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Film Screening in Geneva: "Into Eternity"

Film Screening: "Into Eternity" - Science Fiction or Nuclear Documentary?
Join us Thursday February 9th to watch "Into Eternity" and decide for yourself.

Danish filmmaker Michael Madsen won the Sbs Award for Best International Documentary Film for Into Eternity, looking at how Finland considers their options regarding the very real, very long-term issue of nuclear waste.

When: Thursday February 9^th at 20:00
Where: Fonction Cinema, Maison des Arts du Grutli, rue General-Dufour 16, 1204 Geneva. Nearest public transport stops: Place de Neuve, Theatre, Cirque
Sponsored by: Democrats Abroad Geneva, Les Verts Genevois, Sierra Club Geneva
Cost: Admission Free. No reservations.

To be followed by a debate led by Robert Cramer, Conseiller d'Etat.

Energize yourself - come out for an award-winning film and a lively (though not eternal) exchange!

Film (75 min.) shown in English with French subtitles.

Reviews:
"A haunting nonfiction elegy about the threat of the apocalypse, Michael Madsen's “Into Eternity” explores the horrors of anticipating an unpredictable future. Madsen delves into the perilous crevices of Onkalo (which translates as “hiding place”), an ominous cave in Finland tasked with the permanent storage of nuclear waste. Since Onkalo must last 100,000 years, so too must the warnings that its contents are left undisturbed. Madsen focuses on the challenges of the latter task by continually addressing an imaginary audience watching the movie several centuries from now. He delivers the threatening dispatch in an unlikely hybrid of science-fiction and documentary, drenching each moment in otherworldly creepiness." Eric Kohn, IndieWire.com
(http://www.indiewire.com/article/review_with_into_the_eternity_michael_madsen_ponders_the_future_of_nuclear_)

"As human beings, we quantify the world in measurements relative to our biological experience of it. Distance is defined in terms of our physical ability to traverse it, and time is divided in to collective generations at one extreme, and individual acts of consumption at the other. The sinister joke is that many of the byproducts of our consumptions are not subject to a biological time scale, but to a geological one; those byproducts will in all likelihood outlast mankind, including the most pernicious: nuclear waste." Louis Godfrey, SoundonSight.org
(http://www.soundonsight.org/into-eternity-weighs-on-the-mind/)
Town Hall Meeting Geneva

Town Hall Meeting Geneva
Democrats Abroad Switzerland is pleased to be a co-organizer of Town Hall Meetings across the country. Please register here to sign up for the Geneva Town Hall.
Wednesday, February 8th, 2012
from 6 to 9pm

Webster University
Route de Collex 15, 1293 Bellevue LLC Commons Room

Come meet the U.S. Ambassador Donald Beyer, the Embassy staff and U.S. Consular staff
Let us know the concerns of Americans living overseas.

Let us know how U.S. policy is affecting you.
Learn about U.S. Embassy and Consular services.

PLUS….VOTER REGISTRATION! Register to vote for 2012 elections at www.VoteFromAbroad.org
Have some questions filling out the registration form? Helpers will be on site to answer questions.
Save the date for 4 more Town Hall meetings scheduled across Switzerland: 14 March in Bern, 28 March in Basel, 18 April in Lausanne, and 9 May in Zurich. Details about these meetings will be published soon.

Questions? Contact events@democrats.ch
Background on this initiative: https://www.democratsabroad.org/sites/default/files/Press Announcement Town Halls.pdf
State of the Union 2012 Replay
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December 2011: News and Upcoming Events

Democrats Abroad Switzerland
December 2011: News and Upcoming Events

Contents:
1) GOP Debate Watch events in Zurich, December 16th plus more dates in 2012.
2) Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) event in Geneva, January 10, 2012
3) Family Day: Bowling for Obama, January 15, Geneva
4) Global Issues Event: Three Decades of War in Afghanistan, January 19, Commugny Vaud
5) Message from the Chair

1) Zurich Chapter Launches GOP Debate Watch Party Series December 16^th
Democrats Abroad Zurich will be holding a series of 'watch parties' during the Republican presidential primary debates at the American Women's Club Zurich.
In this first event in the series, we'll watch the December 10th debate from Iowa. Feel free to join us, bring your non-American or non-Democrat friends! We welcome everyone to join us for friendly discussion and, perhaps, a few laughs! Snacks and drinks will be provided by AWCZ for a small charge to help cover expenses.

