On January 29, 2019, elections for the Berlin chapter of Democrats Abroad Germany (see election event details) will take place for five leadership positions. Members intending to run were able to submit declarations of candidacy by email by January 15, 2019 at 11:59pm and could also include a candidate statement of up to 250 words.

Nominations of candidates may also be made from the floor at the election meeting, if supported by a second from among the membership. For more details about the election process and descriptions of the positions being elected, visit the 2019 Berlin Chapter Elections page.

The following candidate statements were received by the submission deadline.

Chapter Chair

Diego Rivas

I am running for Berlin Chapter Chair to continue working on Democrats Abroad's primary goal: register and get the tens of thousands of US citizens living in Berlin to vote. To achieve this goal, I would like to continue my first term's emphasis on the issues as well as developing the necessary infrastructure and human-networks that our organization requires to thrive.

Specifically, I would like to continue working on making our organization more sustainable, by building a volunteer network within Berlin, Potsdam, Leipzig, Dresden that is able to reach and engage US citizens living in all corners of the region. The establishment of the Berlin Board and my work with the precinct captains of these cities has been a good start to building this network. In the coming two years, I plan to collaborate with these groups more, collectively define their roles, so that we can together create a coherent and effective chapter that will help us win elections back home in the states.

It was a true pleasure meeting and collaborating with members of the community the the past two years during my first term as Berlin Chair. I would be humbled to continue working with this chapter, as we together do our part in taking back our country in 2020.

Chapter Vice Chair

Emily Lines

I am running for the position of Vice Chair of the Berlin Chapter of Democrats Abroad Germany. After already serving in this role for two years, I would like to serve another term and continue the work that we began in 2017. The next two years are focused on the upcoming general election in 2020 and I want to keep doing the important volunteer work to make sure the Democrats defeat the current President, as well as reach all those Americans living overseas to help them vote. During my first term as Vice Chair, I learned a lot about Democrats Abroad and specifically the Berlin Chapter. We are a large chapter in the capital of Germany that requires a lot of organization and dedication. I have worked well together with the board that was established in 2017 and I think we have reached a good rhythm of how to plan all of our events and we work well together. Therefore, I would like to continue working with these individuals and our members to make sure that the next two years are just as successful. That is why I am asking for your support to be re-elected as Vice Chair of the Berlin Chapter.

Communications and Press Officer

Powen Shiah

I believe that building sustainable political movements starts at the local level, and that Americans living abroad need and deserve ways to stay engaged in the U.S. political process as well. That’s why I’ve been active in Democrats Abroad Berlin since I first arrived in Berlin in 2014: organizing events, managing chapter’s social media, website, and email, among other responsibilities.

Right now is the time for progressive communities like ours in Berlin to develop a vision of what kind of world we want to live in, by delving into the pressing issues like climate change, economic justice, civil rights, health care, and other challenges our society faces today.

We can do this as Americans in Berlin by continuing to create opportunities educate ourselves about critical political and social issues, by expanding the community through social and cultural events, and by supporting and helping U.S. citizens abroad to vote.

I want to make our chapter of Democrats Abroad a model for transparent and effective communication, making information accessible where and when our members want it.

My goals for the next two years are to
1) develop new ways to connect with Americans living in Berlin
2) strengthen our relationships with local news media to increase Democrats Abroad’s reach

My name is Powen Shiah, and I’m asking for your vote for Berlin chapter Communications & Press Officer.

Member and Volunteer Coordinator

Julia Dennis

After taking on this role for the past 6 months, I am delighted to run for the Member & Volunteer Coordinator position for next term. I’m currently working towards a PhD in political science and have a background in events and communications, so this position rolls a lot of my interests into one — but so far the real highlight has been getting to know so many of the members and volunteers who bring with them unique stories, experiences and motivations for being in Berlin and getting involved in DA. That said, there is always a lot more to be done. In this role I hope to grow the initiatives from the past months, for example: conducting an All-Members survey to engage with more people on topics and activities that speak to them, create a ‘DA gives back’ volunteer day with the Berlin mobile kitchen (an idea that came from members); continue volunteer trainings to support events and Get Out the Vote; and kick off a quarterly member and volunteer profile to feature some of the interesting stories of those who joined both recently and many (many) years ago. My ultimate goal is to contribute to the DA Berlin mission by connecting, engaging and helping prepare volunteers and members in order to not only support political action and change in the US, but also to help build a community here in Berlin, and, above all, to keep learning, meeting new people and having fun doing it.

