We Have Voted!! You've all voted too, right?
Wow, what a time we are living in! So much is at stake in this election and so much responsibility for our country's future is in the hands of every citizen in determining the direction the US takes over the next several years. I know you're all reading, watching, riding the "pollercoaster" and feeling that sense of nauseous optimism, as someone from the Global Comms Team has described it.
Because I've been so busy with DASA's outreach work, I realised Saturday morning that I hadn't had time to feel the fear, the negative emotions or the dread of what would happen if we don't win The White House. And then it hit me, hard. I started to remember that horrific feeling from 2016 when we lost, and that very real threat from 2020. I know some of you are feeling this now. The threat is real and the emotions we're all feeling are warranted. The question is, what do we do with them?
I was able to get myself out of it quickly and re-focus on my vision for the country, remind myself from a positive outlook what I'm fighting for and what I need to do to play my part. We're all different - in how we navigate these fears and emotions, and what role we can play. The one thing that is clear is that we need to MAKE EACH DAY OF THE UPCOMING WEEK COUNT!
We need people to cast their ballots! Whatever that action is for you to make a difference in this election, do it! Set time aside and "do something" each of these days ahead. For some US Citizens abroad it may not be too late to vote but much of our attention needs to turn to those in the States now.
That said, I'd like to quickly welcome our new members! We've had a steady stream of new members the past 3 months. Thanks so much to Robin Perros for welcoming them and managing the database!
As usual we have a couple of DASA members who have written OpEds for the newsletter and media. Thanks to Susan Cashin and Rebecca W. Parry, both in the Western Cape, for their pieces.
And a heartfelt THANK YOU to all of you who have volunteered, donated or are in any way contributing to voter outreach this year! Special thanks again to Stuart Carley for his direct contribution to a comms agency to assist in our voter outreach. Thanks to Charles Belk who jumped right in when he arrived back in SA 6 weeks ago and has become our Voting Ambassador, an active DASA Spokesperson and helping with the T-shirts and events too! We included his OpEd in last month's newsletter and there's been coverage in the media as well.
Funding from both Stuart and Democrats Abroad Global has enabled us to run ads and coverage in the Daily Maverick, Mail & Guardian, and Joburg in Your Pocket. We also created videos to share and ads running on Youtube and social media (see links below). Google ads have also directed people to Vote From Abroad.
But we believe one of the most effective approaches to Voter Outreach is person to person - so, whether it's sharing on WhatsApp and social media or sending personal messages, making calls or holding conversations in person - Keep doing it!
You can read past newsletters HERE
Love, optimism, strength and solidarity,
Liz O'Leary - DASA Chair
[email protected]
FIRST THINGS FIRST
IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY VOTED...
It varies by state, so hopefully it's not too late!
Go to www.votefromabroad.org now
Look at your state's timeframes and processes at www.votefromabroad.org/states
IMPORTANT FOR MAIL-IN STATES: Please note that we have long passed the "safe return" deadline for dropping ballots off at the US Consulates. If you vote in a mail-in state, we recommend you use a courier such as DHL (again, do that now).
TRACK YOUR BALLOT - On your state page on Vote From Abroad (www.votefromabroad.org/states) scroll down to "Track My Ballot" - use the state's portal or email your Local Election Official and confirm that it has been received.
NEED HELP?
HELP IS AVAILABLE at www.votefromabroad.org
Vote from Abroad is a nonpartisan service of Democrats Abroad:
- Ballot Request Tool
- State-specific info
- FAQs
- Chatbox
- Email: [email protected]
- 1-1 Support via ZOOM:
CLICK HERE for Live Voter Support options!
Contact the Voter Protection Team with any concerns related to voter rights or challenges you're having in your state at [email protected]
First Lady Michelle Obama's Saturday speech in Michigan is the closing argument every American needs to hear. Please share it far and wide. Keep doing something!
- Reach out to friends and family
- Share our posts and others on social media
- Know first time voters or others who may be on the sidelines? Talk with them about the issues that matter most to them and the people they care about, and why its so important to vote.
If you need any inspiration Watch her full Full Speech HERE
DO SOMETHING: MAKE CALLS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Democrats Abroad October Surprise
Last Chance Outreach
**We have just received a list of about 165 members in South Africa who vote in Swing States or Districts who have not indicated via Vote From Abroad if they have voted yet or not. Can you help make calls?
There is an easy to use script and instructions. Please email Liz at [email protected] ASAP if you're able to help with 10 calls or more within the next day or two.
DO SOMETHING TODAY
We all know what's at stake in this election.
We must keep voting & fighting for humanity, for each other, for our global family.
Joburg celebrated Pride this weekend with a parade. Let’s celebrate SA Pride Month as DASA by reaching out to voters at home to remind them what’s at stake in this election.
Who are the LGBTQ+ candidates running in your state? Give them support on social media and message friends and family at home to raise awareness and remind them what’s at stake for LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms – to living and being. Donate to candidates or organisations on the frontlines every day.
A few resources are linked below:
GLAAD’s Guide for Journalists covers the issues and is a great resource for all of us.
The Human Rights Campaign has a full Voting Center
The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund has a new report and info on LGBTQ+ candidates around the country
Make today count!
We are happy to announce that our Shweshwe-inspired DASA KAMALA T-shirts are now available for order at only $20 each.
A few of us have T-shirts that DASA members made in the Obama days - some still in the plastic as collectors items! This is a historic election, the T-shirts are unique and a great gift for your family and friends!
