Events:

The Mountaintop – 

An Evening to Benefit DAA’s 2020 Voter Campaign

Join us for a special evening to watch the play The Mountaintop and benefit Democrat Abroad Austria's 2020 Get Out the Vote efforts. The Mountaintop dramatizes the night before Martin Luther King is assassinated and was described by Variety as, "An emotionally powerful and theatrically stunning moment of truth". As a special offer for our members, the stellar cast will speak to our group after the show while we enjoy a glass of prosecco. 

When: February 18, 2020

Where: Theater Drachengasse, Drachengasse 2, Vienna 1010

Time: 8pm-10:30pm

Contact: Jennifer Rakow-Stepper [email protected]

Experienced Democrats Meet-Up

Join us before the play for the monthly meeting of experienced Democrats Abroad Austria members!

When: February 18, 2020

Where: Cafe Museum

Time: 6 p.m.

Facebook

Young Dems Debate Watch Party

The youth vote will be critical in the 2020 election. We’re looking forward to seeing many of you at the next Debate Watch Party at Beaver Brewing Company at 7pm on February 20. Join us for a round of democratic drinks, debate and discussion! 

— Laura Farmwald & Sophie Spiegelberger, Youth Caucus Co-coordinators

When: February 20, 2020

Where: Beaver Brewing Company

Time: 7 p.m.

Facebook

Salzburg Meet-Up

Meeting location will either be at a member's home or a local establishment with easy access for all attendees. On January 24, we will meet near, BUT NOT AT, the restaurant Goldener Stern (Stauffeneggstraße 2, 5020 Salzburg). Contact me for the exact location if you want to attend. 

We hope you will join us!

— Mary Beth Kollert, DAA Salzburg 

When: February 21, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Where: Salzburg 5020

Contact: [email protected] for the exact location

Solidarity Sundays #30: Global Presidential Campaign

During the 1960 presidential campaign, Democrats in Paris and London began discussing ways to help the Democratic Party. 60 years on, and we’ve come a long way, baby! Democrats Abroad is part of the DNC and sends voting delegates to its National Convention.

On our 3-Year anniversary, Solidarity Sundays continues its monthly program of civics education and training. Join us February 23 and:

Learn! the history of our growing role within the DNC and how our Global Presidential Primary March 3-10 will help select the candidate to face Trump.

Train! to phone bank! Elections are decided by who shows up, so we’re calling members to register and vote. Already know how? Jump right in. Never phone banked before? That’s where we come in -- you’ll know by the end of the day.  

When: Sunday, February 23, 2020

Where: Amerlinghaus, Stiftgasse 8, 1070 Wien

Time: 4-6 p.m.

Facebook

2nd Annual Global Black Caucus Open Mic Night

Lift every voice, get every vote!

Please join us as we celebrate Black History Month and share your talents in spoken and written word, poetry, music or movement. This year’s fundraising theme is: Lift every voice, get every vote! All proceeds from this event will support the Get Out the Vote efforts of DA Austria as we head into a crucial election year.

For a 5 or 10 minute time slot, please contact DA Austria GBC coordinator, Faith Herbold. We look forward to seeing you!

When: Friday, February 28, 2020

Where: Villa Vida Café, Linke Wienzeile 102, 1060

Time: 7-10 p.m.

Contact: [email protected]

Facebook

Global Presidential Primary

Vote for the presidential nominee in person or online! (See article below)

When: March 3-10

Where: Frank’s American Bar & Restaurant

Time: March 3, 4–8 p.m.

March 7, 12–7 p.m.

Facebook

GBC Book Club

Please join us for our next book: The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of American's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson. We will learn about the waves of migration of freed African American slaves and former sharecroppers. 

When: March 13

Where: Cafe Weimar

Time: 7 p.m.

Facebook

Issues & Actions:

Global Presidential Primary

Did you know Democrats Abroad holds its own primary election? We send our own delegates to the Democratic Convention. And we have our say in choosing the Democratic nominee for president. Voting in the Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary instead of your home state is easy for you — and good for all of us.

To vote in the Global Presidential Primary, join Democrats Abroad today!

EASY FOR YOU. No need to request a ballot and post it home again. Simply drop into your local Voting Center. Or download a ballot and email it back. You’ll still need to get an absentee ballot for the general election in November. But, for now, join US voters around the world and vote where you live.

GOOD FOR ALL OF US. Concerned about issues like taxation, FATCA, or Social Security? Voting in the Global Primary shows Congress that we’re out here, in our millions, all around the globe. It gives Democrats Abroad the clout to lobby for us all and make a difference.