Happy new year!

Though the federal government is shut down right now, we’re still planning and organizing. For the 3rd year in a row, Democrats Abroad Berlin is organizing the Women’s March in Berlin on Saturday, January 19, 2019. March together with us to stand up for women’s rights and show solidarity with those fighting for justice around the world.

We also hope to see you at the first political pub night of the year at BrewDog Mitte on Wednesday, January 23rd. Bring a friend!

It’s also time for elections for the Berlin chapter: on Tuesday, January 29th, 2019, Democrats Abroad Berlin will hold elections to fill 5 chapter leadership positions for two-year terms.

• If you're interested in running and have questions, get in touch.
• Submissions for candidacy and candidate statements must be received by 11:59 PM on January 15th, 2019: [email protected]

2019 Women's March

Sat. Jan 19, 2019, 10am - 12pm
Brandenburger Tor, Pariser Platz (look for the Democrats Abroad contingent near the U.S. Embassy)
RSVP | Facebook

January Political Pub Night - BrewDog

Wed. Jan 23, 2019 from 7pm
BrewDog, Ackerstraße 29, 10115 Berlin-Mitte (U Rosenthaler Platz, S Nordbahnhof)
RSVP | Facebook 

2019 Berlin Chapter Elections

Tue. Jan 29, 2019, 7:30-10pm
Begegnungsstätte Falckensteinstraße, Falckensteinstraße 6, 10997 Berlin-Kreuzberg
RSVP | Facebook | Positions | Election Rules

Please save the date and encourage other Americans in Berlin to come: we would like to have a large and democratic voter turnout to elect our new leaders.

2019 Annual General Meeting (Democrats Abroad Germany)

Fri Feb 22 - Sun Feb 24, 2019
Heidelberg Center for American Studies, Hauptstraße 120, Heidelberg 69117
Register | Details | Facebook

On Tuesday, January 29th, 2019, Democrats Abroad Berlin will hold elections to fill five chapter leadership positions for two-year terms:

• Chair
• Vice Chair
• Communications and Press Officer
• Volunteer and Membership Coordinator
• GOTV (Get Out The Vote) Coordinator

As the leadership of Germany's largest chapter and one of the larger Democrats Abroad groups internationally, the Berlin chapter Chair and other leadership positions carry significant responsibility and great opportunity to take political action while living abroad. As the Berlin chapter continues to grow and evolve, our leadership must as well. That's why, in line with the bylaws changes enacted at the February 2018 Annual General Meeting in Hamburg, the Berlin chapter will be directly electing several leadership positions.

Please read the complete description of each position for more details about the roles and responsibilities.

The election will begin promptly at 7:30 PM at Begegnungsstätte Falckensteinstraße at Falckensteinstr. 6, 10997 Berlin (U1 Schlesisches Tor).

QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE ELECTION:

• You must be a member of the Democrats Abroad Berlin Chapter before January 1, 2019, to be eligible to run for a leadership position
• To run for any of the five positions, the member must submit their candidacy by 11:59 PM on January 15th, 2019, to [email protected]
• Candidates are also encouraged to submit a 250 word candidate statement to be published online and sent to the chapter membership, if submitted on or before 11:59 PM on January 15th, 2019
• Nominations or self-nominations, for leadership positions may be made after January 15th, but only on election night, from the floor, and will require a second from another member of Democrats Abroad Berlin in the room
• Each candidate may give a speech of up to 10 minutes on election night
• Voters are presumed qualified to participate in the election if
  • (1) they have joined Democrats Abroad Germany before arriving at the voting center or
  • (2) at the voting center they join Democrats Abroad Germany and establish their identity by objective documentary evidence (including passport, residence card, military or student ID, etc.).
  • Persons who appear on the membership rolls of their DAG chapter do not need to provide any form of identification (ID) to be qualified to vote

Please also review the complete rules for the election.

We look forward to all candidates and a large turnout on election night to democratically elect our leadership that will take the helm of Democrats Abroad Berlin chapter through the 2020 elections.

2019 BERLIN CHAPTER ELECTIONS - DEMOCRATS ABROAD BERLIN

Tue. Jan 29, 2019, 7:30-10pm
Begegnungsstätte Falckensteinstraße, Falckensteinstraße 6, 10997 Berlin-Kreuzberg
RSVP | Facebook | Positions | Election Rules

If you have any questions about the election, the positions, or the process, please do not hesitate to get in touch: [email protected]

P.S. Join us this Wednesday for our final pub night of the year!

