Democrats Abroad Spain’s Annual General Meeting will be held Saturday June 16th in Valencia, 9 AM to 2PM with a special local lunch on-site to follow. The meeting this year is hosted by our newest chapter, Democrats Abroad Valencia. This announcement will serve as the second notice for the meeting and the proposed by-law changes. An online ballot is included for all those unable to attend. The meeting will be held at: Playground Art Center; carrer de la Historiador Diago, 3 46007 Valencia Democrats Abroad Spain will have the honor of hosting the Chair of Democrats Abroad, Julia Bryan. She will provide an update on the relationship with the new DNC. Julia will share DA's plans for driving home the overseas vote in the mid-term elections. We'll kick off with US Taxes 101 with a basic overview of the process and the added hassles that we encounter in keeping Uncle Sam happy. We will focus on what DA is doing to reduce this burden and a few easy steps that you could take that would help this effort. The theme of the meeting will be Activism. Nicole Pearson will share her program Black Women and Activism: Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round. We will build on this theme to include a discussion of the surge of Activism across the US in the past 18 months. We will have a wide ranging discussion on how we can all take practical steps here in Spain to our Get Out The Vote. There will be time for questions and discussion on the various topics presented. The meeting costs will be limited to lunch and the coffee breaks and is set at 20€. It includes the special Valencian feast. Any donations to offset the costs of the meeting site would be appreciated. We will have a grand assortment of buttons, T-shirts and other cool stuff available for sale. We will have a short business meeting for reports and to vote on the update to the By-laws By Laws Click here to view the by-laws The big change to the bylaws is the addition of a new position called Voting Representative. DA Voting Representatives (VR) would represent DAS at all international meetings, in addition to the chair and vice chair. The Excom recommended that VRs would become members of the DAS executive committee, so they are up to speed with the activities and concerns of DAS. The email of May 15 provided more insight into the changes. At next year’s AGM we will vote for all positions of DAS leadership. We will elect our first Voting Representatives if the changes are approved. One Form for Everything Please vote here and register for the meeting if you plan to attend. Housing info request can also be found on the form. The DA Valencia team is looking for home stays. They have located a beach house that accommodates 10 which would bring the room cost to 30€/ night. Please note on the Ballot/ AGM Registration form if you want info on a homestay or the beach house accommodation. Saturday evening is Orgull LGTB – Valencia Gay Pride 2018 starting at 19.30. DA will be represented and you are welcome to pick up your favorite sign and join in the excitement. Thank you and we look forward to seeing many of you in Valencia. Mixing politics and fun! Jim Mercereau, chair Democrats Abroad Spain |