VOTING CENTERS IN AUSTRIA

Vote in Vienna | Super Tuesday

4–8 p.m., Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Frank's American Bar & Restaurant, Laurenzerberg 2, 1010

Vote in Vienna | March 7

12–7 p.m., Tuesday, March 7, 2020

Frank's American Bar & Restaurant, Laurenzerberg 2, 1010  

REMOTE VOTING

Vote online or by fax:

Voters abroad may also vote by downloading a ballot and returning it by email or fax to Democrats Abroad starting February 18, 2020. Ballots must be received by DA prior to midnight March 10, 2020 in Vancouver, Canada [9:00 a.m. Vienna time (CET) on March 11, 2020].

Or mail your ballot to: 

Democrats Abroad Austria

Postfach # 2020

1051 Wien

Ballots must be received by the close of the working day in Vienna on March 10, 2020. 

NOTE: This is a primary for president only. To vote in local primary races, you can request a ballot from your state. If you do, leave the choice of presidential nominee blank. Don’t vote twice!

AVOID THE LINES

We encourage you to pre-register with our database managers at [email protected] by:

• March 2nd, if you plan to vote on March 3rd
• March 6th, if you plan to vote on March 7th 

Please include your full name, Austrian address, U.S. Voting State (street address is optional), and (Austrian) phone number. 

You will be sent a confirmation email saying that you are pre-registered. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Caitlin Ahern at +43 650 312 5572 or [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you at the polls. Thanks for your helping us to run a smooth Global Presidential Primary!

Be Our Valentine

Watch your post box this month for a valentine’s postcard from Democrats Abroad Austria. Let us know you received it by liking our Show Your Country Some Love In 2020 campaign on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!

Annual General Meeting – Save the Date!

Please join fellow Democrat Abroad Austria members on Sunday, March 22, to recap 2019 and have a bit of food and fun. We'll present brief reports on 2019 and discuss our plans for 2020.

All DAA members are welcome. Any American over 18 (by the next federal election) and residing in Austria may also join DAA at the meeting.

Your participation, activism, and donations have made Democrats Abroad Austria a strong and vital organization for more than fifteen years. In 2020, we’ll continue working to strengthen the voice and the vote of all our members. We’ve got an important election coming up in November and we are relying on your help to make it a blue tsunami!

Information about the agenda and registration will be in the March Newsletter and online at democratsabroad.org/at_events.

WHEN: Sunday, March 22, 2020 from 3:00-5:30 p.m.

WHERE: SPÖ Neubau, Lindengasse 64, 1070 VIENNA

RSVP: Caitlin Ahern • [email protected]

We Can’t Win Without You!

DA Austria is looking for a Get Out the Vote Coordinator so together we can dump Trump and elect Democrats up and down the ballot in 2020. Feeling inspired? It will take a village to do all the things we need to do in 2020 and we need your help!

Take our Volunteer Survey. 

Have an hour to spare? We are looking for volunteers in all areas and with any time availability. Find out more information about how to join our team. 

Reviews:

DAA Talks with Ambassador Eva Nowotny

“Foreign Policy Stakes for Austria & Europe in the Trump Era”

Our international system based on human rights and the free movement of people and goods is disintegrating. The attacks come, in part, from Austria’s long-time ally, the United States. At the DAA Talk on January 23rd, Ambassador Eva Nowotny, foreign policy advisor to two Austrian chancellors, and Austria’s ambassador to France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, described the strains and the stakes.

—Tanya Lolonis, Member-at-Large

READ MORE

Solidarity Sundays #29:  Amending the Constitution

The United States constitution is often referred to as a “living document,” changing and growing as society moves forward. The tool for those changes is amendment. Ten amendments, collected as the Bill of Rights, were passed soon after the constitution itself.

—Tanya Lolonis, Member-at-Large & Solidarity Sundays Co-Coordinator

READ MORE

Visit www.VoteFromAbroad.org and follow its easy-to-understand steps. Register today. Help your friends and family register. Saving democracy has never been easier.

Our international system based on human rights and the free movement of people and goods is disintegrating. The attacks come, in part, from Austria’s long-time ally, the United States. At the DAA Talk on January 23rd, Ambassador Eva Nowotny, foreign policy advisor to two Austrian chancellors, and Austria’s ambassador to France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, described the strains and the stakes.

