By Frauke R-H

Originally published in Currents, April/May 2005
Copyright © 2005-2006 AWC Hamburg

Can We Bring Overseas Americans in from the Cold?

Estimates of the number of overseas Americans range from three to nine million (a pretty big window) but generally put our population somewhere around 4-5 million, making us the theoretical equivalent of the 25th state in the Union.

We pay taxes and vote in the United States, but most of us feel relatively cut off from the American legislative process. If we write to our senators or congressperson, we are often informed that only residents of the state or district will be answered; our overseas address “brands” us. If we encounter a problem as overseas citizens, it is sometimes difficult to know where to go: the embassy or consulate (some feel they give priority to the citizens of our host countries), a U.S. government agency (which one?), our legislators (who may refuse to read or respond)?

Various proposals have been made over time to give overseas Americans a “face” in Washington. Today, as a new Congress takes up its work, as America and Americans suffer from an unusually negative image abroad, and as global exchanges continue to multiply, it might be a good time to think carefully about just how we would like, in an “ideal world”, to be “represented in Washington”.

As FAWCO’s U.S. Liaison, I work with other overseas organizations and go periodically to Washington to present our positions and “wish lists”. I would like to know how individual FAWCO members feel so that I can try to represent their wishes in this regard.

Would you please take just a moment to answer the questions below and return them to USLiaison@fawco.org? Your input will help to set the direction that FAWCO representatives will take in the coming months, starting with the Overseas Americans Week scheduled for May 9-13 in Washington. (Lucy Laederich, U.S. Liaison)

Representation of Overseas Americans in Washington

Have you encountered difficulty in making your Congressional representatives aware of your views/problems (please expand at the end if you like!)?
- Because you didn’t know who to contact YES NO
- Because they don’t feel “responsible” for you YES NO
- Because they don’t respond in a personalized manner YES NO
- Because they have no understanding of overseas issues YES NO

Should overseas Americans, as such, be represented in Washington? YES NO

If so, which of the following options would you prefer? Please rank, if possible, from 1 (preferred) to 5 (least preferred).
- White House office/government agency dedicated to serving overseas Americans? ____
- Official caucus of congressmen + senators dedicated to overseas Americans? ____
- Official consultative council of overseas Americans? ____
- Voting representative in the House of Representatives (note that this would require a ____
Constitutional amendment)?
- Non-voting representative in the House of Representatives (such a representative would not ____
vote on legislation but could serve on Congressional committees)?

Would you be willing to give up your vote for your senator/congressperson in favor of
a vote for a representative in Congress of overseas Americans? YES NO

If you favor a (voting or non-voting) representative in Congress, would you prefer:
- A single representative for all overseas Americans? YES NO
- A council representing different geographical zones around the world? YES NO

Also, if you favor a (voting or non-voting) representative in Congress, would you prefer:
- A representative/representatives directly elected by overseas Americans? YES NO
- A representative/representatives appointed by the President or the Secretary of State? YES NO

4 Girls Health

FAWCO Sponsor Lesley University

Internationally known for its state of the art programs in education, counseling, human services, and the arts, Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, features unique programs designed for students who may live anywhere in the world while completing their Lesley University degrees. Students can complete Lesley University degrees through programs designed for mature students, and because students can tailor their programs according to their own interests and passions, the study possibilities are limitless.

In the Learning Community, candidates for the Bachelor’s Degree (LCB) or the Master’s Degree (LCM) attend a one-week session held near Cambridge each semester. They then complete their studies from home, closely guided by an experienced faculty mentor.

In the Independent Study Degree Program (INDS), students construct their own plan of study and then work toward a Master’s or an advanced certificate (CAGS). Typically, they meet with a faculty team of three experts once or twice a year, either in person or via conference call meetings. Independent Study Degree Program specializations have included social science, education, and the arts. Interdisciplinary studies include women’s studies and communication, creativity and aging, mid-career development and adult transitions, technology and culture, relocation and family development, mindfulness and meditation in education or healing, and child development and language learning.

Programs are tailored to the interests and passions of the students and study possibilities are limitless. Lesley University supports academic study from any location in the world through access to leading-edge tutorials and databases and the presence of library staff with expertise in long-distance graduate learning. For more information, please see www.lesley.edu/iht or contact Lisa Lombardi, Assistant Director of Advising and Student Services, Lesley University, 29 Everett Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, +1 (617) 349-8454, email lombardi@lesley.edu.

FAWCO 75th Anniversary: Let's Celebrate!

The Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas is soon to become a “Grand Old Lady” and celebrate its “Diamond Jubilee” in Berlin, 2006. As part of the commemoration of this milestone, Nancy Thornley (FAUSA) and Georgia Regnault (AWC The Hague) are compiling a FAWCO 75th Anniversary History Book. Unlike the soft cover FAWCO Red History Book, which has been produced every 10 years, this book will be hardbound and contain pictures and anecdotes that celebrate our history and the vision of FAWCO’s founder, Caroline Curtis Brown (London, 1931): tales of foreign lands and other times, popes and kings, hats and teas. You will find tales of war, change, continuity and FAWCO’s concern for others, for women, for families, and the future of the world’s children. It will definitely be a keepsake for anyone with an interest in FAWCO’s fascinating history.

The FAWCO 75th Anniversary History Book will be officially presented at the Berlin 2006 Conference, the site of the first Federation Conference. All Member Clubs will automatically receive a copy of this special edition history book. We would like to give individuals the opportunity to support this project and pre-order their own copy. To reserve your copy and place your name on the donors list, return the pledge form below with a minimum donation of $50. Perhaps you or your spouse’s company and/or a generous supporter of your club would like to be a sponsor of the FAWCO 75th Anniversary History Book. Corporate sponsors will be listed in the book and a copy will be sent to them with a minimum donation of $200. Please send us the names and contact details of possible donors in this category and we will contact them for you if you wish. For more information, please see the FAWCO website at www.fawco.org.