Introductions were made around the room. Each giving a few words on
whom they were and where they were from. During this process, Gene
added a personal comment recommending the film “Quezon’s Game” as a
movie worth seeing.
Since Secretary Jeremy was absent, Morrie agreed to again take the
minutes with assistance from Lisa. Angelo passed on a compliment to
Morrie from Cebu Member and Volunteer Tip Kilby because the previous
minutes got Tip excited about volunteering with Democrats Abroad (DA).
Members greeted each other a Happy 4th of July. Angelo brought two
colorful homemade signs, one saying Celebrate Juneteenth, and the
second featuring the words “Happy Pride from Democrats Abroad” against
Democrats Abroad Philippines, 2
Lisa and Angelo reported on our Tax for American Abroad Seminar, held at
the Elks Club on Saturday on April 13, 2019. Speaker Richard Medalla, a
world-class tax consultant, gave an interesting, informative and highly
thought-provoking talk to the 22 attendees. All in all, it was considered a
well-attended and successful DA Philippines event.
Lisa continued discussion with praise for the part volunteers and members
played in utilizing social media to fund and donate a wreath. Kudos was
given to all who donated to this cause. In an independent effort, GOTV
Coordinator Brian and Communications Morrie wrote and produced a
GoFundMe page to raise the money for a lovely wreath of red anthurium
flowers to commemorate those American and Filipino soldiers, sailors,
marines, airmen, doctors and nurses who made the ultimate sacrifice and
went missing in World War II. The wreath was presented on Sunday May
26, 2019 during the Memorial Day ceremony organized by the American
Democrats Abroad Philippines, 3
Angelo reported on the 2019 Global Meeting. Omar paid particular attention
to DA Philippines cosponsoring the resolution on Medicare and whether the
issue of Medicare portability is adequately covered in the resolution. Omar
also inquired about DA and Lisa and Angelo responded that Democrats
Abroad is given state-level recognition by the Democratic National
Committee (DNC), with eight members on the DNC, and sends a voting
delegation to the Democratic National Convention to select our presidential
candidate. Omar said he would like to learn more about it.
The question of where and when the upcoming Mock Debate and Straw
Poll potluck social will take place is currently being discussed. At the
moment, the date is Saturday evening on August 10, 2019 at Lisa’s house.
If and when the final details are nailed down, watch for the all-members
email blast announcement and invitation, check our homepage and
Facebook for event details, and RSVP by email to da-
ph@democratsabroad.org.
Omar explained how this new system would work: the ward chair should
text or call members in the ward and encourage them to get involved and
register to vote, and organize quarterly socials if people are interested. He
continued, suggesting we send out a survey to find out members’ interests.
He suggested one of the questions could be to ask if the member is
interested in being part of a directory of members to spur networking.
Several people expressed concern that DA wouldn’t allow this without
requiring everyone to sign a Confidentiality Agreement. Omar will do a pilot
test in Makati by texting and calling the members and sending corrections
and deletions to Brian to input into the database.
Lisa is to ask Events Don Goertzen if it would be possible to alert his media
contacts about our upcoming events. Angelo offered to reach out to the
Philippines ABS-CBN News Channel ANC.
At the next Q4 General Meeting on October 26, 2019, the question in the
air is whether or not we’ll wear festive Halloween costumes.
Democrats Abroad Philippines, 5
Lisa handed out a few VoteFromAbroad.org fliers to John B. and Angelo for
posting. And Bing will distribute VoteFromAbroad.org cards to Americans in
her building.
At approximately 5:30 pm, Lisa concluded the meeting and all departed in
good cheer.