Nowotny grounded her talk in history. Ambassador Nowotny highlighted America‘s pivotal role in establishing Austria’s post-War democratic system. That, and waves of Austrian immigration to the U.S., created a community of interests that has powered decades of close cooperation between the two countries. The election of Donald Trump, however, marks an abrupt deviation in how America views the world and its obligations. Great power politics— the premise that sheer power compels cooperation rather than mutual interests — has re-emerged after a century of hibernation. The U.S. is discarding treaties and weakening international institutions at break-neck pace — and China is rushing to fill the vacuum. China’s alternative model of economic development without human rights is peeling off European allies in Hungary, Poland, and Turkey.

During the lively discussion following her address, Ambassador Nowotny pointed to two developments occurring outside Washington, DC that encourage Europeans.  Resistance to Trump’s policies has been rising, and environmental discussion is alive and well in states and regions around the country. Although the U.S. government has stepped out of treaties — Iranian nuclear treaty, Paris Climate Accord, TIPP, and the Continental Forces in Europe — Austrian diplomats have maintained communication and cooperation with their American counterparts. And then last week, Trump signalled a shift in attention from Iran to the EU. With Trump threatening a tariff war with Europe, Austria is watching the American election with closer attention than ever before.

—Tanya Lolonis, Member-at-Large

The United States constitution is often referred to as a “living document,” changing and growing as society moves forward. The tool for those changes is amendment. Ten amendments, collected as the Bill of Rights, were passed soon after the constitution itself.

On Sunday, January 26, Juan Cerda laid out the process for changing our founding document. It begins in Congress — neither President nor Supreme Court play a role. Once approved in the Senate and House, the proposed amendment is sent to the states for their agreement. Three-fourths -- that’s 38 states -- must ratify the amendment in order to attach it to our constitution.

Interest in the amendment process has jumped in recent years. The trend of politicians winning office without a majority of votes is fraying confidence in democracy. New questions about the process emerged when Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the ERA. How long may states take to ratify an amendment? Can a state de-ratify it’s ratification? How these issues are resolved may depend on whether Democrats are successful in November.

The fate of voting reform and the ERA are more reasons why your vote in November is critical. Solidarity Sundays kicked off 2020 by looking at how to register voters overseas. Voting from abroad has quirks and complications that voting at home does not. New laws mean we can’t rely on home state election officials to keep us on their voting rolls — so expats need to re-register every calendar year.Our right to vote is protected — but each state has different procedures and deadlines.And not all overseas voters are alike — student voters have different needsthan long-term expats, who have different needs from recent arrivals. With so much complexity, how can we ensure every overseas citizen can vote?

Tanya Lolonis and Faith Hall-Herbold introduced attendees to DA‘s online voter registration website. It anticipates and addresses voters‘ unique questions. Designed by Democrats Abroad, www.VoteFromAbroad.org automates filling in forms — eliminating mistakes that can disqualify your application, and generating contact details so you can submit the form to your hometown election official. The site‘s Help Desk answers most questions about voting from abroad — and where it doesn‘t, the site connects you to volunteers who research and answer your question within a few hours.

Visit www.VoteFromAbroad.org and follow its easy-to-understand steps. Register today. Help your friends and family register. Saving democracy has never been easier.

Did you know Democrats Abroad holds its own primary election? We send our own delegates to the Democratic Convention. And we have our say in choosing the Democratic nominee for president. Voting in the Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary instead of your home state is easy for you — and good for all of us.

To vote in the Global Presidential Primary, join Democrats Abroad today!

EASY FOR YOU. No need to request a ballot and post it home again. Simply drop into your local Voting Center. Or download a ballot and email it back. You’ll still need to get an absentee ballot for the general election in November. But, for now, join US voters around the world and vote where you live.

GOOD FOR ALL OF US. Concerned about issues like taxation, FATCA, or Social Security? Voting in the Global Primary shows Congress that we’re out here, in our millions, all around the globe. It gives Democrats Abroad the clout to lobby for us all and make a difference.

VOTING CENTERS IN AUSTRIA

Vote in Vienna | Super Tuesday
4–8PM, Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Frank's American Bar & Restaurant Laurenzerberg 2, 1010

Vote in Vienna | March 7
12–7PM, Saturday, March 7, 2020
Frank's American Bar & Restaurant Laurenzerberg 2, 1010 

Voting is also possible by post and email. Details will be sent to all Democrats Abroad members by email. 

NOTE: This is a primary for president only. To vote in local primary races, you can request a ballot from your state. If you do, leave the choice of presidential nominee blank. Don’t vote twice!

