January 06, 2024

January 2024 DAG Newsletter


GET INVOLVED AT DAG’s ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING!

                                                                                                                   

With our annual general meeting being held in Essen in just two weeks, we are finalizing our plans and ready to share more details.

Even if you can't attend the entire weekend, you can come see it at individual events, so check out our RSVP page.

On Saturday evening, join us at The Mine for our annual fundraising dinner with guest speaker Derek Marshall, who is running for Congress in CA-23 and is a former member of DA Germany. He will speak to us about his time as a community organizer and his work on the California Democratic campaigns of Jessica Salans (City Council) and Pat Harris (U.S. Senate). Most recently, Derek was a staffer in Nevada for Senator Bernie Sanders’ Presidential campaign in 2020. 

More details and the tentative agenda, including officer reports and a volunteer fair, can be found here!


DONATIONS WANTED FOR AGM PRIZE DRAW AND AUCTION 

(EVEN IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND)

As we are hosting a hybrid event, both the prize draw and silent auction will take place in-person & online. Even if you are not planning on attending the AGM yourself, the prize can be mailed after the winner is determined at the event.

Examples of prize donations for the prize draw or silent auction can include:

  • Basket with regional items (wine, candies, mustards, souvenirs, etc.)
  • Themed baskets (Crazy for Chocolate/Coffee/etc., Taste of Italy/Germany/etc. with food items from that country/region, eco-friendly/outdoor basket with reusable straws, water bottle, travel mug, produce bags) - get creative!
  • American snacks, candy, baking goods
  • Craft beer set, wine tasting set
  • Political-themed items and trinkets (tote bag, t-shirts, keychains, books, etc.)
  • Services or skills of some sort (translation services, private lessons, for example)
  • Artwork or custom-made pieces (embroidery, paintings, jewelry, etc.)
  • Homestays

If you, or your chapter is interested in donating a prize to the AGM prize draw, or know someone who might be willing to do so, please fill out this form, or email Karena Detweiler ([email protected]). Our prize draw and silent auctions have always been successful in raising money to support our GOTV activities!


 

2024 will be an important election year with critical races at the federal, state, and local level. Democrats need everyone to vote and Democrats Abroad Germany will be working hard to help all our members and as many U.S. citizens in Germany as possible request their ballots. A big aspect of our efforts will be calling our members starting in January.

Phonebanking is a proven tool for us to effectively reach our members:

  • DA Germany statistics show that people reached via a phonebanking campaign are 2-3 times more likely to request their ballot and vote.
  • Calling also gives us a chance to connect directly with our members and promote DA voter outreach activities including our Global Presidential Primary (GPP) coming up in March. In 2020, DA Germany members who received a call were twice as likely to vote in the GPP than those that were not called.. 


Unfortunately, these calls are not free and costs to use our calling system Callhub have increased. To contact a member and send a text message, it costs on average $1.36 per number. Therefore, to support our efforts to get out the vote, we are asking you to donate to help us call our members. 

Every donation will enable us to call more of our members in Germany. We want to make sure people request their ballots now and not wait until it’s too late.  

Donate today to make sure DA Germany can start strong and get out the vote in 2024!


VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

DAG is currently accepting applications for a new treasurer. As the financial steward of our organization, you will play a pivotal part in ensuring the smooth financial operation of DAG, supporting our mission to engage and empower Americans living abroad.

Responsibilities in this role include:

  • Completing bank transfers and reimbursements on behalf of DAG.
  • Monitoring all DAG financial accounts and reporting any suspicious activity to the Country Chair.
  • Holding signature power over DAG’s financial accounts.
  • Establishing a budget for each calendar year and presenting it to the DAG ExCom for approval.
  • Providing reports on DAG financial accounts to the Country Chair, Vice Chair, and DAG ExCom at regular intervals.
  • Corresponding with and maintaining oversight of Chapter Chairs and/or Chapter Treasurers, at least bi-annually, on all financial matters.
  • Maintaining official bookkeeping.
  • Advising Events and Fundraising Coordinator on applicable fundraising rules under U.S. and German law.
  • Attending monthly DAG ExCom meetings.

Qualifications:

  • Financial acumen and budgeting experience.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Commitment to Democratic principles.
  • Detail-oriented and proactive attitude.
  • Availability for monthly meetings.

To express your interest or inquire further, please contact Country Chair Kenton Barnes at [email protected]


UPCOMING EVENTS: 

Check out our Germany events page to find the complete list of upcoming events, including the latest phonebanking trainings!


STAY UP-TO-DATE: 

Want to receive all the updates from DAG? Follow us on social media!

Facebook @DAGermany

Instagram @demsabroadgermany

LinkedIn @Democrats Abroad Germany

Thanks for reading, and we look forward to welcoming you at an event soon!

Democratically yours,

Democrats Abroad Germany