February 14, 2021

Basel Chapter Call for Candidates 2021


2021 Call for Nominations for Democrats Abroad-Basel Chapter Committee

Every two years, the Democrats Abroad Basel Chapter elects a new committee consisting of four positions: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Democrats Abroad is an organization which supports the Democratic Party agenda by registering U.S. citizens overseas to vote in elections, disseminating information about Democratic candidates and policies, and encourages political activism by assisting voters with their ballot submission, as well as involvement with political causes, such as those promoting social justice awareness, for example.

Nominations Timeline and Eligibility

All active members of the DA Basel Chapter are eligible and encouraged to run for a position. To submit your name for a position, please send an email to [email protected] by March 14th.

On March 24th, candidates’ statements, bios, and voting procedures will be distributed via email, along with the notice of the general meeting.

At the Annual General Meeting on April 18th, voting will take place electronically.

If you are unsure of your active status, please email [email protected].

Position Descriptions:
 

Chair

  • Lead and mobilize members to join the Basel team and welcome new members
  • Oversee and coordinate the business functions of the chapter and report to national and international as required
  • Ensure that Secretary and Treasurer core work is being done and appoint other positions as necessary for effective functioning of the group
  • Represent DACH Basel as a member of the DACH Executive Committee (ExCom) and report to the DACH ExCom on city chapter activities
  • Work with the other city chapters, volunteers, and the DACH ExCom
  • Hold regular meetings, direct the activities of DACH in this region of Switzerland, and keep members informed about activities and events
  • Contribute to DACH fundraising and ensure all activities are conducted in compliance with FEC and campaign finance laws as established by the ExCom
  • Coordinate and share responsibility with the DACH ExCom and Zurich Chapter for voter and member outreach in the Swiss German region where no chapters are yet established

Vice Chair

  • Assist the Chair in all Basel Chapter activities
  • Partner with the Chair to take on some of their responsibilities
  • Participate in key discussions and decisions as part of the Leadership Team and with the volunteer corps
  • Substitute for the Chair when needed
  • Organize and conduct the regularly scheduled Chapter meetings in the absence of the Chair
  • Attend DACH ExCom meetings in the absence of the Chair
  • Represent DACH Basel together with other Chapter members in media relations activities

Secretary

  • Distribute meeting agendas to the Chapter Committee
  • Take and distribute minutes of all meetings and distribute to the Chapter Committee and DACH ExCom
  • Participate in key discussions and decisions as part of the Leadership Team and with the volunteer corps
  • Maintain files and administrative records of the Chapter (Google Drive)
  • Manage and maintain the Basel Chapter membership and volunteer lists in coordination with the DACH Secretary. This may require training on the DA database
  • Ensure event advertising, internet, and social media presence in collaboration with event organizers and committee members

Treasurer

  • Manage the finances of DACH Basel in agreement with the Basel Chair and the DACH ExCom Treasurer
  • Participate in key discussions and decisions as part of the Leadership Team and with the volunteer corps
  • Maintain clear and accurate financial records and make financial reports as required
  • Ensure all financial matters conform to local rules and regulations as well as to those of the Federal Election Commission and campaign finance laws of the United States
  • Educate the Basel Chapter members on latest updates on financial compliance guidance for Democrats Abroad

Nominating Committee:

Jamie Donahoe: [email protected]
Carolyn Groff: [email protected]

Dear Members:

After an extremely active year in which Democrats Abroad Switzerland helped get out the vote for the 2020 general election and again rose to the occasion to contact every known Georgia voter in advance of the Georgia Senate Run off election, you would think we would rest. But no! A new country executive committee will be elected at the Democrats Abroad Switzerland (DACH) Annual General Meeting (AGM) on March 14, 2021. DACH bylaws require that Chapter AGMs and elections be held within two months of the DACH AGM. It is therefore time to announce the upcoming chapter elections for Basel. The DACH Basel Chapter will elect a new Committee on 18 April in Basel at 7:30 p.m. Due to COVID restrictions, the meeting will be conducted online. Login details will follow. 

A Nominations Committee has been appointed to seek candidates to stand for office and to run the nominations/election process. Please Consider Running for an office and helping the Basel Chapter Committee to continue our tradition of leadership within Switzerland and our activism in the Basel area. Now is the time for members to heed the call for candidates and get involved! Motivated members are encouraged to step forward. 

There will be plenty of opportunity and demand for activism to promote the Democratic message and to prepare for the 2022 mid-term elections. In addition, we have been working hard to provide programs and activities of interest to our members. We all look forward to the day we can resume activities in person. 

Volunteer Testimonials:

I have been involved in Democrats Abroad Switzerland leadership since 2017. Although I have served as the national Secretary and Vice Chair, Basel is my home chapter and is the home of some of my favorite DA volunteers. The core team of leaders and volunteers is the perfect combination of hard working and fun loving, meaning all the events, whether business or social, are thoroughly enjoyable.

I look forward to working with the new Basel leaders in the 2021-23 term and beyond! Soon we will be able to meet in person again and really enjoy each other's company as we strategize and execute plans to reach US voters living in the Basel region as well as communicating with our elected leaders back in the US.

- Liz Voss, DACH Vice Chair and acting Secretary 2019-21 

The best thing I did on arrival to Basel was get involved in Democrats Abroad. I found there an amazing group of like minded friends with extensive ties to the local community that made our stay there rich and rewarding. The Basel team is just that, a team. They are a very well honed machine and leadership is a team effort always. Being chair was effortless because I was never in it alone. This strong group of volunteers works together well to get whatever task they decide on done quickly and efficiently. It’s a delightful meld of people working for a good cause with a well established yearly calendar that has fun and service to our democratic process as a major component. I genuinely believe anyone could step into any role in this organisation and be successful. Do it! You won’t regret it.

- Kelli Brouillet, DACH Basel Chapter Chair 2017-19

An information session for potential candidates will be held 7:00 pm on March 2, 2021. You are welcome to contact the nomination committee or the current chair for information.