In This Issue –

Events:

• Experienced Dems Meet-Up
• Debate Watch Party
• Young Dems Pub Night
• Salzburg Meet Up
• DAATalks with Ambassador Eva Nowotny
• Solidarity Sundays
• Global Black Caucus Book Club

Issues & Actions:

• Become a DA Delegate to the Democratic Convention
• Global Presidential Primary
• Democrats Abroad Tax Advocacy Year In Review - 2019
• It’s All Happening at #demsaustria
• Gearing up for 2020:
  • A Warning
  • Join the Club!
• Volunteer and Be the Difference in 2020

Reviews:

• ProDA Austria Kitchen Table Talk
• Impeach & Remove Rallies in Graz and Vienna

Our Executive Committee meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month. The next meeting will be held on:

• Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Members are welcome to join us at the meetings! Please contact Jennifer at [email protected]for the location.

DAA is making a strong effort to include all the information you need to stay up to date in our monthly newsletter in order to avoid the flood of emails that occurs in an election year. By sending you fewer emails, we hope you will read those you receive. Thanks for reading!

Follow us on:

New Year’s Message –

The Year For Change

On Wednesday, November 4, 2020 we’ll know. We’ll know whether our Constitution has held, whether our Supreme Court will retain a semblance of judicial balance, whether our laws guaranteeing our right to vote will have withstood partisan attack.

On the day after the election we’ll know if we did everything we could to remove a corrupt and unfit president from office and whether or not it was enough. The days and months until then will make the difference. Our votes from overseas are proven to be the margin of victory in close elections. Democrats Abroad knows how critical it is to get out those votes. That’s why in 2020 we will be working harder than ever to help people to register, request and vote their ballots.

Together we can generate the biggest turnout ever of overseas voters for Democratic candidates from the president on down. Together, we can make this a year of change and a trulyhappy new year.

Request your ballot today and start the year off right as we head towards winning back the White House and the Senate!

– Democratically Yours,

Jennifer Rakow-Stepper, DAA Chair

Events:

Experienced Dems Meet-Up 

Join us for the first meeting of Experienced Democrats in 2020!

— John Cahill, DAA Experienced Dems 

When: January 14, 2020 at 6pm - 8pm

Where: Café Museum, Operngasse 7, Vienna 1010

Visit this event on Facebook.

Debate Watch Party

The next Debate Watch Party will again be at Beaver Brewing Company at 7pm on January 15th. We look forward to seeing you there for another round of democratic drinks, debate and discussion! 

— Jennifer Rakow-Stepper, DAA Chair

When: January 15, 2020 at 7pm

Where: Beaver Brewing Company, Liechtensteinstrasse 69, Vienna 1090

Visit this event on Facebook.

Young Dems Pub Night

Join us for our monthly Young Dems Pub Night at Beaver Brewing Company. We're looking forward to meeting many of our (new) young dems. Bring along anyone you know who would like to join us for drinks and talks!

— Laura Farmwald & Sophie Spiegelberger, DAA Youth Caucus Co-Chairs

When: January 16, 2020 at 7pm - 10pm

Where: Beaver Brewing Company, Liechtensteinstrasse 69, Vienna 1090

Visit this event on Facebook.

Salzburg Meet-Up

In 2020 we plan to meet tentatively on the 3rd Friday of every month. We will discuss a range of topics. 

Meeting location will either be a member's home or a local establishment with easy access for all attendees. On January 24, we will meet near, BUT NOT AT, the restaurant Goldener Stern (Stauffeneggstraße 2, 5020 Salzburg). Contact me for the exact location if you want to attend. 

We hope you will join us!

— Mary Beth Kollert, DAA Salzburg 

When: January 24, 2020 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Where: Salzburg 5020

Contact [email protected]for the exact location

Visit this event on Facebook.

DAATalks with Ambassador Eva Nowotny

Democrats Abroad Austria is excited to welcome Eva Nowotny, a top Austrian diplomat, as the guest speaker at our next DAATalks lecture series. 

Nowotny was Austria’s ambassador to France, the United Kingdom and the United States, foreign policy adviser to Federal Chancellor Fred Sinowatz and Franz Vranitzky and president of the Austrian UNESCO Commission. Today, she is chairwoman of the University Council of the University of Vienna and, since its founding in 1991, board member and curator of the Kreisky Forum for International Dialogue.

As an expert with a deep understanding of the American political landscape, she will be sharing her views on the current U.S. political situation and the upcoming election.