MORE INFO & ORDER YOUR T-SHIRT HERE
BEADED HARRIS-WALZ PINS
Members in Cape Town launched this initiative. They are beautiful and will be collectors items. Great for gifts too!
Thank you Temi and Robin!
EVENTS
VOLUNTEER WITH UPCOMING EVENTS
If you'd like to help host a meet-up in your corner of the country or have venue suggestions, let us know at [email protected]
INVITE: CAPE TOWN AND ACROSS SOUTH AFRICA
We are looking for members to host informal meet-ups in Cape Town and other corners of the country. DASA is 100% volunteer, we can't do this without you. Volunteers have come forward in Joburg - so you'll see these events below - but we need people in other parts of the country!
Keep it simple - Just pick a venue, date & time and be there to welcome others. Guests pay their own costs. Please email Liz at [email protected] if you're willing to help.
Coming up....
Wednesday 30 Sept
T-shirt Pickup & Meet-up
12:30 - 15:00
Pizza Hut, 100 Rivonia Rd., Sandton
More Info & RSVP HERE
Saturday 2 November
T-shirt Pickup & Family Meet-up (Joburg)
11:00 - 13:00
Mike's Kitchen, 15 St Andrew's Rd., Parktown
More Info & RSVP HERE
Wednesday 6 November 1am South African Time - through the night!
Election Night Democrats Abroad Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Region Pajama Party (Online)
Nancy Krisch in Cape Town has joined the organising committee for this event! Thanks Nancy
Wednesday 6 November
Election Watch - The Morning After - Breakfast Meet-up (Joburg)
7:00-9:00
Milk Bar, George Lea Park, 11 Holt St East, Parkmore, Sandton
More Info & RSVP HERE
**RSVP by 4 November to be entered into a drawing at the event.
VOTER OUTREACH
Word of Mouth & Digital - Spread the Word
Temi Stallings, a Member in Cape Town has created fun templates on Canva for all members to use and share on social media, WhatsApp etc.
SHARE OUR VOTER OUTREACH VIDEOS
We are finding new members, new volunteers...new potential voters in South Africa each day! Please reach out to other US Citizens you know in SA, on the continent, and around the world.
Ask them if they're ready to vote.
Encourage them to join Democrats Abroad.
Engage and Share our Posts on Social Media (Links below)
PLEASE ALSO SEE & SHARE OUR VIDEOS ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM
PLEASE CONNECT TO STAY UPDATED & SHARE!
Americans in South Africa are invited to get in touch and get involved, contact us at [email protected]
**Join our WhatsApp group**
**This is the quickest way for us to keep in touch regularly as a group!
Please note we have removed the WhatsApp link from this post on the website to protect the group. If you'd like to join the WhatsApp group please send an email with your name and cell number to [email protected]
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DemocratsAbroadSouthAfrica
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/democratsabroadsouthafrica/
DASA VOICES
A Tale of Two Texas’ – A land where the past is prologue By Susan Cashin
In the fall of 1980, I moved to Texas – Austin, Texas to be precise. Hailed as the Music and of course BBQ Capital of the world according to its residents, Austinites proudly held their heads high living the good life in the most youthful and progressive town in Texas.
Seven years earlier in 1973, Texas women won a war waged against them since 1857 – a total of 116 years. Roe v. Wade – a case born in Texas – became the law of the land establishing reproductive freedom for all women in the U.S. The door to a world of possibilities and promise was flung wide open. For the women in Texas – especially in Austin – reproductive freedom allowed a greater pathway to educational and professional opportunities. And for the 50 years, it was the best of times…until it wasn’t.
Read Susan Cashin's Full Article HERE
What Do The American People Want?
By Rebecca W Parry
‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!’ – inscribed on the base of the US Statue of Liberty, welcoming all who arrive to New York’s harbor.
I recited these words at age 15 as our family slide show concluded. We had just returned from our father’s sabbatical year abroad. That my country welcomed those seeking a new life from oppression, poverty or political violence in such a way stirred me with pride. It gave me empathy in the understanding of the circumstances by which others arrive on our American shores. We are ‘the melting pot’ of cultures, and our Constitution enshrines basic human rights with the promise of freedom and protection.
Read Rebecca W Parry's Full Article HERE
US GOVERNMENT CONTACTS & UPDATES
CONTACT OUR ELECTED LEADERS
Let’s make our voices heard! Many members are reaching out to us regarding US policy in the Middle East. Democrats Abroad (globally) doesn't engage in foreign affairs but DASA strongly encourages you to contact our elected officials in Washington to ensure your voice is heard. It will take you 15-20 minutes to write to all of them. Write often. The web addresses below are hyperlinked.
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Contact the President & Vice President
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Write to the Harris-Walz campaign
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Contact your Senators
- Contact your House Representatives
WHITE HOUSE AMERICANS ABROAD OUTREACH
"The White House Office of Public Engagement is thrilled to more formally engage with Americans living abroad. We hope to share more about the issues that are most important to this large community and significant constituency. We look forward to being in close contact. You may receive outreach from the White House based on your responses to this survey such as announcements, newsletters, and invitations."
CLICK HERE to join their mailing list
US MISSION TO SOUTH AFRICA & STATE DEPT
STEP PROGRAM
The US Consulates have asked us to let you know that the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) has been updated and relaunched. Please read more and enroll or re-enroll HERE
THANK YOU!
We know everyone is asking these days, but as we're focussed locally, we ask you to support our work within South Africa.
Can you contribute $24, $240 or $2000 toward our voter mobilisation work in South Africa 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! Let's Win This!