Page Comparison

Eileen Walsh

Running for:

1. At Large (non officer position)

Statement

Candidate Statement: My name is Eileen Walsh and I am running for an At-Large position on the leadership board.  Before moving to Beijing, I lived in Al Ain, a city in Abu Dhabi, and voted through Democrats Abroad there.  I have been in Beijing since August, 2016, teaching at Daystar Academy. Through my membership in DACN, I have found friendship as well as opportunities to become involved in U.S. politics.  I appreciate how important voter registration is to DACN, which is illustrated by the relentless efforts to make sure people are registered to vote, as well as assistance with casting ballots.  I have benefitted from voter registration and voting assistance and I would like to repay those benefits by continuing on my journey of involvement with DACN. 

When President Obama was elected, I was proud of my country for having elected him.  I felt that our country was in good hands and did not think much about politics, to be honest.  With the current administration running the show, I realize that regardless of who is in the White House, being involved in politics is essential.  The buck doesn’t stop in the Oval Office; we all bear responsibility for how our country is run and must be involved in how it is run.  We can’t leave things to one president or one administration.  I accept that responsibility and would like the opportunity to continue and expand my participation in our country’s governance by serving the members of Democrats Abroad China as a Member-at-Large.

Endorsement: I am so pleased to endorse Eileen Walsh for the leadership board. Over the last two years, I have come to expect to see her at every Democrats Abroad event in Beijing. She almost always attends and participates actively. I can easily recall her participating in election watch parties, voter trainings, women's caucus events, and book clubs. I think she would be an excellent addition to the leadership board. - Elizabeth Jenkins

***Endorsement: I would like to strongly support Eileen Walsh - Ada Shen

Wechat ID: emwalsh

Faith Gary

Running for:

1. Communications Director

Statement

Candidate Statement: I am both humbled and pleased to accept the nomination as Director of Communications and Technology for Democrats Abroad China (DACN). Allow me to offer details about my qualifications for this position. 

For the past two years I have been an active member of DACN. In my capacity as an at-large board member, I have regularly attended meetings and events in support of our mission. 

Beyond that, I organized DACN participation in events surrounding the movie premiere of “Black Panther” last year, as a way to draw in discussion of diverse American political issues. 

I have also conducted focus groups to communicate with potential Democratic Party voters living in China, in an effort to gain insight on what attracts and what repels these voters. I recognized after 2016 that this demographic represents numbers that could swing an election in either direction. The efforts have been quite revealing, in that I’ve come to understand the importance of presenting a coherent message about what the Democratic Party has to offer. Leading up to the 2020 elections, literally *NOTHING* is more important than making our positions and offerings clear to the voting public, both domestic and abroad. 

This is the work of a Communications Director; not an easy task. Yet I stand ready and equipped to accept the challenge. I am a teacher here in China, but my original major - a subject I happen to love - is Communications. The idea of putting my talents, energy, and passion to work for DACN excites and motivates me. 

I have no question about what I am prepared to do to advance Democratic ideals for the United States of America. The only question that remains, is will you accept me?

Endorsement: Faith Gary is a pillar of the community, who contributes and volunteers in every capacity.  She donates her time online and offline to the Democratic Party and takes the mission of organization to heart.  She takes it upon herself to moderate disagreements, and remind us all of our common purpose.  She never fails to be civil, to communicate clearly, and to treat all parties as human.

I am nominating her position of communications director (though she could probably excel in any number of roles) because of her ability to craft a powerful message that presents herself and the Democratic Party in the best light, and can impartially mediate between internal parties.  She is dedicated, aware of events, and more than capable of keeping all members informed.

While faith over reason is an affliction that has infected our politics, faith in Faith and her abilities is empirically justified.   - Jesse Slater

Endorsement: Faith is one of the most respected leaders on the current DA China leadership team, and bring clear-headed thinking to difficult situations. She's been a very positive influence on me, and on many other members of DA China. She also helps us stay focused on the activism that we can do in the present to have an impact, and inspires others to learn about issues that are often lost in political conversation. - Aaron Kruse

***Endorsement: Faith has been a steady presence and promotes a respectful and diverse atmosphere. She represents voices that need to be heard. - Justin Davis

***Endorsement: I would like to strongly support Faith Gary. - Ada Shen

Email: faithgary@live.com

Justin Fischer

Running for:

1. Communications Director

2. At Large (non officer position)

Statement

Candidate Statement: I am uniquely qualified for the position of Communications Director. Communications has been my line of work for the past 13 years. I have worked in print and digital media and served as the Managing Editor at two of Shanghai's best-known English publications: SmartShanghai and CityWeekend. I have also served as the Marketing Manager of an e-commerce start-up, where I oversaw the creation of content and messaging and established brand awareness by organizing offline events and community building. I currently hold a leadership position at GHC, a regional PR and Communications firm, where I help international clients craft their messaging and build awareness in China.

I have lived in Shanghai since 2005, but I'm a newcomer to Democrats Abroad. As with so many of us, 2016 was a pivotal year for me. I grew increasingly frustrated at the state of affairs back home. Being in China, I couldn't go to a protest. I couldn't canvas. I couldn't convince people to sign petitions. Last summer, I reached out to Vice Chair Sam Wong and asked her to put me to work. I started devoting weekend afternoons to helping Americans register to vote in the 2018 midterm election. I took concrete actions to contribute to the results of that election. It was an empowering and rewarding experience.

After helping register voters, I organized and promoted the viewing party for the 2018 election that Democrats Abroad held at The Camel sports bar. In January of this year, I helped organize and promote a viewing party for the 2018 documentary "RBG" about Justice Ginsburg. After the viewing, I moderated a group discussion about the film and about the Equal Rights Amendment. I look forward to organizing similar events so we can get more like-minded Americans together and build a more informed and engaged electorate abroad.

Endorsement: Justin has been an amazing source of support this past year. When no one else was up for taking on GOTV tables, he was there almost every other weekend tabling. Since then he has been the first to volunteer this help when needed and has taken the initiative on planning and supporting events for our general membership in Shanghai.   - Samantha Wong

***Endorsement: I am writing to endorse Justin Fischer for Communications Chair. He is extremely experienced, dedicated, and a great writer. He’s organized events, and supported across any and all groups related to DA.He helped me launch the Women’s Caucus in Shanghai and has always been very dependable as both a fellow volunteer and as a friend.

 -Kim Wong

Email: justinfischer2001@gmail.com; Wechat ID: JFisch

Patrick Cranley

Running for:

1.Treasurer

2. At-large (non officer position)

Statement

Candidate Statement: Hello China Dems – I’m Patrick Cranley, long-time resident of Shanghai and a consistent Democratic voter in Maryland, with close family in California, Montana, New York and Nevada. I run my own consulting business and served as an officer of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai for five years. I have worked on Democratic campaigns in the U.S. and raised money for the Democratic Party in China, and have been an enthusiastic participant in Democrats Abroad China activities since its re-energizing a few years ago. Our organization needs an experienced, trustworthy treasurer, and I would be delighted to serve in that capacity if you and our fellow members elect me to the DA China Executive Committee.

Endorsement:Patrick Cranley is level-headed and trustworthy with decades of business experience. I think he would serve DACN well as member of the board in the treasurer position. — Jim Spear, DACN Treasurer 2017-2019

***Endorsement: I would like to strongly support Patrick Cranley - Ada Shen

Email: patrickcranley@yahoo.com; WechatID:patrickcranley