We hope you will join us for what will certainly be a fascinating discussion! Doors open at 18:30.

— Jennifer Rakow-Stepper, DAA Chair

When: January 23, 2020 at 7pm - 8:30pm

Where: Republikanischer Club, Rockhgasse 1, Vienna 1010

Visit us on Facebook.

Solidarity Sundays: Amending the Constitution

Learn how our founding document gets updated, and which amendments are still pending. Start election year right, and get trained to phonebank our members! Bring a laptop & earbuds with microphone. Save democracy, one voter at a time.

— Tanya Lolonis, Member-at-Large, DAA SoSun Co-Chair

When: January 26, 2020 at 4pm - 6pm

Where: Amerlinghaus, Stiftgasse 8, Vienna 1070

Visit this event on Facebook.

Global Black Caucus Book Club

Please join us for our next book: The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migrationby Isabel Wilkerson. February 13th, 7pm at Cafe Weimar. Contact: [email protected]for more information.

— Faith Hall-Herbold, Member-at-Large, DAA GBC Caucus Chair

When: February 13, 2020 at 7pm - 10pm

Where: Cafe Weimar, Währingerstraße 68, Vienna 1090

Issues & Actions:

DA Delegation to the Democratic Convention

Are you interested in being a DA delegate at the Democratic Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin this summer? If so, please review this document with all the information you need to know. 

Global Presidential Primary

The Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary will run from March 3 to March 10, 2020. As an official arm of the Democratic Party, DA members will be able to vote for their choice for presidential nominee and send 21 delegates to the Democratic Convention in Milwaukee in July. 

When you use Vote from Abroad to request your ballot, you can confirm you are a Democrats Abroad member and you'll be eligible to vote in the Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary. 

Austria will have a voting center at Frank’s Restaurant and Bar in 1010 Vienna on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 from 4pm to 8pm and on Saturday, March 7, 2020 from 12pm to 7pm. We will also be arranging Voter Assistance Events in other Austrian cities, and of course it will also be possible to vote remotely! 

We’ll be posting more information and instructions about the GPP in February’s newsletter, so watch this space!

— DAA Global Presidential Primary Committee

READ MORE

Democrats Abroad Tax Advocacy Year In Review - 2019

Democrats Abroad is ending 2019 repeating and reinforcing a request we made, in unison with our colleague organizations advocating on behalf of Americans abroad, this time last year; that Congress hold hearings focused on the taxation, banking and other issues causing serious personal and financial harm to Americans abroad.  The request takes on added importance this year. 

As followers of our work know, for the last 2 years Americans abroad have enjoyed the support in our tax advocacy efforts of Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA-8), Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV01), Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD08), Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY12) and Rep. George Holding (R-NC02).  This week Rep. Holding announced his retirement from Congress. Americans abroad will, at the end of the 116thCongress, lose a Congressional champion for Residency Based Taxation (RBT). 

– Carmelan Polce, Taxation Tax Force Chair

READ MORE

It’s All Happening at #demsaustria

Have you visited Democrats Austria’s Instagram page recently? There is lots of interesting content including answers to frequently asked voter questions, candidates who’ve qualified for the GPP, quizzes and more. Be sure to visit today and don’t forget to follow us at #demsaustria!

Gearing up for 2020:

Over the next months, this column will provide a space for the thoughts, opinions and announcements from both the DA Executive Committee and our members. While we may not endorse or support any particular candidate before the primaries, we are interested in sharing ideas about what Democrats can and will do to win up and down the ballot in 2020.

A Warning

I just finished reading "A Warning" by Anonymous, a senior official in the Trump administration. 

For anyone following US politics, the book does not present anything we did not already know about the impeachment hearings, leaks and Trump tweets. Nevertheless, the book presents a remarkably cogent -- and damning -- appraisal of the ongoing train crash of the Trump presidency, a train crash in which not only US citizens but also large parts of the world are passengers and victims. 

– Andreas Beckmann (lives in Vienna 15., votes in Michigan)

READ MORE

Join the Club!

Celebrate the new year by helping Americans abroad win elections back home! Join the Margin of Victory Club (or gift a membership) and become a sustaining donor to Democrats Abroad for 2020!

Your donation will enable Democrats Abroad volunteers to phonebank our members, get out the message on social media, and support all our other global get out the vote efforts. Still hesitating? What would you give NOT to see T’s reelection come November? 

Americans abroad have been proven to be the margin of difference in critical elections – help make all of us to be the margin that counts!

