In this issue:
- Take Action
- How to Vote, Where to Get Help
- Come Join Us — Upcoming Events
- Feature Article
- Meet Our People —Member Profile: Stephen Gates
- How to Volunteer Locally
- The Lighter Side of Democracy
Take Action
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.
- WRITE THEM: Send an online message: Click here, choose your state (using the dropdown box or the map), then click contact under their photo.
- 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.
Remove red state incentives to skew our representation
A recent piece by Robert Reich argues that defending democracy today means not allowing bad-faith tactics that weaken representation and voting rights to gain ground.
👉 Learn how to push back effectively
Take Action Toolkit Curated by Theresa Conroy
Living so far from the States can feel isolating, but there are ways to advocate from a distance. The Take Action Toolkit curated by Democrats Abroad Brittany member Theresa Conroy simplifies your activism by making it easy to find what you need to contact or donate to causes you support.
How to Vote & Get Help
If you read nothing else, read this Challenges with La Poste mail to U.S.
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.
From the Chair
Celebrated historian Timothy Snyder, in his book On Tyranny, offers lessons from the history of the 20th century to help us confront tyranny today.
“When Americans think of freedom,” he writes, “we usually imagine a contest between a lone individual and a powerful government. But one element of freedom is the choice of associates, and one defense of freedom is the activity of groups to sustain their members.”
Indeed, we are stronger together, and one of the ways Democrats Abroad Brittany supports its members is through our gatherings and shared activities. We have two events scheduled for May, Please consider joining us — see upcoming events below.
— Gregory Sadlek, Brittany Chapter Chair
Come Join Us — Upcoming Events
You can always find both in-person and online events on the Democrats Abroad Brittany events page
Featured Event for May
Our Vote, Our Voices Mid-day Fundraiser in Rennes
Rennes, May 23 (12:00–15:00)
Join us in Rennes for a relaxed spring gathering with good food, and even better company. Help shape what comes next for your Brittany community.
We’ll also share ways to help Americans vote from abroad and stay involved beyond election season. All are welcome.
Between now and November, gatherings like this help us stay connected, informed, and ready to act—together.
A suggested €15 donation supports our 2026 voter outreach efforts.
After you RSVP, you’ll receive a link for online contributions. Donations may also be made in cash at the event. If donating online, please send Ruth your donation confirmation receipt.
👉 More details & RSVP
Your Seat at the Table—Your voice belongs in this conversation
This is your community—your part in it matters.
Thank you for building it with us.
Other May Events
May 13 — Angers | Take Back the Power Happy Hour (7–9 PM)
New venue! A bar in downtown Angers — RSVP for location
Join us for our monthly social mixer—an easy, welcoming way to unwind, connect, and meet like-minded people. Drinks and food available for purchase.
We also have more events coming up soon—
👉 See details for all Upcoming Events & RSVP
Member Profile: Stephen Gates — Turning conversations into impact
Getting to know the volunteers and members who make our chapter strong.
This month, we’re highlighting Stephen Gates, a long-time volunteer based in Nantes who helps Democratic voters register and return their ballots through phone banking—one conversation at a time.
Working closely with Tanya de Menou, who was featured last month, Stephen is part of a steady rhythm of outreach that keeps our community connected and engaged.
What draws him to phone banking is its simplicity and flexibility—you can log on from your computer or phone, from wherever you are, and make a direct impact.
👉 Meet Stephen and learn how to get started
Feature Article
Stay Engaged. Stay Grounded by Theresa Conroy
Theresa also shares practical insights from her work as a Yoga Therapist on how to care for your well-being while doing the important work of political activism.
👉 Read more: Stay Engaged. Stay Grounded
Related: Shared by Michael Moore
Advice to an Activist from a Music Student
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.
To get involved, e-mail our Volunteer Coordinators or fill out the DA France Volunteer Form. For more information about new Rennes Area volunteer opportunities — READ MORE 👉
Fun Section !
The Lighter Side of Democracy 😁
A little joy from your community. Jokes, puns, music and more!
Your Feedback, and Opting Out
You are receiving this update because you are a member of the Democrats Abroad Brittany Chapter, which 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 for May
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