Meet us at 7pm under the "Weihnachtsmarkt vor dem Schloss Charlottenburg" at the entrance.

DECEMBER POLITICAL PUB NIGHT - WEIHNACHTSMARKT EDITION

Wed. Dec 18, 2018, from 7pm
Schloss Charlottenburg Weihnachtsmarkt, Spandauer Damm 20-24, Berlin 14059
RSVP | Facebook

As 2018 comes to an end, we’d like to take a moment to reflect together on all our efforts and events as Democrats in Berlin this year. Let's celebrate the progressive gains in the midterms!

This Tuesday evening, join us for the 2nd annual holiday cookie swap in lieu of our regular December meeting. We'll have Glühwein and other drinks for a small donation, so join us with your cookies or other treats (sweet or savory) you'd like share.

If you'd like to get more involved with Democrats Abroad in 2019, get in touch about running for a leadership role in the Berlin chapter – details below.

Upcoming Events

Holiday Cookie Swap

Tue. Dec 4, 2018, 7:30-9pm
Begegnungsstätte Falckensteinstraße, Falckensteinstraße 6, 10997 Berlin-Kreuzberg
RSVP| Facebook

December Political Pub Night - Weihnachtsmarkt Edition - Save the Date!

Wed. Dec 18, 2018
Time & location TBA

Women's March Berlin - Save the Date!

Sat. Jan 19, 2019
Facebook | Want to help organize the 2019 march? Email us!

Berlin Chapter Elections

Tue. Jan 29, 2019

Democrats Abroad Berlin is a 100% volunteer organization run by leaders elected every two years.

The Berlin chapter of Democrats Abroad will be having an election for the following positions: Chapter Chair, Vice-Chair, Press and Communications Officer, Membership and Volunteer Coordinator, and a Get Out The Vote Coordinator. More information on the election and the positions forthcoming -- in the meantime, if you are interested in running for a leadership position, please contact us at [email protected]

Please save the date and encourage other Americans in Berlin to come: we would like to have a large and democratic voter turnout to elect our new leaders.

2019 Annual General Meeting (Democrats Abroad Germany)

Fri Feb 22 - Sun Feb 24, 2019
Heidelberg Center for American Studies, Hauptstraße 120, Heidelberg 69117
Details | Facebook

Now’s not the time to rest yet:

We still need your help to make calls to Americans abroad who we haven’t been able to reach yet. All you need is a computer and a few minutes. Join our last phonebanking push.

This Wednesday (Oct 24th), check out “Glitter Emergency - Art Against The Right” at Hallesches Haus, a benefit salon with art and music. We hope we’ll see you there!

For the U.S. 2018 midterm elections, we’ll be hosting a breakfast on Wednesday, November 7th starting at 7:30am to watch the live returns together. Come by before work, grab a coffee, and discuss the results in the company of Americans and friends! More details below & don't forget to RSVP.

On November 12th, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is honoring the Women’s March USA with its annual Human Rights Award. Several organizers from the U.S. committee will be coming to Berlin for the ceremony, and you’re all invited! Details & RSVP link at the bottom.

Upcoming Events

Glitter Emergency - Fight the Right Fundraiser

Wed. Oct 24, 2018, 7-10pm
Hallesches Haus, Tempelhofer-Ufer 1, 10961 Berlin
Facebook

2018 U.S. Midterms Breakfast

Wed. Nov 7, 2018, 7:30-10am
Digital Eatery, Unter den Linden 17, 10117 Berlin (U/S Friedrichstraße)
RSVP (required) | Volunteer| Facebook

Potsdam Precinct Meeting - Save the Date!

Sun. Nov 11, 2018
Exact time & location TBD

Human Rights Award 2018: Women’s March USA

Mon. Nov 12, 2018, 5pm
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Hiroshimastr. 17, 10785 Berlin
RSVP (required) | Facebook

Women's March Berlin - Save the Date!

Sat. Jan 19, 2019
Facebook | Want to help organize the 2019 march? Email us!

There are 19 states whose voter registration deadline for the midterm election is Tuesday, October 9, 2018 (today!)

• If Kavanaugh's hearings and confirmation riled you up,
• If you can't believe Trump's tax fraud is uncensured,
• If you're terrified about climate change,
• If children held in detention are breaking your heart,

one way to take action is to VOTE.

NEED HELP REGISTERING TO VOTE AND REQUESTING YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT?