– Democrats Abroad Global

We Can’t Win Without You! 

DA Austria is looking for a Get Out the Vote Coordinator so together we can dump Trump and elect Democrats up and down the ballot in 2020. Feeling inspired? It will take a village to do all the things we need to do in 2020 and we need your help!

Take our Volunteer Survey. Have an hour to spare? We are looking for volunteers in all areas and with any time availability. Find out more information about how to join our team. 

Do you have an idea? We're looking for suggestions on how we can connect with more Americans in Austria, find places to advertise, events to have, and any suggestions you have to get more people to vote. Bookmark this link and submit your ideas at any time.

Reviews:

ProDA Austria Kitchen Table Talk

On December 7th ProDA Austria hosted a second Kitchen Table Talk in collaboration with our Solidarity Sundays partners. Our group of 21 was large enough for three breakout groups.  Each had the opportunity to share their suggestions for DA platform planks on Medicare for All, Revitalizing the Rural Economy, and Reasonable Gun Legislation. In the meantime, we have submitted our results to the DA leadership for further consideration. We are looking forward to more discussion in January. In the meantime, best wishes to all of us for a progressive 2020! 

— Bruce Murray, Scott Witmer, and Raina Ganev, DAA Progressive Caucus

Impeach Rally

On December 17, the night before the House voted to impeach Trump for attempting to meddle in the 2020 election and obstructing Congress in the process, thousands of activists and concerned citizens rallied together in cities across the U.S. to demand that our representatives impeach and remove the 45th president. 

Many members of Democrats Abroad Austria in both Graz and Vienna added their voices to the rally by “Punsch-ing for Democracy” while enjoying a bit of holiday cheer at local Christmas markets. Thanks everyone who turned out!

— Caitlin Ahern, DAA Database Manager & Jennifer Rakow-Stepper, DAA Chair

The Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary will run from March 3 to March 10, 2020. As an official arm of the Democratic Party, DA members will be able to vote for their choice for presidential nominee and send 21 delegates to the Democratic Convention in Milwaukee in July. 

When you use Vote from Abroad to request your ballot, you can confirm you are a Democrats Abroad member and you'll be eligible to vote in the Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary. 

The Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary will run at hundreds of voting centers around the world. The voting center in Austria to vote in person for the presidential nominee will be held at:

Frank's American Bar & Restaurant 

Laurenzerberg 2, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Tuesday, March 3 from 4pm to 8pm

Saturday, March 7 from 12pm to 7pm

• Primary Voters must meet the following criteria to vote

  • Be abroad and be a U.S. Citizen

  • Be a member of Democrats Abroad

  • Be 18 as of November 3, 2020

  • Not have voted, nor plan to vote, in any other 2020 state presidential primary

• Democrats Abroad allows same day registration for voters participating in the Global Presidential Primary

• Voters may register in-person or by signing up at https://www.democratsabroad.org/join

Voters abroad may also vote remotely by downloading a ballot and emailing or postal mailing it to Democrats Abroad starting February 18, 2020. Ballots must be received by DA prior to 12:00 am Pacific Standard Time on March 11, 2020. Mail your ballot to:

Democrats Abroad Austria

Postfach #2020

1051 Vienna, Austria

Join Democrats Abroad today and make sure you receive up to date news about the primary!

Remember - you can vote in ONE Presidential Primary, either the Global Presidential Primary or your state’s presidential primary. If you do vote in the Global Presidential Primary and want to participate in your state's primary, only vote in down ballot races such as US Senate, US House and any state and local offices on the ballot.

DA Austria is looking for a Get Out the Vote Coordinator and Media Relationship Coordinator so together we can dump Trump and elect Democrats up and down the ballot in 2020. Feeling inspired? It will take a village to do all the things we need to do in 2020 and we need your help!

Take our Volunteer Survey. Have an hour to spare? We are looking for volunteers in all areas and with any time availability. Find out more information about how to join our team.

Do you have an idea? We're looking for suggestions on how we can connect with more Americans in Austria, find places to advertise, events to have, and any suggestions you have to get more people to vote. Bookmark this link and submit your ideas at any time.

I just finished reading "A Warning" by Anonymous, a senior official in the Trump administration.

For anyone following US politics, the book does not present anything we did not already know about the impeachment hearings, leaks and Trump tweets. Nevertheless, the book presents a remarkably cogent -- and damning -- appraisal of the ongoing train crash of the Trump presidency, a train crash in which not only US citizens but also large parts of the world are passengers and victims.

