A Better Life for All - A Luta Continua
Our struggles may be different but whether Mozambique, South Africa, the United States, or around the world, the struggle continues. For victory to be certain we must each assume responsibility and play our part, building solidarity as we go.
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I share this photo of a campaign poster from 1994 - which I took off a lamppost in Yeoville in '95, not in relation to South Africa's election this year, but as a historical reminder of how important democracy is - as we work toward a better, more just future - and the work that needs to go into protecting and strengthening it. Voting is the foundation! |
30 years ago this month South Africa held its first democratic elections with the promise of A Better Life for All. Many of us have been here a long time and have experienced the exhilarating energy, momentum for change, and incredible potential of a newly free country...as well as the challenges of a young democracy and the long road to societal transformation. I know that some of our members are here for shorter periods of time but for many of us, including the large number of dual citizens in our membership, this is home. I was finishing university in the spring of 1994 and still have the VHS tape on which I recorded all of the Boston news coverage of South Africa's elections. I arrived soon after in January 1995 and knew that being here came with responsibility. We have a responsibility to be active citizens of both countries. The majority of us may not be able to vote in SA's upcoming elections but we can contribute, each and every day, toward making this a better country for all.
This Freedom Day I'll be in Cape Town hosting a meetup for DASA members. If you're in Cape Town please see the event info below for two April meetups and potentially a third in Hermanus. Let's use 27 April and 29 May to honour those who fought for South African democracy and racial justice. Do that in whatever way inspires you, but one thing I'll ask is that you set aside some time on each of those days to reach out to other Americans in SA, elsewhere abroad, or in the States, and encourage them to vote! Help Americans abroad request their ballots via www.votefromabroad.org.
Democracy can't be taken for granted and we need to keep working toward a better life for all Americans too!
With love and solidarity, Liz O'Leary (DASA Chair)
WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND?
Free speech and freedom of expression, including criticism of our government, without censorship or fear of persecution, is something we take for granted. That freedom and protection would certainly be under threat if the previous President returns to the White House. We cannot let that happen.
Let's exercise these rights and make full use of our ability to communicate with our elected leaders, letting them know what's on our minds and what we stand for. Giving feedback to leaders within our own party is critical. They represent us!
Contacting the White House and our leaders in Congress is a vital route to letting them know we are here (abroad) and what we care about.
They want our votes...let's tell them what we want!
Contact your elected officials in the US and share your priorities, suggestions and concerns. Your Voice Matters! While Democrats Abroad doesn't engage in foreign policy, we encourage you to contact the White House and Congress directly with your concerns.
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
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.
There is plenty of info available on www.votefromabroad.org but if you need any help, email [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.
GLOBAL PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY (GPP)
Thanks to all who participated in our Global Presidential Primary last month. Special thanks to Exco Members Tiffany Jackson-Zunker and Courtney Jeanpierre, Volunteers Barbara Ludman, Jennie Tsekwa, Tanya Cruz-Teller and Khary Dickerson, as well as everyone who came through to vote! Special thanks to Monique Griffith for baking us American cupcakes!
And the results of the Global Primary are...
Turnout in the Primary was low, as expected this year, but we must rock the vote in November! Request your ballot at www.votefromabroad.org
DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
DELEGATE SELECTION & AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
Are you interested in representing Democrats Abroad at the Democratic National Convention this year?
Robyn Emerson, Chair of DA Kenya, is part of the Affirmative Action Committee working on this and we’d really like to see representatives from the continent serving as Delegates!
The Convention takes place in Chicago August 19-22. Democrats Abroad will be sending a 21-member delegation to the convention. To ensure our delegation reflects our diversity we want to encourage DA members who identify with any of the following groups to run for delegate: women, African American, Arab American, Asian American or Pacific Islander, Hispanic American, Native American, LGBTQ+, youth (aged 36 or younger), those with a disability, and veterans and military families.
CLICK HERE for the recording from the recent delegate info sessions and CLICK HERE for more detailed info, important dates and the application forms.
CLOSING DATE for applications is 19 April!
