1864.
1864. Need I say more? A law reinstated in Arizona from a time when women were treated like children, decisions controlling everything in their lives were made for them not by them. Do we honestly want America moving backwards?
While listening to a podcast about Arizona’s recent state supreme court abortion ruling, I found myself shouting in the car and quite upset. Then I remembered Obama’s favorite speech line: don’t boo - VOTE! And that reminds me why I am committed to Democrats Abroad. Our voices matter. And it is especially important in this election.
I can feel uninspired by politics at times– frankly frustrated too. But as Americans we are part of a democracy. If we are truly unhappy about an issue, we can do something about it. So think about the changes you want to see in our country, consider how your voice can make that change happen. Stay connected to Democrats Abroad’s wide range of activities that inform, educate, and motivate U.S. voters living abroad.
And please reach out to other Americans here in South Africa, as well as folks you know back home. Ask them to make sure they are registered. We need as many voters as we can muster to stem this tide of extremism, intolerance, and outdated politics. Let’s move America forward together.
Tiffany Jackson-Zunker
DASA Exco Member at Large
WATCH the recent Democrats Abroad discussion with Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes - who won her election by just 280 votes! We can be proud to have leaders like her fighting for us!
APRIL-MAY WESTERN CAPE MEET-UPS & DISCUSSIONS
I was in the Western Cape for 10 days combining a number of activities, including DASA, and seeing both old friends and new - it was thoroughly fulfilling and energising! It was also, however, a reminder that democracy and socio-economic change require both intent and sustained effort. As US Citizens in SA we have a responsibility to contribute to positive, societal change in both countries.
It was great to meet so many interesting and interested DASA members, several who have joined recently, at our meet-ups in Cape Town and Hermanus and on stops I made in Kleinmond and Betty's Bay. Different people and discussions - everything from Social Security, tax and banking to US history, current political & foreign policy issues, LGBTQ+ perspectives, business interests and of course the how/where to find other US voters in SA.
Thank you to all of you! I have a long list of follow-ups from our discussions...so will be in touch again soon.
Special thanks to Mary Tomlinson who co-hosted the first Cape Town meet-up and Aaron Kruse and his wife Brittany who hosted the braai in Hermanus and hosted me overnight! Aaron was previously Chair of Democrats Abroad in China and has been involved in the 2024 DA Platform development work.
Interested in hosting a small (or large) meet-up or activity in your part of the country? Please let me know at [email protected]
Thanks, Liz O'Leary - DASA Chair
MAY 2024 DASA REACH OUT CAMPAIGNS
Let's use Africa Day Saturday 25 May and South Africa's Election Day 29 May - as opportunities to reach out to other US Citizens in SA, across the continent and around the world. Please mark them in your calendar and set aside an hour (or more) to:
- Request your ballot & look at your state's info
- Encourage others to do the same via social media, WhatsApp, email etc
- Encourage people to join Democrats Abroad at www.democratsabroad.org/join
Help us find US Citizens abroad! Have creative ideas or skills to contribute to this campaign? Please let us know at [email protected] - More info to follow
WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND?
When you draft that email to Pres. Biden in your head, what does it say?
Write it & send it!
Contact your Representatives in the House
https://www.house.gov/representatives
Contact your Senators
https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm
Contact The White House https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
REQUEST YOUR 2024 BALLOTS NOW
REQUEST YOUR BALLOT NOW
Head to www.votefromabroad.org today to request your 2024 primary and election ballots. Each state is different so please check your state’s processes and timeframes too. If you or family members have had any challenges in the past, now is the time to sort them out for 2024! Don't wait until its too late!
NEED HELP?
There is plenty of info available on www.votefromabroad.org but if you need any help, email [email protected] or CLICK HERE for a range of HELPDESK options!
Contact the Voter Protection Team with any concerns related to voter rights or challenges you're having in your state at [email protected]
CLICK HERE for detailed info on VOTING FROM SOUTH AFRICA in 2024, including Consulate drop-off times and addresses for those in states that require postal return.
GET INVOLVED
Volunteers make it all possible! Click on the red button above for the DASA volunteer interest form or email [email protected].
Democrats Abroad is a volunteer-led organisation but there's a lot of work to do, especially in an election year!
Democrats Abroad South Africa (DASA) is a small, newly reconstituted Country Committee so we're learning the ropes and trying to build our capacity but we need more help. We’re looking for volunteers in South Africa with a wide range of skills, interests and availability.
GLOBAL PHONEBANKING: VOLUNTEERS & TRAINING
Hello.....is this the voter I'm looking for? Pretty sure Lionel Richie would be a great phonebanker. He's certainly made a million calls aimed at bringing people together toward common causes. We can take inspiration from him and make a few calls too (The Greatest Night in Pop on Netflix will inspire)!
Are you interested in making calls to other Democrats Abroad members around the world to remind them to vote this year and see if they need help? Phonebanking is one of DA's main outreach strategies.
Look HERE for more info and either recorded or live training online.
STATE TEAMS
DA’s State Teams focus on voter education, voter participation and advocacy in crucial states, and are open to all members of Democrats Abroad who vote in or want to mobilise voters in the states represented. We share our experiences, our knowledge of the process of voting from abroad and other election information that has a real and measurable impact in crucial elections up and down the ballot.
CLICK HERE to see if there's a Team for your state or choose a state you'd like to support
State Teams are currently launching activities and events for 2024 - don't miss out!
Upcoming State Team meetings:
https://www.democratsabroad.org/stateteams_events
STATE HIGHLIGHTS
Check out the recordings of these GREAT and inspiring Democrats Abroad discussions with Kris Mayes, Arizona AG and Nikki Fried, Chair of Florida's Democratic Party. Inspiring to hear from these incredible women but they also provide strong reminders of what's at stake and what we need to do! These discussions are relevant whether or not you are an Arizona or Florida voter!
