A mood mover that packed a punch!
by Gina Billy, Chair, At-Large Chapter
DAGR’s new (virtual) Coffee Club jump-started on March 20th. Nine people took part in this new opportunity for our members to Zoom together on the 3rd Thursday morning of each month.
Hosted by our At-large chapter leaders, Gina Billy and Erin McGrew, the launch quickly turned into a “Resistance is beyond the percolation stage” time together.
Attendees shared passionately, yet thoughtfully, about their thoughts and feelings on “Trump 2” and the “MAGA/Project 2025” take-over of the US government. Key words and phrases that fell included: Disgraceful. Dangerous. Shaming. Terrifying. Bat s**t crazy.
We also discussed practical implications and impacts of “Trump 2.” People shared how they have changed or modified plans for US travel. For example, one member will fly together to the States with her (non-US national) husband – instead of separately as originally planned, due to “concerns about border control.”
Another said that he will be taking a prepaid phone (and no smartphone, laptop, or tablet). This was valuable advice, given what we are seeing with device searches and entry denied due to a social media post critical of Trump. One participant said, “Can you even imagine that we could even be fearing such a thing in our country?”
Now, we don’t have to imagine it. It’s happening.
Everyone agreed that mere wailing and teeth gnashing are not enough. As participant Barbara put it, “I don't know that talking within the choir can really drive change.” That led to the key question of “What can we do?” Here, Erin pointed to the great importance of writing letters/emails to our US Representatives and Senators. Regularly. Often. And for those who can afford it, calling them.
“This truly makes a difference,” Erin said. The ensuing discussion yielded points like:
- Frame such communications depending on whether your Rep/Senators are “red or blue.”
- Make sure to thank the Dems for any resistance they are showing. Encourage them to do more!
- The GOPs should be called on to do their jobs! Try to help them find their spines.
- Especially important: Urge your congressperson to protect our right to vote from abroad.
As Barbara said, “We should be focusing on defeating this SAVE Act. Otherwise, we won't have to worry about any of this because we will be ineligible to vote.”
We will be following up on letter-writing and also discussing and planning other ways to resist, insist, and persist from abroad during the next Coffee Club meet-up. That’s Thursday, April 17th at 10 a.m. RSVP here .
And in our At-Large Happy Hour on April 8th. RSVP here.
These actions may include demonstrations -- virtual and in-person -- and for those who can, reaching out to US citizens in Greece and back home, who remain either hooked on MAGA or disinterested/apathetic.
To finish this wrap-up of our first Coffee Club gathering, one participant was not a US citizen or DAGR member, but rather a Greek student of political science/affairs. This younger voice had this to say about being part of our Coffee Club: “It really was a beautiful experience, being able to share a conversation with people that experience the ongoing events in the U.S. in a more vibrant way than I do as a Greek. I really appreciated the conversations I had with every participant, and I’m positive that I will be part of future coffee clubs too!”
Hoping to see YOU at the next coffee club, or virtual happy hour! You will not only enjoy the social aspect but be uplifted and motivated. As Barbara said after the first Coffee Club meet-up, “It was a nice break to share an hour with like-minded people.”
(If the scheduled times just don’t work for you, please write to Erin and Gina at [email protected] and let us know better times for you. We’re happy to try and schedule additional meet-ups.)
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