Volunteers will be ready to help at our October meeting, TONIGHT(Tuesday, Oct 9) starting from 7:30pm. We're also going to be holding a roundtable discussion, looking for your feedback on the Berlin chapter's activities over the last year, what went well and suggestions for what could be different.

Save the date for former Charlottesville, Va. Mayor Mike Signer, who will be speaking to Democrats Abroad Berlin the evening of Monday Oct 15about his work on the Communities Overcoming Extremism project. Location to be announced!

Event tip: New Jersey governor Phil Murphyis opening a Choose NJ's Europe office in Berlin on Tuesday Oct 16at 10am. RSVPfor the ceremony.

Join us for October political pub nighton Wednesday Oct 17as we try out a new spot in Mitte: Buchhandlung Caffeteria. Grab a friend for a drink and a snack after work!

Couldn't make it to Democrats Abroad Oktoberfest in Munich this past weekend? Check out the video from Wiesn! A few weeks ago, Berlin hosted Germany's Women's Caucus, here are some photos from workshop.

UPCOMING EVENTS

OCTOBER MEETING

Tue. Oct 9, 2018, 7:30-9pm
Begegnungsstätte Falckensteinstraße, Falckensteinstr 6, 10997 Berlin
RSVP| Facebook

FORMER CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA. MAYOR MIKE SIGNER - SAVE THE DATE

Mon. Oct 15, 2018, early evening
Location TBA

OCTOBER POLITICAL PUB NIGHT – BUCHHANDLUNG CAFFETERIA

Wed. Oct 17, 2018, from 7pm
Buchhandlung Caffeteria Bar, Tucholsky Str 32, 10119 Berlin-Mitte
RSVP| Facebook

Democrats Abroad Berlin is getting out the vote! Instead of our usual September meeting, we'll be meeting Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday next week to make phone calls for the November midterm elections. Join one of these phone banking party and help us reach our goal of contacting all of our members in September.

Let's make everyone requests their absentee ballot!

On Saturday, September 22nd, 2018, the Women's Caucus is hosting a workshop "REVISIT, REFOCUS, REVITALIZE, RE-EMPOWER" in Berlin. Register now, and if you're willing to offer a homestay for member coming from out of town, let us know here.

PHONEBANKING WEEK IN BERLIN

Phonebanking is easy and straightforward. All you'll need is your computer (and headphones if you have them). At the beginning of each phonebanking party we'll have a training session.

All phonebanking sessions will be at a private home, so RSVP is required for the exact address:

• MondayPhonebanking Party in Kreuzberg
  • Sept 3rd, 2018, from 6:30-9pm
  • RSVP| Facebook
• TuesdayPhonebanking Party in Prenzlauer Berg
  • Sept 4th, 2018, from 6:30-9pm
  • RSVP| Facebook
• ThursdayPhonebanking Party in Kreuzberg
  • Sept 6th, 2018, from 6:30-9pm
  • RSVP| Facebook

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEPTEMBER PUB NIGHT – THE CASTLE

Wed. Sep 19, 2018, 7pm
The Castle, Invalidenstr. 129, 10115 Berlin-Mitte (S Nordbahnhof)
RSVP | Facebook

WOMEN'S CAUCUS WORKSHOP: REVISIT, REFOCUS, REVITALIZE, RE-EMPOWER

Sat. Sep 22, 2018, 8:30am-9pm
CIEE Global Institute, Gneisenaustraße 27, 10961 Berlin-Kreuzberg
RSVP | Facebook

DEMOCRATS ABROAD 10TH ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST EXTRAVAGANZA

Sun. Oct 7, 2018, 11am-2:30pm
Schottenhamel Tent, Theresienwiese, 80336 Munich
Get Tickets

Each ticket includes a reserved seat in the gallery, half of a roasted chicken (vegetarian options available), 2 liters of Spaten beer (other beverage options, too), and 10 Euro coupon for other purchases.

ABSENTEE BALLOT COFFEE BREAKS / BEER & BALLOTS

Fall 2018 Voter Registration & Absentee Ballot Request Office Hours around Berlin

Between now and the midterm elections on Nov 6, 2018, we’ll be having “office hours” at cafes and bars around Berlin to help overseas Americans request absentee ballot & vote from abroad. The initial dates are below!