CANCELLED DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER
When: Friday, December 16, 18:30–21:30 
Where: AWCZ, Schoentalstrasse 8, 8004 Zurich 
Cost: Free entry! 
Please RSVP: zurich@democrats.ch

At the second in the series we will watch the January 19th debate broadcast on CNN. Mark your calendars and look out for more details in the New Year!
When: Friday, January 20, 19:00–22:00 
Where: AWCZ, Schoentalstrasse 8, 8004 Zurich 
Cost: Free entry! 
Reserve: secretary@democrats.ch

Mark your calendars for March 9^th (TBC) for next debate watch!

2) Senator Kirsten Gillibrand cocktail fundraiser in Geneva on Tuesday January 10^th
There is an interesting opportunity that we wanted to share with you. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the junior Senator from New York, is coming to Geneva on January 10th.
Kirsten was hand picked to replace Hillary Rodham Clinton in 2008; was the winner of a special election in 2010, (when you may have voted for her); and is now running for reelection in 2012. As a Senator, and in a very short while, Kirsten has distinguished herself as an effective, tireless, and passionate fighter for many (most) of the causes we believe in. (Listen to Jon Stewart on The Daily Show interviewing the Senator; or read more about Kirsten on her campaign website, and her Senate website.)

Whether you are from NY or not, it is unique to be able to spend time with a Senator in an intimate setting, so this is why we are passing on the news about this fundraising cocktail to be held in Geneva on January 10th, in case you are able to attend.
When: evening of Tuesday January 10^th
Where: Geneva
What: Fundraiser price starting at $250
Sign up at the Event Page

3) Democrats Abroad Family Day: BOWLING FOR OBAMA, Sunday January 15^th, Geneva
Bring your families out for a fun day of bowling with Democrats. Meet other Americans, win great prizes, find out about registering to vote in 2012!

When: Sunday January 15th 11:30 – 13:30
Where: Centre Commercial de la Praille, 10 Rte des Jeunes, 1227 Carouge
www.bowlingdelapraille.ch
Cost: 9CHF per person for 1^st game (including shoe rental) and 7CHF for additional games (each person pays ally directly onsite.)
RSVP: events@democrats.ch by January 12th or until booked up! Hurry! Don't delay; the lanes will go fast!
You can sign up as an individual or as a team. Lanes reserved by Democrats Abroad but each person pays bowling ally directly for games.
THERE WILL BE PRIZES FOR TOP SCORES: INDIVIDUAL, TEAM AND KIDS!

4) Global Issues Event: Three Decades of War in Afghanistan, January 19th, Vaud
American-Swiss journalist and author Edward Girardet is one of the world's foremost experts on Afghanistan. His recent book Killing the Cranes: A Reporter's Journey Through Three Decades of War in Afghanistan details his experiences and encounters in Afghanistan over the past 30 years and sheds light on the reasons for the West's failures in this country.
Ed will share his profound insight into Afghanistan ranging from politics and development policies to aspects including reconstruction, military, humanitarian, agriculture and human rights. We look forward to a lively discussion with Democrats Abroad members on January 19^th!

When: Thursday January 19, 19:00-21:00
Where: Home of DA member in Commugny (VD) near Nyon. Address and directions provided on RSVP.
What: Potluck dinner – please let us know if you can bring a dish to share.
RSVP: events@democrats.ch - space is limited.

If you would like to read Ed Girardet's book, Killing the Cranes, Payot carries it in Switzerland or order online. Read more about Ed and his book at The Essential Edge Geneva.

5) Message from the Chair
We had an exciting and busy fall in Democrats in Switzerland. As we round down the year, here are a few highlights of what we've been up to and key dates to look forward to in 2012.

In October there was an international meeting of Democrats Abroad in Washington, DC. Four members of DA Switzerland attended these meetings (at their own expense). We participated in workshops and discussions on media relations, events, fundraising and voter registration. While in DC, we were joined by DA members from some of the 50 other DA country committees around the world to lobby on issues important to us. For 2 days we held more than 30 meetings with members of Congress and their staff. Our primary brief was to discuss the tax reporting issues known as FATCA and FBAR, the recent change to US immigration rules concerning the I-130 form, and to encourage adoption of the Uniting American Families Act.

Since returning, I have joined a small task force to continue to work specifically on the FATCA and FBAR issues. We plan to report to DA members of our progress in the coming months.

