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In this issue:
- URGENT: Take action against the “SAVE America Act” voter-suppression bill
- Upcoming Events
- How to Vote, Where to Get Help
- Welcome from the Chair
- Member Profile: Tanya de Menou - Connecting our community
- Feature
- How to Volunteer Locally
URGENT! Take action NOW against the "SAVE America Act" voter suppression bill
The SAVE America Act is now under debate in the Senate. If passed, it would make it much harder for Americans abroad to vote. Please contact your U.S. senators as soon as possible — this matters now.
- Republican senators: remind them that Americans abroad pay taxes, serve their country, and deserve full voting rights.
- Democratic senators: share your personal story and explain why voting from abroad matters to you.
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WRITE THEM: Send an online message: Click here, choose your state (using the dropdown box or the map), then click contact under their photo.
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CALL THEM: Dial the US Capitol Switchboard free from your French phone: Dial 07.55.53.64.46, then ask for your senators by name.
Upcoming Events
You can always find both in-person and online events on the Democrats Abroad Brittany events page
May — Rennes, May 23 (12:00–15:00)
Our Vote, Our Voices Fundraiser
Join us in Rennes for a relaxed spring fundraiser with conversation, connection, and opportunities to stay civically engaged. We’ll also share ways to help Americans vote from abroad and stay involved beyond election season. All are welcome.
Save the date: Saturday, May 23
👉 More details & RSVP
July 4 — Rennes, 4th of July in the Park
Celebrating 250 Years of Steady Democracy
Save the date and join us for a 4th of July potluck celebration in Rennes with softball, protest, information, and advocacy. A fun, community-centered gathering. More information to come.
September 5 — Nantes, September 5
Dinner for Democracy
Save the date! Help support our efforts to turn out the vote in November by joining us for a fundraising dinner in Nantes on September 5th. The event will feature a professional chef, and space will be limited. More information is coming soon.
September — Rennes Voter Help (2nd or 3rd weekend)
Save the date for Voter Help in Rennes at the Franco-American Center. More information to come.
How to Vote & Get Help
If you read nothing else, read this
Voting from abroad requires one important step every year: you must request your ballot annually. The easiest way to do this is through VoteFromAbroad.org .
For more information, or to volunteer, Contact DA Brittany’s Get-Out-The-Vote Coordinator, Martha LeCars.
Welcome from the Chair
“Democracy is not a spectator sport” was proudly displayed on a favorite tie worn by former Secretary of State George Schultz. These chaotic times remind us how crucial that insight really is.
As a member of Democrats Abroad, you’ve already answered that call—and are ready to do so again.
Today, I’d like to extend a special welcome to the 37 new members who have joined the Brittany Chapter in the past six months—31 of whom joined us in 2026. Welcome!
This newsletter will keep you informed about how you can take part during this critical midterm election year.
— Gregory Sadlek, Brittany Chapter Chair
Member Profile: Tanya de Menou - Connecting our community
Getting to know the volunteers and members who make our chapter strong.
This month, we’re thrilled to highlight Tanya de Menou, our Brittany Communications Officer and Nantes Subchapter Leader, who votes in Austin, Texas — like many Americans abroad staying engaged from a distance.
A full-time mom to her daughter Victoria-Rose and a dedicated professional on Île-de-Nantes, Tanya brings warmth, energy, and creativity to everything she does. She values the strong sense of community within DAFR Brittany and how its flexible, supportive environment makes it possible to contribute meaningfully—even with a full schedule.
For Tanya, volunteering feels less like an obligation and more like a rewarding way to stay connected and engaged. Her experience is a great reminder that there are many ways to get involved, whatever your availability.
Feature
How We Practice Democracy Matters by Hilary Hodge
In a time of deep polarization, how we engage with people who disagree with us matters more than ever.
Hilary Hodge shares practical insights from her work with Braver Angels on how we can reduce division, find common ground, and strengthen the civic engagement democracy depends on.
👉 Read more: How we practice democracy across differences
From Our Commuity — Recent Events
No Tyrants / No Kings — Rennes
On March 28th, we were delighted to welcome 22 members and friends to our first No Tyrants, No Kings event in Rennes As part of a nationwide movement that drew an estimated 8 million participants across the US, we were proud to do our part!
👉 See photos & recap
DA Brittany Protests in Paris
At the March 28 “No Kings” demonstrations in Paris, Brittany volunteer Belinda M. used striking theatrical visual expression that drew international media attention.
👉 See news coverage
Voter Help — Rennes
On March 6 and 7, the Rennes subchapter helped visitors at the Franco-American Institute learn how to register, request ballots, and vote from France. The event also showed how motivated Americans abroad already are for the midterms.
👉 Read Carolyn’s experience
How to Volunteer
If you’d like to help Americans abroad stay engaged, informed, and ready to vote, we invite you to join us. No prior experience is required — we provide training and guidance, and you can contribute in whatever way fits your schedule. Experienced volunteers are especially welcome to contribute their skills at the local, chapter, or national level in a wide variety of ways.
To get involved, e-mail our Volunteer Coordinator or fill out the DA France Volunteer Form.
New! Fun Section
Share a little laughter with your democracy! Jokes, puns, kids coloring page and more to come!
Your Feedback, and Opting Out
You are receiving this update because you are a member of the Democrats Abroad Brittany Chapter, which also includes the Loire Valley. We hope you found this information useful and welcome your ideas for future topics or contributions.
If you have a couple of minutes, please take our survey to help us improve future issues.
Opting Out
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With Thanks to Our Contributors
This issue was created with the help of volunteers across Brittany and beyond. 👉 See who contributed
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