We’d like to do more voting support “office hours” at more locations around Berlin — can you help? Email us, we’d love to hear from you.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2018, 6:30-9:00PM

Stone Brewing Tap Room in Prenzlauer Berg, Oderbergerstr. 15, 10435 Berlin
RSVP| Facebook

Between now and the midterm elections on Nov 6, 2018, we’ll be having “office hours” at cafes and bars around Berlin to help you request your absentee ballot & vote from abroad. Here are the initial dates:

• Wednesday, August 1, 2018, 3-6pm
  • Einstein Cafe at Gendarmenmarkt, Markgrafenstraße 34, 10117 Berlin
  • RSVP | Facebook
• Wednesday, August 8, 2018, 3-6pm
  • Oslo Kafe Bar in Mitte, Eichendorffstraße 13, 10115 Berlin
  • RSVP | Facebook
• Tuesday, August 14, 2018, 1-4pm
  • Hallesches Haus, Tempelhofer Ufer 1, 10961 Berlin
  • RSVP | Facebook
• Tuesday, August 28th, 2018, 5:30-8:30pm
  • Südblock, Admiralstr. 1-2, 10999 Berlin (U1/U8 Kottbusser Tor)
  • RSVP | Facebook
• Wednesday, September 12, 2018, 6:30-9:00pm
  • Stone Brewing Tap Room in Prenzlauer Berg, Oderbergerstr. 15, 10435 Berlin
  • RSVP | Facebook

But we’d like to do more voting support “office hours” at more ☕️🍺🍵🍰 locations in the city — can you help? Slide into our DMs or email us the old-fashioned way, we’d love to hear from you

It's a busy and exciting week here in Berlin:

Democrats Abroad Berlin is thrilled to participate in the Lesbisch-Schwules Stadtfest in Schöneberg again this weekend! We will have a booth on both days where we’ll mingle with festival attendees, sell DA swag, and register Americans abroad to vote. It's fun to be right in the middle of street fest, and the atmosphere is amazing with hundreds of thousands of visitors over the course of the weekend.

How you can help

Volunteer for a few hours this weekendwith a friend to reach out to other Americans living overseas. We especially need more volunteers in the mornings and evenings, and we promise: it's a great time!

4th of July Photos

We had a great time celebrating Independence Day as Americans (and friends) in Berlin, we estimate that over 100 people showed up! Thanks to everyone who joined us, who registered to vote, brought food, baked pies, and made it an awesome 4th of July. ►Check out the photos from the party

Upcoming Events

Volunteer Training

Tue. July 17, 2018, 6:30-7:30pm
Cosmo Lounge, Ziegelstraße 28, 10117 Berlin-Mitte
RSVP | Facebook

Not 100% sure what volunteering means? We've got you covered! This Tuesday, we'll be hosting a quick volunteer orientation to go over what to expect and what to do when you're volunteering at Stadtfest or any other Democrats Abroad event.

Kaffee und Kuchen - Help to Request your Absentee Ballot

Tue. July 17, 2018, 3-6pm
Betahaus, Prinzessinnenstraße 19/20, 10969 Berlin-Kreuzberg (U8 Moritzplatz)
RSVP| Facebook

July Pub Night - BRLO

Wed. July 18, 2018, 7-10pm
BRLO Brwhouse, Schöneberger Str. 16, 10963 Berlin (U1/U2 Gleisdreieck)
RSVP| Facebook

Democrats Abroad @ LGBT Stadtfest

Sat & Sun. July 21-22, all day
Nollendorfplatz, Schöneberg
Volunteer| Facebook

Summer Movie Night - Save the date!

Tue. Aug 7, 2018, 7:30pm
Begegnungsstätte Falckensteinstraße

Here are the two big events coming up in Berlin:

Families Belong Together! Berlin

On Saturday, June 30th starting 1pm, join us in taking a stand for families and asylum seekers turn apart by the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” policy.

The demonstration will meet at the corner of Ebertstraße and Behrenstraße on the Tiergarten side, diagonal from the US Embassy and across from the Holocaust Memorial. ►More details

4th of July Party

On Wednesday, July 4th starting at 6:30pm, we're really looking forward to celebrating Independence Day with you. Let's enjoy coming together as an American community in Berlin, especially after all the news of the past few weeks.

We'll have a grill & drinks, plus we're hosting a potluck and a pie-baking contest in the garden at our monthly meeting spot, Begegnungsstätte Falckensteinstraße in Kreuzberg (U-Schlesisches Tor).

Please help us out and RSVP so we can make sure to get enough drinks and hot dogs. We also need a few more volunteers to help the party run smoothly.