October also saw the elections of new leadership for the Zurich Chapter with an enthusiastic call from Chair, Renee Rousseau, to mobilize in the German-speaking region. Contact Renee if you want to get involved in the dynamic new team to get out the vote for 2012. Come out for one (or all) of the GOP presidential debate watch events coming up.

These past couple months also brought several VIPs to Geneva. Many of us spent an inspiring evening hearing the inside scoop on Barack Obama's campaign from his campaign director, Jim Messina. And just last week Governor Tim Kaine joined Americans for a fundraising evening during Geneva's Escalade where we shared fondue and he shared his views on the state of the country, the presidential race and his own campaign for Virginia's Senate seat. It was without doubt one of the most informative and motivating campaign events we have had yet and we all wished we were Virginia voters! Also last week, DA was given the opportunity to invite 200 of our members to attend a speech by Secretary Hillary Clinton at the United Nations in Geneva. With an incredibly short deadline, we rallied our most active members and were able to send a list of 200 confirmed guests to take part in witnessing an historic speech by our Secretary of State condemning the discrimination of LGBT people and promoting gay rights as human rights around the world. This is a day many of us will never forget.

We now look forward to an exciting and important year ahead of us. While the GOP candidates for president battle it out, we are building a strong grassroots movement to Get-Out-The-Vote. We will be phone-banking each of our members starting in February 2012 when the www.VoteFromAbroad.org website is re-launched with a fresh look and great new features. Look out for volunteer opportunities!

Over the weekend of January 27-29, DA leadership from EMEA region will meet in Strasbourg, France for our Annual Regional Meeting. This meeting is open to all members so if you want to get involved, meet great people, and attend workshops on Voter Registration, Social Media, Young Democrats, the 2012 Election Landscape and more, contact me for more information.

Mark your calendars for May 3, 2012 when Democrats Abroad Switzerland will hold our Global Presidential Primary election in Geneva. I hope you will all come out to vote in person or by fax/email/post. This will be your opportunity to participate directly in the Democratic Party and elect delegates to represent us at the Democratic National Convention in N.C. in September 2012. This is a big event for us and we are looking for volunteers to help us by joining the Global Primary Planning Committee. Email chair@democrats.ch for more info.

Democrats Abroad Switzerland is an all-volunteer organization. We exist and thrive ONLY because of the dedication and generosity of many of our members. So at this Holiday Season, we extend our sincere thanks to all of you who have volunteered for DA Switzerland in this past year. You have helped us to sustain a sense of community, and enhanced the lives of your fellow Americans around Switzerland. We are grateful to you all.

Democrats Abroad Switzerland wishes you and your family a wonderful holiday season and Happy New Year!

Maya Samara
Chair, DACH
Save the Date: Zurich GOP Debate Watch Parties

AWCZ Hosts DA Debate Watch Party
The AWCZ is hosting Democrats Abroad for their series of “watch parties” during the Republican presidential primary debates.

In this first event in the series, we’ll watch the December 10th debate from Iowa. Feel free to join us, even if you’re not an American or a Democrat! We welcome everyone to join us for friendly discussion and, perhaps, a few laughs! Snacks and drinks will be provided by AWCZ for a small charge to help cover expenses.The next event in the series will be on Friday January 20th. Details are below.

CANCELLED DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER
When: Friday, December 16, 18:30–21:30 
Where: AWCZ, Schoentalstrasse 8, 8004 Zurich 
Cost: Free entry! 
Please RSVP: zurich@democrats.ch

The second in the series will will watch the January 19th debate broadcast on CNN.
When: Friday, January 20, 19.00–22.00 
Where: AWCZ, Schöntalstrasse 8, 8004 Zurich 
Cost: Free entry! 
Reserve: secretary@democrats.ch
Mark your calendars for March 9th for next debate watch!

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FILM and Discussion: Gasland

FILM and Discussion: Gasland
Come watch and discuss this Oscar-nominated documentary on the booming business of ‘fracking’ for natural gas in the USA. As ‘fracking’ has now begun in Switzerland, France, and the UK as well, it is doubly relevant to DA Switzerland. ‘Fracking’ is heavily promoted by the industry as a major step forward in reducing our dependence on unreliable energy supplies and suppliers, while the same industry and its scientists export their new technology globally, and refuse to acknowledge the environmental hazards. Yet according to a new study by Dr. Robert Howarth of Cornell, 'the total impact of the shale gas industry may be worse than coal'. The industry’s ferocious attacks on its Oscar nomination produced its own blowback: creating a wider audience for the film and wider discussion of the crucial issues involved.