DEMOCRATS ABROAD PLATFORM DEVELOPMENT
Shape the 2024 Democrats Abroad Platform!
At a time when democracy faces unprecedented challenges, Democrats Abroad (DA) must reflect the diverse voices and priorities of all its members. We invite you to actively shape the 2024 Democrats Abroad Platform, which embodies our shared aspirations, values, and concerns.
Our dedicated teams are currently drafting the 2024 Platform, with input from thousands of Democrats Abroad members worldwide—individuals like you who are deeply committed to addressing issues that matter to Americans abroad, such as the state of our national and global issues. You can refer to our 2020 platform on our website.
We urge you to participate by sharing your thoughts and perspectives through a brief survey by Sunday, April 7.
Your input will be invaluable in informing the second draft of the platform. To aid our drafting teams, we encourage you to provide specific ideas and specific proposals that face US citizens living overseas.
Now is the time to ensure your voice is heard and represented in our platform.
April 5-7 we will have a series of TOWN HALLS online to discuss the platform. CLICK BELOW for further info
VOTER OUTREACH
Only about 7% of eligible overseas voters vote in Presidential Election years! Half of that in the 2022 Midterms. Let's work together to change that horribly disappointing statistic!
HELP DASA FIND VOTERS
Do you know other Americans in SA or living abroad? Ask them if they vote and encourage them to go to www.votefromabroad.org for info on voting in their state.
Please also invite them to become members of Democrats Abroad at www.democratsabroad.org/join
DEMOCRATS ABROAD BLUE VOTE CAFÉ PODCAST WITH SIMON ROSENBERG
Read a recent NY Times interview with Simon Rosenberg, longtime Democratic strategist HERE (its optimistic!)
...and then "bring it"...make sure you request your ballot and get ready to vote HERE
GET INVOLVED
Volunteers make it all possible! Click on the red button above for the DASA volunteer interest form.
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.
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
State Teams are currently launching activities and events for 2024 - don't miss out!
Upcoming State Team meetings:
https://www.democratsabroad.org/stateteams_events
Including:
Taking Back Florida with State Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried - 23 April 19:00 SA Time
CAUCUS HIGHLIGHT: 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]
Have you joined one of the
Democrats Abroad caucuses?
Take a look!
https://www.democratsabroad.org/caucuses
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]
DASA EVENTS
We have two meetups in Cape Town this month...and another likely in Hermanus! We'd really like to develop activities and outreach in Cape Town and surrounding areas this year. Stop by to meet other DASA members, share outreach ideas, and request your ballot if you haven't already! If you can't attend one of the events but would like to be involved please contact Liz at [email protected]
Thursday 25 April 13-15:00 - Cape Town
Lunchtime Meetup
Mugg & Bean at V&A Waterfront
Saturday 27 April 10:00 - 12:00 - Cape Town
Freedom Day Coffee Meetup
Sotano, 121 Beach Road, Mouille Point
GLOBAL EVENTS
Saturday 6 April - 15:00 SA Time
Progressive Caucus
proDA Monthly Meeting: Reading the Swing State Polls and Plotting Next Steps for 2024 and Beyond
Sunday 7 April 15:00 SA Time
Defending Democracy: The Vital Role of a Free Press in the Age of Disinformation – A Part of the Saving our Democracy Series
Wednesday 10 April - 15:00 SA Time
Social Security Works - A Part of the Saving Our Democracy Series
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
APRIL ACTION
Friday 12 April is GLSEN's Day of (No) Silence
This year they are changing things up and urge everyone NOT to remain silent. LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly youth, have been silenced for far too long. It's time to raise your voice and take action!
With more than 800 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced last year, we must Rise Up and Take Action. GLSEN’s Day of NO Silence is a nationally-recognized student-led demonstration where LGBTQ+ students and allies all around the country—and the world— protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ+ people in schools.
Learn about the ways you can participate at glsen.org/dayofnosilence
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
We're a volunteer led organisation but still have expenses in getting out the vote. Can you contribute $24 toward our work this year? Thank you!
Thank you!
Democrats Abroad South Africa