Quick introduction to creating a Study Abroad Outreach program.
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Programs organized directly through their US university, like NYU Abroad (https://www.nyu.edu/academics/studying-abroad.html).
Third party organizations like CEA Study Abroad (https://www.ceastudyabroad.com/) or API Study Abroad (https://www.apistudyabroad.com/), which create study abroad academic programs and coordinate with/offer their programs to hundreds of US Universities.
International Universities recruiting American students directly or American students organizing their own Study Abroad experience; these are often longer, degree-granting programs, this is also where full-degree and advanced degree students will be found.
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Step 3: Document programs and contacts in the Study Abroad Program Map
Step 4: Set up a non-Democrats Abroad email address such as : votefromabroad(country)@gmail.com and use for all communications.
Research Tools:
- https://www.studyabroad.com/ - lists of programs by country/city
- www.linkedin.com - search “study abroad” and narrow search by country/city to find local professionals
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Step 2: Email or call contacts. Introduce yourself, students.votefromabroad.org and the resources available to help students register to vote. If you are reaching out to programs that have previously expressed concern about VfA being paid for by DA, use the phrase: VfA is a PUBLIC SERVICE provided to all US citizens living abroad by the DPCA. Also note that the new version for 2020 (students.votefromabroad.org) no longer asks the question about joining DA. Example texts and scripts are available on the DA Wiki https://wiki.democratsabroad.org/display/StudyAbroad
Strategies that work:
Send a short introduction email with a request to schedule a phone call. A scheduled call will allow the staff member to give you their full attention.
Phone calls! Emails are easy to ignore. If you don’t receive a response to your email, pick up the phone and call!
Stop by their office. This is particularly useful with University employees. Recruit fellow DA members who are students or staff to help.
- NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK: Ask all your DA contacts as well as personal contacts if they know anyone that works with this population. Locate local alumni clubs for US universities. Sometimes it takes a few connections to get to someone who can help. When you do find someone, ask if they know symathetic colleagues at other institutions.
- Have Vote From Abroad business cards printed, with no mention of Democrats Abroad. Order form to follow.
- DON'T give up! Staff change over the years and it only takes one sympathetic staffer to help you set up a drive.
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Special Note: for local universities who host US students as a part of their general student population, the International Student office is often not interested as the population of US students may be quite small in comparison to other countries or the size of the school. Find a student organisation and reach out to their leaders: American societies, Democrats Overseas organisations. If none exist you can assist an interested student to start a society, please see here for information on starting a student society. This way the society holds the drive and your volunteers come in to assist and support them.
Tools:https://wiki.democratsabroad.org/display/StudyAbroad - sample scripts, emails and letters to help with outreach
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Questions? Contact Study Abroad Outreach Team Lead Linda Adeson at studyabroad@votefromabroad.org