Join in with hosts Democrats Abroad Switzerland and the Sierra Club!
From the film website: http://www.gaslandthemovie.com,
"The largest domestic natural gas drilling boom in history has swept across the United States. The Halliburton-developed drilling technology of 'fracking' or hydraulic fracturing has unlocked a 'Saudi Arabia of natural gas' just beneath us. But is fracking safe? When filmmaker Josh Fox is asked to lease his land for drilling, he embarks on a cross-country odyssey uncovering a trail of secrets, lies and contamination. A recently-drilled nearby Pennsylvania town reports that residents are able to light their drinking water on fire. This is just one of the many absurd and astonishing revelations of a new country called GASLAND. Part verité travelogue, part exposé, part mystery, part bluegrass banjo meltdown, part showdown.”
Afterwards join us for a discussion led by Mark Pasquesi from the DA Geneva and Sierra Club Fracking team.
Read the reviews in the Observer
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/jan/16/gasland-review-dick-cheney-oil
or the Sierra Club
http://sierraclub.typepad.com/greenlife/2010/06/movie-review-friday-gasland.html

Date:                Monday, Dec 5th
Time:               8:00 pm (Doors Open at 7:00 pm)
Location:        Spoutnik, 4 place des Volontaires, Geneva
                           Cinema Entrance : 11 rue de la Coulouvrenière, 1st Floor
Cost:               Free Admission (Donations for Sierra Club welcome to cover costs)

Schedule:
7:00                 Doors open (drinks available for purchase, cash only)
7:00-7:45         Discussion and collection of signatures for petitions
7:45                 Introduction by Green Peace Switzerland
8:00                 Gasland (107 minutes, in English with French subtitles)
Followed by Open Discussion led by DA Geneva and Sierra Club Member Mark Pasquesi

Please feel free to stay until 11 pm for more conversation and flaming drinks!!

Notes on speaker:
Mathias Schlegel, Climate et Energie representative, Greenpeace Suisse Romande.
Mark Pasquesi agrees with Robert F Kennedy, Jr:
'Superb investigative journalism by the New York Times has brought the paper under attack by the natural gas industry. That campaign of intimidation and obfuscation has been orchestrated by top shelf players like Exxon and Chesapeake aligned with the industry's worst bottom feeders.'
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-f-kennedy-jr/fracking-natural-gas-new-york-times-_b_1022337.html

Mark has only praises for the whistle-blowers who made these documents available to the public: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/02/27/us/natural-gas-documents-1-intro.html
and he recommends this NY Times video report from the series Drilling Down:
Mark also endorses the following statement by the Sierra Club:
'The Sierra Club supports ending the regulatory loopholes that exempt the gas industry from key parts of landmark environmental and health laws, including:
    •       Clean Water Act
            •           Clean Air Act
            •           Safe Drinking Water Act
            •           National Environmental Policy Act
            •           Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
            •           Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
            •           Toxic Release Inventory under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act
The Sierra Club is committed to moving the nation to a clean energy future powered by solar, wind and other truly clean energy sources and to eliminate the use of the dirtiest fossil fuels like oil and coal by 2030. And if we can't protect our communities and treasured landscapes from the damages caused by the natural gas industry, then we should not drill for natural gas.'

Street Map:
TPG: Rue de Stand
Trams 13, 14, 15, 16
From the Rue de Stand stop, walk away from the city center on Rue de Stand towards Jonction. Turn right at Rue du Tir, then left onto Rue de la Coulouvrenière. You should see a lit Black/White sign for Spoutnik on the right hand side. Take the stairs to the first floor...
If you are interested in reading more about fracking, you will find additional links to recommended articles on our website: http://www.democratsabroad.org/node/14089
November 2011: News and Upcoming Events

Democrats Abroad Switzerland
November 2011: News and Upcoming Events
This message is sent to all members of Democrats Abroad Switzerland. Please forward this message to other Americans living here and encourage them to join DA Switzerland!

News and Events Overview:
1)     Zurich Chapter Update and message from newly elected leadership
2)     Young Dems re-launched in Geneva! Whiskey tasting Nov. 25^th
3)     Voter Registration and Campaign Organization Training Call Dec. 5^th

1) Zurich Chapter Update

On Friday October 21st DA Zurich chapter elected two very motivated and talented women to serve as their Chair and Secretary/Treasurer. Please welcome Renee Rousseau, Zurich Chapter Chair and Ashley Wheeler, Zurich Chapter Secretary/Treasurer. Ashley also serves on DA Switzerland's Executive Committee as Secretary.