DEMOCRATS ABROAD CAUCUSES
Have you joined one of the
Democrats Abroad Caucuses?
Take a look!
https://www.democratsabroad.org/caucuses
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month!
Read more on the work of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and updates from Washington HERE
Join the Democrats Abroad AAPI Caucus HERE
GLOBAL WOMEN'S CAUCUS (GWC)
Strength in Numbers
The Global Women’s Caucus of Democrats Abroad has more than 10,000 members. Our goal is to ensure 10,000 votes are cast this November -– and to grow our ranks while we're at it. But for that we need your help. Take a moment to tell us about yourself and what issues concern you most. Your answers will help us zero in on the most vital news and information you'll need over the coming months. Onward. Upward. Forward.
Join the GWC HERE
YOUTH CAUCUS LOOKING FOR LEADERS
The Global Youth Caucus is searching for an 18-35 year-old Democrat abroad to join the steering committee, representing Africa. Your responsibilities will include attending meetings, actively participating in planning virtual events, advocating for youth issues within Democrats abroad and back in the US, and potentially joining the youth task force on gun violence.
If you or someone you know is interested in making a difference, please reach out to our current youth representative from Kenya, Mohamed Ahmed at [email protected] or [email protected]
Join the Global Youth Caucus HERE
GLOBAL BLACK CAUCUS (GBC) LOOKING FOR LEADERS & VOLUNTEERS
Be part of the team driving change! You'll advocate for overseas voters and amplify the voices of the underrepresented. Together, we will create a more inclusive future for all. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of something bigger than yourself. Join the Global Black Caucus (GBC) Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Team today, and let's make our voices heard!
Join the GBC at https://www.democratsabroad.org/bc
Join the GBC GOTV Team HERE
Take a look through the initial 2024 "Working Plan Doc" with links to a spreadsheet of organisations for outreach HERE
Interested in hosting or speaking on a podcast? Can you help research Black candidates running across the US, relevant podcasts, and Substack writers? Can you create videos, graphics or assist with social media? Have a creative idea for a Juneteenth event?
Please get in touch
[email protected]
Angela Fobbs - GBC Chair
Adrianne George - GBC GOTV Team Lead
DEMOCRATS ABROAD BUSINESS - Upcoming Conventions, Elections, Platform Development, etc.
You would have received emails from our Global Leadership regarding the upcoming DA & DNC Conventions and opportunities for involvement. We've also been sharing info our in our newsletters but if you're interested, please read the emails or follow these links for more info.
31 May - 2 June Democrats Abroad Global Convention and AGM (Costa Rica and Hybrid)
https://www.democratsabroad.org/2024_agm
Democrats Abroad 2024 Platform
We will be voting on the Democrats Abroad Platform at the Global Convention. The 3rd draft is available on the website if you'd like to take a look HERE
EVENTS
We’d love your input! Please take a minute to share ideas through our DASA 2024 Venues and Events Survey CLICK HERE
Interested in hosting an event or have an idea on finding American voters in SA?
Let us know [email protected]
DEMOCRATS ABROAD TAXATION TASK FORCE
Have Tax Issues? Here's Help!
In a nonpartisan format, the Taxation Task Force is holding two problem solving zooms with the Taxpayer Advocate Service to offer one-to-one tax assistance for Americans abroad. Think of it like the tax version of VFA zoom rooms!
Friday, May 17 1-4pm Honolulu Time
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/893490844167?aff=oddtdtcreator
Monday, May 20 1-4pm Eastern Time
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/893476852317?aff=oddtdtcreator
GLOBAL EVENTS
Friday 31 May - Monthly Casual: Global Seniors & Disability Caucuses
Stress Management for the Politically Engaged - Starting Tuesday 4 June - 2 part, 5 wk programme
More info HERE
Sunday 16 June - Preconceived Film Screening and Q&A with the Filmmaker
More info HERE and HERE for the two time options
Friday 28 June - Monthly Casual: Challenges of Living Abroad
Global Seniors & Disability Caucuses
These are just a few of the upcoming events. Take a look at the various global events, with wide-ranging topics, taking place regularly through Democrats Abroad https://www.democratsabroad.org/events
MAY ACTION
PFLAG is sending out policy / legislation updates with calls to action! Take a look - let's inform ourselves, advocate and vote for each other!
The state-specific updates are also critical reminders of why we need to vote Democrat up and down the ballot!
A MUST READ...
One of our members in the Western Cape shared this:
"This cover story and the accompanying transcript and fact-checking are just what is needed to show to those who are sitting on the sidelines as well as on the fence in the upcoming election what another Trump term in the White House will bring…a travesty to and a trashing of our democracy.
The content and its revelations should send chills up and down the spine of any conscientious American. Nothing stated by Trump is surprising, but the background information on the sinister individuals and organizations fueling our country’s movement towards fascism and autocratic governance needs to be recognized and understood for what it is."
TIME Magazine's Cover Story interview with Trump.
READ HERE - then request your ballot at www.votefromabroad.org
CONNECT
Americans in South Africa are invited to get in touch and get involved, contact us at [email protected]
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DemocratsAbroadSouthAfrica
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/democratsabroadsouthafrica/
Join our WhatsApp group https://chat.whatsapp.com/EBGCcLmGh0s3PU4rvCAzMu
Can you contribute $24, $240 or $2400 toward our work this year? We're a volunteer led organisation but still have expenses in getting out the vote. We'll greatly appreciate your support. Thank you!
Thank you!