• Sign up here to volunteer: https://www.volunteersignup.org/XA44K
  
• Bring something for the potluck: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b044dada928a0fc1-4thofjuly
  
• Bake a pie for the contest! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b044dada928a0fc1-4thofjuly1
  
• Invite your friends on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/208229376480925/
  

Undecided? Check out the photos from last year's #Happy4thAbroad party

With great sadness, we share the news that Dr. William Emerson Downey, one of the founding members of the Berlin chapter of Democrats Abroad, passed away on March 24, 2018. Services will be held on Friday, April 13, 2018, at 9:30 am at Christus-Kirchhof (Mariendorfer Damm 225, 12107 Berlin-Mariendorf).

His family requests in lieu of flowers, that donations be made in memory of William E. Downey to Ärzte ohne Grenzen e.V. / Doctors without Borders at the Bank für Sozialwirtschaft IBAN: DE72 3702 0500 0009 7097 00.

For February political pub night this Wednesday, we'll be getting together at Kasch, a cafe and craft beer bar in Mitte. Bring a friend who needs help registering to vote!

It's not too late to register and attend the 2018 Annual General Meeting of Democrats Abroad Germany this weekend in Hamburg! More details here. If you can't make it to Hamburg in person this weekend, you can join and vote on amendments to our bylaws at the Berlin remote voting center on Saturday in Moabit.

We're already planning for our March events: we're excited to welcome Lisa Witter as our speaker on women's empowerment in politics and policy, RSVP and get more details below.

Last, but not least: the Sachsen Women's Caucus is hosting their first meeting in March in Dresden, a book club to discuss An Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt.

FEBRUARY PUB NIGHT & VOTER REGISTRATION

Wed. February 21, 2018 from 7pm
Kaschk, Linienstrasse 40, 10119 Berlin-Mitte (U2 Rosa-Luxemburgplatz)
RSVP | Facebook

DEMOCRATS ABROAD GERMANY 2018 GENERAL MEETING

February 23-25, 2018
Kulturpalast Hamburg, Öjendorfer Weg 30a, 22119 Hamburg
Register | Details | Facebook

In this important midterm election year, come organize to help get out the vote with Democrats Abroad Germany at our Annual General Meeting, February 23rd-25th, 2018, in Hamburg. Plenty of opportunities to meet other engaged Democrats living abroad and to help grow our organization into one that can register all Democrats living in Germany to vote!

BYLAWS AMENDMENTS - AGM REMOTE VOTING CENTER IN BERLIN

Sat. February 24th, 2018, 3-6pm
Near U9 Turmstrasse (RSVP for exact address)
RSVP | Facebook

Can't make it to Hamburg? You can still participate at the Annual General Meeting by voting for or against amendments to Democrats Abroad Germany’s (DAG) bylaws at our remote voting center. DAG’s bylaws determine how the Democrats Abroad Germany and Berlin is run as a political organization. Your input helps us improve our organization and achieve our goal of registering all US citizens living in Berlin and Germany to vote!

MARCH MEETING: EMPOWERING WOMEN IN POLITICS & POLICY WITH LISA WITTER

Tue. March 6, 2018, 7:30-9pm
Begegnungsstätte Falckensteinstraße, Falckensteinstr. 6, 10997 Berlin-Kreuzberg
RSVP | Facebook

Lisa Witter is an expert in the intersections of communications, government, politics, tech, & behavior change. Her topic for our meeting is "It’s Time for Solutions: From the invisible to blunt force policies." In her presentation, she'll take a global look at what’s working to empower women and where the US leads the way.

SACHSEN WOMEN'S CAUCUS KICKOFF: INT'L WOMEN'S DAY BOOK CLUB

Tue. March 6, 2018, 7:30-9pm
Cafe Story, Wormser Straße 30a, 01309 Dresden
RSVP | Facebook

Sachsen Women's Caucus is gathering for an Int'l Women's Day book club: An Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt. For more information, contact Becky Hellwig ([email protected])

The Women's March in Berlin two weeks ago was fantastic, over 1000 people who turned out to stand up for an inclusive, progressive vision of the world. You can see some of our photos on Facebook; check out the coverage on Buzzfeed; and watch the video stream from ze.tt

Join Democrats Abroad Berlin on Tuesday for our February meeting. We're excited to host a talk on Trump's foreign policy by Ted Piccone, current fellow at the Robert Bosch Academy and a senior fellow at The Brookings Institution, who works on issues relating to international order and strategy, democracy, and human rights. He served for eight years as a senior foreign policy advisor in the Clinton administration.

For February's pub night, we'll be getting together at Kasch, a cafe and craft beer bar in Mitte. Bring a friend who needs help registering to vote!