Here's an update from Renee and Ashley:

We are looking forward to working with all of you and continuing the great group vibe we has under the fantastic leadership of Jennifer Giroux. We all know that it is going to take all of our energy and involvement to re-elect President Obama and Vice President Biden back into office; and return the majority vote in the House and Senate once again to our party. This election is too important to sit back and watch from the sidelines! It is going to take everyone to lead our party to victory in 2012!

We have lots of events planned for the coming months, including events to watch and discuss the republican presidential debates, a Mock Debate with "Switzerland for Ron Paul" supporters, potluck evenings and showing interesting political documentaries and enjoy interesting discussion to follow. We also hope to welcome some US political movers and shakers as special guests to our group for Q&A evenings.
We'll be sending out event invitations and announcements soon, so watch your inbox!

The 2008 election cycle was extremely eventful and interesting. We hope 2012 will be as well.

If you would like to volunteer for hosting, fundraising or any other duties please feel free to contact us by email.
Renee: renee-rousseau2@bluewin.ch (note this email is temporary until the Zurich@democrats.ch account is set up.);
Ashley: Secretary@democrats.ch

We KNOW you are all FIRED UP AND READY TO GO IN 2012!!

Best regards and see you soon,
Renee Rousseau, Chair DACHZ
Ashley Wheeler, Secretary/Treasurer DACHZ

2) Young Democrats in Geneva

We're a vivacious bunch that will be getting together regularly with other followers of American politics to talk, share ideas and to make sure we're participating fully in the political process. We're not just Democrats and are open to everyone, American or not.
This Friday, November 25^th, we'll be kicking things off with a Whiskey tasting organized at a member's home. For more details please email Ammad at vice-chair@democrats.ch or follow our Facebook page.

3) Voter Registration and Campaign Organization Training

As we head into 2012 election year, Democrats Abroad is urgently seeking keen campaigners who can help us secure thousands of critical votes from Americans right here in the Switzerland. One of our must important roles here is to find and register US voters - if you can help, please join us for the first voter registration and volunteer training call and get trained to be a voter registrar and find out ways to volunteer to help the campaign. Please RSVP to: chair@democrats.ch if you can join the call (teleconference).

What: Voter Registration Training and Campaign Organizing Meeting Conference Call
Date: Monday, December 5^th
Time: 7 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Your phone. RSVP by Dec. 3^rd and we will send you a teleconference invitation to dial in from a local Swiss phone or via Skype.

Can't make it but want to get involved? Let us know and we'll plan future trainings to better fit your schedule!

On behalf of Democrats Abroad Switzerland, we wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Maya Samara
Chair, DACH
Young Dems - Whiskey tasting and cigar night
We're kicking off the Young Dems in Geneva with a selection of 7 scotches and some fine cigars. We'll have a charge to cover costs and perhaps raise some money for a charity. Details to follow.

The event is open to all regardless of age, political beliefs or nationality. Just come ready to talk, probably politics. A friend has been kind enough to open her home to us, so we'll start sampling in the Paquis.

Please email Ammad at vice-chair@democrats.ch or signup on the Facebook page to receive directions and updates.
Expat Expo Luzern

Dems Abroad will be at Expat Expo Luzern
One of the main activities of Democrats Abroad is helping Americans exercise their right to vote. At the Expat Expo fairs we are there to make sure Americans recently arrived in Switzerland know how to register to vote from abroad and answer questions about getting your absentee ballot and more.
Lucerne Expat Expo, Sunday November 6^th at Museum of Transport, 11am-5pm.

Come out and meet our new DA Zurich Chapter leadership: Renee Rousseau and Ashley Wheeler! They're looking forward to meeting DA members and friends living in the Luzern area.

Did you know that election laws have changed? Due to the MOVE Act passed in 2009, Americans living abroad must request an absentee ballot EVERY year of an election. Even if you registered for an absentee ballot in past elections, you are obligated to register again in 2012 and request your ballot. Come January 2012, we'll be working hard to make sure all Americans in Switzerland register to vote and request their ballot for November 2012 Election.

Want to help? Be part of the 2012 campaign! email: chair@democrats.ch to volunteer.

Town Hall Meeting Geneva