The book underlines all of the reasons why President Trump is manifestly unfit for office, and why he needs to be removed. Reading "A Warning", I have little doubt that a second Trump presidency will spell disaster -- for the US, for Americans, and for the world.

Though passengers in that crashing train, heading into the 2020 election year we (still!) have the possibility to use our right of citizenship to remove the engineer of our disaster.

But we must use this right and responsibility -- and get many of our fellow citizens to do the same.

Our votes matter. Trump won Michigan by some 10,000 votes -- about as many as went to the Green Party, and a far smaller number than those Michiganders that did not bother to vote at all. Imagine how different our world would be now had they decided otherwise.

I have given up trying to reason with and persuade Trump voters. The fact is that -- at least at the ballot box -- it is enough simply to get the reasonable to use their right to vote.

In 2020, go vote -- and make sure others do too. Talk to your family and friends. Phone bank. Inform, remind, persuade and cajole. Our future depends on it.

– Andreas Beckmann (lives in Vienna 15., votes in Michigan)

In This Issue– 

Events:

• Progressive Caucus
• Experienced Dems Meet-Up

Issues & Actions:

• Gearing up for 2020– Sign Candidate Petitions!

Review:

• November Watch Party
• Solidarity Sundays
• WC Film Night
• Thanksgiving

Our Executive Committee meetings are normally held on the second Wednesday of the month. The next meetings will be held on:

• Wednesday, December 11

Members are welcome to join us at the meetings! Please contact Jennifer at [email protected]for the location.

Follow us on:

Events

Progressive Pizza Kitchen Table Talks

We’re partnering with Solidarity Sundays to offer a series of Kitchen Table Talks— here all of us will help shape the 2020 DNC platform, discussing the most pertinent campaign topics. Does an issue directly impact you? Share your story and influence how DA addresses it!

Solidarity Sundays hosted the first Kitchen Table Talk with coffee and banana bread. Our group of 15 formulated great suggestions for the Green New Deal, Equal Rights Amendment, and Voter Protection.

ProDA Austria will host the next Progressive Pizza Kitchen Table Talks.

We'll focus on:

• Medicare for All
• Revitalizing rural America
• Gun safety

Shape the issues our candidates will run on in 2020! A baker’s dozen have registered so far. In this case too many cooks definitely will not spoil the broth at all. Register here!

Where: L’Osteria, Florianigasse 55, 1080 Vienna

When: December 7 at 12:30 p.m.

RSVP: Pro DA

Experienced Dems

We hope you wil join us at our next meet-up!

Where: Café Museum, Operngasse 7, 1010 Vienna

When: December 10 at 6:00 p.m.

RSVP: Experienced Dems

We’ll See You In January:

• Salzburg Meet-Up
• Young Dems – Relaunched!
• Solidarity Sundays

Issues & Actions

Gearing Up For 2020

Over the next months, this column will provide a space for the thoughts, opinions and announcements from both the DA Executive Committee and our members. While we may not endorse or support any particular candidate before the primaries, we are interested in sharing ideas about what Democrats can and will do to win up and down the ballot in 2020.

Important Presidential Voting Information! 

Do you realize that if you don’t sign the petitions for Presidential candidates then there is a chance your favorite candidate will not be on DA’s Global Presidential Primary ballot for our primary election in 2020?  Please sign up for several candidates to ensure we have a full ballot with all the candidates on our ballot. The process requires this procedure and otherwise several candidates could be left off. 

OVERSEAS VOTES MATTER!The world is watching. Let's make sure we have a FULL Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary Ballot. Get everyone on the petition and vote your choice next year here in Austria on Super Tuesday (we'll keep you posted on when and where).

Your vote weighs even more as an overseas voter with Democrats Abroad so be sure to vote for the Democratic presidential nominee in the global primary and not on your state’s primary ballot. Of course you want to vote for the nominees for Senate, Congress, etc on your state ballot and by law you need to register and request it every calendar year. Please follow this link for the candidates you prefer and sign their petition to by on DA's ballot by January 6, 2020! 

We Can’t Win Without You

DA Austria is looking for people to fill the following positions so together we can dump Trump and elect Democrats up and down the ballot in 2020!

It will take a village to do all the things we need to do. Here are some opportunities to help:

Take our Volunteer Survey. Have an hour to spare? We are looking for volunteers in all areas and with any time availability.

DA Austria is looking for members interested in heading our Get Out the Vote, Media Relations and other vital positions. Find out more information about how to join our team. 

