On March 20, 2018, the Rome Chapter of Democrats Abroad Italy was honored to host Bill Derrough, the Treasurer of the Democratic National Committee, for an interactive talk at John Cabot University, followed by a successful fundraising dinner for Democrats Abroad.
The evening began at John Cabot University with an engaging discussion with students, faculty and DA members on the Democratic Party and campaign finance. Mr. Derrough talked about his path to becoming DNC Treasurer, the organizational mistakes of the DNC during the 2016 presidential campaign and the Committee's strategy for taking back Congress in the 2018 midterm elections. He drew attention to the lack of on-the-ground support for all fifty State Democratic Parties in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election and highlighted Chairman Tom Perez's "every-zip-code" strategy for 2018 and beyond. He also voiced his support of the Democratic Party's call to overturn Citizens United v. FEC through an amendment to the Constitution.
Following the talk, Mr. Derrough was the Guest of Honor at a Democrats Abroad fundraising dinner at Osteria di Checco in Trastevere. DA leaders and members enjoyed a four-course meal with Mr. Derrough while discussing the vital work of Democrats Abroad in Italy and around the world. Participants included Rome Chair Neal Huddon-Cossar, Rome Secretary Helenka Kinnan, Italy Chair Ryan Turner, Florence Vice Chair Nancy Disk, Spain Chair Jim Mercereau, Fundraising Co-Chair Art Schankler and twelve local members. The clear take-away message of the evening was that Americans overseas represent a large and powerful—though underactive—voting bloc for the Democratic Party; activating these eligible voters should be a key element of the DNC's strategy for gaining power in government in 2018 and beyond. Thanks to the generous contributions of dinner guests, the Rome Chapter raised over $1,300 for the Democratic Party Committee Abroad (DPCA). This money will directly fund projects like phone banking and voter registration for overseas Americans during the 2018 election cycle.
We are extremely grateful to Mr. Derrough and all those who attended the talk and dinner, and we look forward to creating more meaningful experiences like these in the near future.