Ted Piccone: Trump’s Foreign Policy, A Year in Review

Tue. February 6, 2018, 7:30-9pm

Begegnungsstätte Falckensteintraße, Falckensteinstr. 6, 10997 Berlin-Kreuzberg (U1 Schlesisches Tor)

RSVP | Facebook

Mr. Ted Piccone will discuss the Trump administration’s overall approach to national security, with particular emphasis on Iran, North Korea, Cuba and trade. He will be speaking in his personal capacity.

February Pub Night & Voter Registration

Wed. February 21, 2018 from 7pm

Kaschk, Linienstrasse 40, 10119 Berlin-Mitte (U2 Rosa-Luxemburgplatz)

RSVP | Facebook

Democrats Abroad Germany 2018 General Meeting

February 23-25, 2018

Kulturpalast Hamburg, Öjendorfer Weg 30a, 22119 Hamburg

Register | Details | Facebook

In this important midterm election year, come organize to help get out the vote with Democrats Abroad Germany at our Annual General Meeting, February 23rd-25th in Hamburg. Plenty of opportunities to meet other engaged Democrats living abroad and to help grow our organization into one that can register all Democrats living in Germany to vote!

Register to Vote from Abroad - Today!

2018 is here and now it is time to register to vote and request your absentee ballot! This must be done every year, so be sure to get that done now in time for the 2018 primaries and elections. Visit VoteFromAbroad.org to complete a ballot request -- and then send in that request!

1. Click “start here” on the VoteFromAbroad website, fill out the required fields, and follow the prompts that follow.

2. You can ask questions from any page on the site. A Democrats Abroad volunteer will help find the right answers for you.

3. Please remember to send in your ballot request once you have completed it! You will be instructed on whether your voting state allows electronic ballot requests, or if you must mail it in by post.

4. Encourage your American friends and colleagues to do the same!

This is our last "reminder" blog post of the year. You'll find the details of our last pub night in 2017 on Wednesday below, as well as some exciting  dates to mark in your calendar for January 2018. Next week, we'll be sending out an end-of-year message to revisit the most important moments in Berlin of 2017 -- and what a year full of ups and down it has been.

December Pub Night - Weihnachtsmarkt

Wed. Dec 20th, 2018 from 18:45
Weihnachtsmarkt vor dem Schloss Charlottenburg, Spandauer Damm 20, 14059 Berlin
Meeting Point: Under the sign at the main entrance
RSVP | Facebook

No Meeting on January 2nd, 2018

In lieu of our regular first-Tuesday meeting, we encourage you to visit the Stammtisch of our friends at American Voices Abroad Berlin on Thursday, January 4th, 2018
Details | Facebook

January Pub Night: Save the date!

Wed. January 17th, 2018 from 7pm

This will be the first pub night of 2018! In addition to great drinks and company, this is your first chance to confirm your voter registration and request your absentee ballot.

2018 Women’s March Berlin

Sun. January 21st, 2018
Brandenburger Tor (Exact route & time to be updated, permit pending)
RSVP | Facebook

We march to

• Commemorate last year’s marches that took place across the world
• Demonstrate that our solidarity, strength, and persistence are here to stay
• Make our demands for gender equality heard, including:
  • Equal pay for equal work
  • Awareness of sexual assault and harassment
  • Lack of equal representation in politics
  • Reproductive rights and the right to choose

We came together in 2017 to show the world that women are here to fight. Now let’s come together again to remind everyone that we are still here and we are still fighting. Women’s rights are human rights! Let’s take a stand for human rights and social justice.

We had a great turnout for our workshop last week on talking politics with conservative relatives (and other people you disagree with). To see a few photo, check out this photo album. Thanks again to Joanna Mikulski for leading the workshop!

A small group also visited the Kennedys Museum the weekend before for the opening of the Obama: An Intimate Portrait exhibit (photos here).

Read on for details on our pub night (tomorrow!), the December cookie swap, and events to mark in your calendar (get one from the Women's Caucus!) coming up in 2018.

November Political Pub Night - BRLO

Wed. Nov 15, 2017 from 7pm
BRLO Brwhouse, Schöneberger Str. 16, 10963 Berlin
▶︎RSVP | Facebook

December Holiday Cookie Swap

Tue. Dec 5th, 2017, 7:30-9pm
Begegnungsstätte Falckensteinstraße, Falckensteinstraße 6, 10997 Berlin-Kreuzberg
As 2017 comes to an end, we’d like to take a moment to reflect together on all of the things we’ve done as Democrats in Berlin this year.