Do you have an idea? We're looking for suggestions on how we can connect with more Americans in Austria, find places to advertise, events to have, and any suggestions you have to get more people to vote.  Bookmark this link and submit your ideas at any time.

Reviews

Drinks, Debate, and Discussion!

Democrats Abroad Austria members and friends once again got together at Beaver’s Brewing Company to watch November’s Democratic Presidential Primary Debate that took place in Atlanta on November 20. We hope to see you at our next Primary Watch Party in January – the field has to narrow at some point!

Solidarity Sundays #28:  A Kitchen Table Talk

With the lights and seasonal bustle of a Christmas market outside the window, Solidarity Sundays held its last meet up of 2019.  Fifteen activists gathered around a table to brainstorm on the Democrats Abroad 2020 platform.

DA members around the world are collaborating on the policies that Democratic candidates will run on next year. On November 24, the group examined three platform planks: Climate Change, ERA Ratification, andElectronic Ballot Access for Overseas Voters. They hashed out concerns and improvements on the proposals and identified overlooked issues. Discussion was animated and reflected the high stakes of the upcoming election. The crew did an outstanding job on our behalf.

This Solidarity Sundays gathering was the first of two “DA Kitchen Table Talks.” The second, hosted by ProDA, considers three more planks: Healthcare, Rural Development, andGun Violence Legislation.The results of these gatherings will be forwarded to Global DA who will incorporate our feedback into the political platform.

There is no Solidarity Sundays meet-up in December --you’ve earned a restorative Holiday Season! We resume rescuing democracy in January — and need strong, happy warriors! Over and over again, votes from abroad are proving decisive in close elections. There are many ways you can help get out expat votes, and Solidarity Sundays will show you how. On January 26th, learn how to phonebank:  DA is organising several phone-banking parties in 2020, and this is a chance to jump-start (or review) your skills. Phone-banking with friends is easy, it’s fun, and it’s really important.

GBC Book Club IX:

Under Fire: Reporting from the Front Lines of the Trump White House by April Ryan

GBC book club members met at Cafe Weimar for another interesting and insightful discussion, this time centering on the personal experiences of veteran reporter April Ryan. April Ryan has worked for over two decades as a White House correspondent and as the bureau chief for American Urban Radio Networks. She also works as a political analyst for CNN. As April recounts her experiences with the current administration, one thing is clear: this administration’s overt and hostile demeanor towards the press and people of color within the press corps is unprecedented. Ryan reveals that she has never feared for her personal safety as much as she has during this administration. However, she continues to show up each day because she feels a duty to the American people to continue to ask the tough questions and speak truth to power. 

Please join us in January for our next book: The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migrationby Isabel Wilkerson. Date and location TBD. 

The next three books for February, March, and April: 

Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo"by Zora Neale Hurston

Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in Americaby Ibram X. Kendi

Between the World and Meby Ta-Nehisi Coates

All power to the readers! 

Women’s Caucus Watches Toni Morrison

Over a dozen Democrats Abroad members and guests gathered on November 25 to share a meal and view the documentary “Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am.”  It was a great opportunity to get to know each other over delicious food and drinks, and encounter on screen the joy and energy of Toni Morrison. 

The documentary offered a look at Morrison that both complemented those familiar with her work and inspired new reading. It was less biography and more extended essay: an argument for her historical importance, while also offering a close-up view of her buoyant presence.  Through an extended interview with Morrison, we had the opportunity to experience both her irreverence and humor, while also learning of the clarity she had from an early age for the focus and purpose of her work. She talked about “resisting the primacy of the white gaze,” and about the challenge and reward of “imagining black lives on their and her own terms.”

Given the accolades showered on Morrison in the last 25 years of her life, it came as a surprise (or is easy to forget) how her work was received in the early part of her career.  Though immediately lauded as a brilliant writer and thinker, there were many tone-deaf reviews that found her emphasis on black lives narrow. We are all fortunate that she knew better!

If you didn’t get to join us for this showing—don’t miss the opportunity to see it onDecember 15 at 3:00 pmat the Filmhaus, Spittelberggasse 3.

Talking Turkey & Other Things We’re Thankful For

Wow! Once again our members, friends and family packed the atmospheric vaulted cellar of Melker Stiftskeller in Vienna’s first district to join together for wonderful food, meeting other like-minded individuals, and looking forward – with funds, new volunteers and continued sustainable donors –  to 2020. Thank you for joining us and especially to those who brought a pie to share!