It seems like ages ago that the calendar turned from December to January, and 2026 is off to a horrific start in the US and almost everywhere else. Now is not the time to be complacent; it’s time to stand up, make our voices heard and do something important to reclaim our democracy!
We have already heard from you on social media, through emails, and in person at pub night that you are angry, frustrated, want to take action and want to know what to do. ICE/CBP has murdered two American citizens who were exercising their constitutional right to observe while they were out in the streets of Minneapolis trying to protect their neighbors. Trump and his appointees continue to spew lies and hatred. His unconscionably cruel actions affect us as Americans and as residents of Norway.
Now is the time for action. What can we resolve to do as Americans so far from home?
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First, if you haven’t already, go to votefromabroad.org to make sure that you are registered with your local election office (LEO) and to request your ballot for all elections in 2026 by filling out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). Even if you believe you are registered to vote with your LEO, fill out the FPCA at www.votefromabroad.org/
request/your-information , because most states no longer send out overseas ballots automatically. Make sure you’re on the voting rolls NOW! This ensures you’ll receive election materials for the rest of 2026 - including any runoffs or special elections. ONLY 1% of DAN members had done this at the time of writing this email. -
Second, join us at one of our upcoming events:
- Candlelight vigil in memory of Renee Good and Alex Pretti along with other people who have died in 2026 in ICE/CBP custody. Join us in person in Oslo Weds. January 28th at 7pm by the fountain in Youngstorget. The vigil will be following the LO Norge screening of American Agitators which you are also invited to attend (event information here). Please bring a candle or electric light, signs are encouraged, and all are welcome. For those who are not in Oslo we encourage you to light a candle and have a moment of silence for the victims at 7pm. No need to RSVP, just come.
- Virtual Vent Event - join us online across Norway on Tues Feb 3rd at 7pm for solidarity and to take a moment to vent about what’s on your mind with other like-minded Americans and learn about what you can do. RSVP here for this event.
- Valentine’s Craft Event - drop in to our family-friendly valentine craft making session to make a postcard to send to your representatives - tell them what you love, what you don’t and what they could do better! Saturday Feb 7th from 2-4pm at Deichman Bjørvika library in Oslo. RSVP here for this event.
- Third, check out Naomi Kritzer’s list of things you can do to help Minnesota if you’re not there. She has action items that fits everyone’s schedule and budget.
- Fourth, volunteer to make calls on CallHub or for voter assistance with Democrats Abroad this important election year. Information can be found here on the DA Global website.
- Finally, call or send a message to your Senators and representatives letting them know that what is happening in the US is not ok! Democrats Abroad global website has information on how to contact your representatives and other actions that you can take to resist this tyranny including our Freeze Out ICE campaign. The US Capitol switchboard number is +1 (202) 224-3121. If you need help with a script, you can also check out https://5calls.org/.
We will also be holding an Online Town Hall in March and will be sending out a member survey in advance of this. Thank you for all that you do, and we hope to see you soon at an event in person or online!