Greetings Democrats!

I hope everyone is making the best of the summer weather - even more sweet with seasonal tourists having mostly moved on. And Autumn 2023 is perfect for getting psyched about GOTV and community-building events happening throughout the country. In addition to a fun Halloween party in Lisbon, there’s an exciting hybrid Zoom event featuring renowned political strategist, Simon Rosenberg.
I’ve got a ton of important info to share, so I’m gonna get right to it:

GOTV

GOTV (Get Out The Vote) has launched in full force with Democrats around the globe. In order to participate, you will need to do at least two of three things: sign a confidentiality agreement here; or sign up for a phone-bank training or voter assistance training. All information you need is here. You can either attend a live training or review slides and a video. If you prefer something a little closer to home, our Portugal head of GOTV is conducting monthly trainings on the last Monday and Wednesday of each month. Look for the emails with RSVP links.

Request your ballot!

Please remember that you need to request your ballot every year. This is critical for next year - and only important for states that are holding special elections this year. You can do that here (same page as above)

EVENTS

We have so many exciting events throughout the fall - some are TBA so please keep an eye on the newsletter and social media for updates. You can always jump to our website as well, here. For now, by region:

LISBON

Coffee & Conversation - A terrific way to learn about Democrats Abroad while building community. Oct 10, 10-11:30am. Palacio do Visconde, Rua Maria da Fonte, N° 55. Details and RSVP here

Halloween Party - Dress up for a costume contest and more. Oct 31, 4:30-6:30pm. Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara. Details and RSVP here

GET INSPIRED FOR 2024 with SIMON ROSENBERG! - One of our biggest fall events is a fantastic opportunity to get psyched about GOTV with an exclusive-to-Portugal meet up with renown political strategist, Simon Rosenberg. He was the sole analyst pushing back on the narrative that Democrats were going to get slammed in 2022 and aims to stop Democratic hand-wringing in a hybrid-zoom meet up. In person numbers are limited - so don’t wait to RSVP. Nov 5th, 5-8:30pm. Details and RSVP here. If you are out of town, you can still zoom in and participate in the Q&A.

PORTO

Sunday Afternoon Snacks and Beverages - Oct 15, 4-6pm. Private home near Prague do Sāo Roque. Come learn more about Democrats Abroad and the voting process and meet fellow democrats. There are a few spaces left. RSVP [email protected]


KEY EXPERTISE NEEDED

We have many wonderful volunteers for GOTV and postcard writing. Thank you to those who have already raised their hands. In order to do our best work, we are seeking volunteers with the following expertise:

• Social Media content creators - If you’re the friend who is over-informed, and enjoys reading news from several sources, we could use your expertise. We have a team who is prepared to post. We need assistance in combing multiple news sources for important articles, policy positions, and Democratic achievements. Please contact us if you can assist.
• Media buying - the best way to reach non-members is through digital and print ads. Prior experience is NOT necessary - but you need to be organized and ready to join our comms/marketing team and attend regular meetings.

Communications/Marketing Update

As everyone knows, a critical aspect of building a brand and expanding outreach is through communications and marketing. I am happy to report that Democrats Abroad GLOBAL is doing a Sisyphean task of coordinating messaging, so we can best speak with one voice - this is a massive new step, being led by the extraordinary head of Comms, Angela Fobbs. Please follow and like us on social media channels: Facebook here, Instagram here. You will not only keep on top of important DA work, but learn first about upcoming events, both on-line and in person. You can also see and RSVP to events by clicking on our website here

And finally…SAVE THE DATE for the General Presidential Primary (GPP)!

Every four years, Democrats around the globe vote in a Presidential Primary and this year is no different. We will be setting up a Voting Center in Lisbon and a Voter’s Assistance Center in Porto, so just like the States, you can actually go in person and cast your ballot if you choose. Outside of voting in the actual election, this is one of the most important things you can do to show your support, build our community, and get psyched about the work. We cannot organize this without the help of a sizable group from our community. Please consider showing up for this. You can RSVP to David Hassler at [email protected]

Please consider becoming a sustaining Donor!

GOTV costs money - the more money we raise, the more potential voters we can reach. Your dollars mean we can print and mail postcards, have a voter’s registration table at larger fairs and events, have more community building events, buy digital and print ads - the best way to reach non-members. Even $5 a month helps - consider $10. We are working to raise $10,000. We are at $2859. (Please note, we are entirely aware we live in the EU where euros are used - this is a global organization that for simplicity sake is working with dollars)

I am looking forward to working with all of you! These are special, strange times we are in, and it’s going to take a lot of sweat equity from Democrats around the world. Please spread the word about Democratsabroad.org with your friends and family. We appreciate everything you do!

In gratitude,

Sally DeSipio
Chair, DAPT