Every two years, the Democrats Abroad Switzerland (DACH) Basel Chapter elects a new committee consisting of at least four positions: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Member(s)-at-Large. 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 encouraging 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.
For the upcoming 2025-26 period, the Basel chapter envisions the following foci:
- Continuing to grow our membership
- Building our base of volunteers
- Fundraising to support Get Out the Vote (GOTV) work
- Mobilizing our members for advocacy, outreach, and contacting elected officials on key policy issues and legislation at the federal and selected state levels
- And, in 2026, undertaking broad GOTV activities for the national midterm elections
Nominations Timeline and Eligibility
All active members of the DACH Basel Chapter are eligible and encouraged to run for a leadership role. To submit your name for a position, please send an email to [email protected] by January 19th. With your email, please include a brief personal profile and a short statement as to your motivation and what you would like to accomplish in the role if you are elected.
On Wednesday, January 29th, 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 February 23, elections will be held along with other business of the chapter body.
If you are unsure of your active status, please email [email protected].
Position Descriptions
☆ Chair ☆
- Oversee and coordinate the business functions of the chapter and report to country and global committees as required
- Engage in membership recruitment, retention, and outreach in the western-half of German-speaking Switzerland
- Ensure that 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 chapter activities
- Work with the other DACH chapters, volunteers, and the DACH ExCom
- Hold regular meetings, direct the activities of DACH in your region, 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
☆ 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 any 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 as necessary
- 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
☆ Member(s)-at-Large (up to 2 positions) ☆
- Elected to a position with no designated duties
- Specific responsibilities may be suggested by the Chair in agreement with the Member-at-Large
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Possible areas of focus include:
- Program and Events Coordination: such as scheduling, venue research and bookings, speakers, registration, refreshments/décor, and other aspects as needed (e.g., Tax Talks)
- Volunteer Coordination and Mobilization: such as outreach, recruitment, orientation, assignments, supplies, and other aspects as needed (e.g., Get Out the Vote activities)
Basel Nominations and Elections Committee
David Heaps - [email protected]
Vivian Beetle - [email protected]