Like our 4th of July potluck, we're asking members to bring cookies or other traditional holiday treats (sweet or savory) to share. Let us know what you're bringing using this potluck form. If you can help out with setup, cleanup, drinks, or our info/materials table, please sign up for a volunteer shift.
▶︎RSVP | Volunteer | Facebook

2018 Women's Caucus Calendar

Support Democrats Abroad's women's caucus by buying a high-quality calendar for 2018. Remind yourself to celebrate women's firsts every day of the year. These make wonderful gifts and are shipping now! ▶︎Order yours today

Upcoming Events

Democracy Now!: Covering the Movements Changing the World with journalist Amy Goodman

Sat. Nov 18, 2017, 7:30-9:30pm
Festsaal Kreuzberg, Am Flutgraben 2, 12435 Berlin
Facebook (Please note: this is not a Democrats Abroad event)

Women's March Anniversary

Sat. Jan 21, 2018 - save the date!
We're planning to celebrate and re-energize by commemorating the anniversary of the Women's March with events in Berlin, other parts of Germany, and around the world. To get involved, contact [email protected]

2018 Annual General Meeting

Fri. Feb 23 - Sun. Feb 25, 2018
Stiftung Kultur Palast Hamburg, Öjendorfer Weg 30a, 22119 Hamburg, Germany
Every year members of Democrats Abroad from all over Germany gather in person to discuss issues in the U.S. and plan our activities for the coming year. With midterm elections quickly approaching, join us in Hamburg to learn more about how you can be an active part of getting out the vote, meet other Democrats living in Germany, and shape the organization.
▶︎Details

We're jumping into fall with a vengeance -- join us this Wednesday for a reading & reflection 53 years after MLK's speech in Berlin. on Sunday, Democrats Abroad is holding a global call with Elizabeth Warren -- let's watch it together! We've also got pub night coming up, our 2018 midterm elections kickoff with Howard Dean, plus the annual Oktoberfest extravaganza in Munich.

53 YEARS AFTER MLK'S SPEECH IN BERLIN: READING AND REFLECTION

On Wed. September 13th, 2017, we're visiting St. Marienkirche Berlin (St. Mary’s Church) in Mitte to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.’s sermon there 53 years ago, we'll hold a reading of his sermon "East or West - God's Children," and reflect on King's themes of faith, reconciliation, and social justice, and how those topics in 1964 pertain to the modern struggle in the U.S.

Wed. Sep 13th, 2017, from 6-9pm
St. Marienkirche Berlin, Karl-Liebknecht-Str, 8, 10178 Berlin-Mitte
RSVP | Facebook

WATCH PARTY: ELIZABETH WARREN SPEAKS TO DEMOCRATS ABROAD

Senator Elizabeth Warren is joining Democrats Abroad for a call on Sunday, September 17th, 2017 at 3:30pm. In Berlin, we're hosting a party to watch the call together at our chapter chair's apartment. We will have some drinks and snacks, but feel free to bring more snacks to share.

Sun. Sep 17th, 2017, from 3-5pm
10857 Berlin-Schöneberg
RSVP | Facebook

SEPTEMBER POLITICAL PUB NIGHT - SCHLEUSENKRUG

Wed. Sep 20th, 2017 from 7-10pm
Schleusenkrug, Müller-Breslau-Straße, 10623 Berlin-Tiergarten
RSVP | Facebook

TAKE BACK CONGRESS IN 2018! MIDTERMS KICK-OFF WITH HOWARD DEAN

On October 5th, join Democrats Abroad Berlin and Howard Dean as we get ready for the 2018 midterms. Find ways to get more involved in the Berlin chapter, network with other activists groups in Berlin, help raise funds for the Berlin chapter to reach out to the 20,000 US citizens living in Berlin, and ask Howard Dean a question - all in one night!

Thu. Oct 5th, 2017 from 5-8pm
Babylon Kino, Rosa-Luxemburg-Str. 30, 10178 Berlin-Mitte
Tickets | Details | Facebook

DA OKTOBERFEST EXTRAVAGANZA 2017

Each ticket includes, a reserved seat in the “Gallerie,” a half roasted chicken (vegetarian options available), 2 liters of Spaten beer (other beverage options, too), and 10-euro coupon for other purchases.

Sun. Oct 1st, 2017 11am - 2:30pm
Schottenhammel Tent, Theresienwiese, 80336 Munich
Get Tickets